AUDIENCE members in Keighley who attended a play about dementia were left visibly moved and emotional.

The production, called Don’t Leave Me Now, was created by Leeds-based writer Brian Daniels who also took the part of one of the characters.

The play is in the form of a "rehearsed reading" on stage, and was brought to the town by the Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK) group as part of World Rocks Against Dementia day.

Around 70 people watched the play earlier this month (March) by the cast of five actors from New End Theatre Beyond at Central Hall, Alice Street.

The play centres around the true stories of two different families as they struggle to cope when dementia hits, and explores the impact this condition has on family life.

Among the audience was the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid and his wife and Lady Mayoress, Chris.

Cllr Reid said: “We saw this at Shipley last year. It’s an excellent play and seeing it for a second time brought many different things to light. Thank you to DFK for hosting the event.”

DFK spokesman Maggie Marsden said she was left momentarily speechless at the end of the performance.

She added "Listening to this play was a very emotional experience.

"Don’t Leave Me Now explores the difficult and frustrating symptoms of the illness but balances those with the love, humour and acceptance that helps families cope.

"It’s a wonderful piece of theatre, moving, funny and very illuminating.”

Also in the audience was professor Rachael Dixey. Her partner, Irene, developed young onset dementia aged 53 and it was Ms Dixey's journals, written as she cared for Irene through her illness, that inspired Mr Daniels to write the play.

Professor Dixey joined the cast on-stage for the post-performance discussion and also spent time with audience members individually, sharing personal experiences and memories of her time as a carer.

Cyril Davies, whose wife has dementia and is looked after at Keighley's Herncliffe Care Home, praised the production.

“It reminded me that despite the illness my wife is beautiful, and she always will be to me,” he said.

Jean Hepworth, a member of the Here to Care advisory group for dementia services at Airedale Hospital, said the play was a genuine reflection of how dementia has an effect on family and friends as well as the person with the illness.

Another carer in the audience, Brian Marshall, said: "This very sensitive and well-written play should be seen by everyone. It really helps you to understand dementia.”

DFK is hoping to bring the play back to Keighley in future. People can visit dontleavemenow.co.uk to find out more about the production.