AN ACCLAIMED play about the effects of dementia on families is to be performed in aid of a Keighley charity.

The Last Memory will support the work of Dementia Friendly Keighley.

The “poignant and powerful” presentation in Bingley on September 23 is part of a revival of the play following its well-received debut in 2013.

The Last Memory portrays the thought-provoking relationship of a man with Alzheimer’s Disease and the daughter who cares for him over several years.

The thought-provoking play is described as an “emotionally punch-packing” play about both dementia and family relationships.

The hour-long play, which is in one act, will be followed by an interval, then an optional question-and-answer session with the writer/director and actors.

In the play, Ernest’s niggling and worsening memory problems are finally diagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease.

He asks his daughter Lynne: “How can I go to heaven if I don’t know who I am?”

Ernest has a plan: to leave a vital imprint of who he is. Lynne is to be the keeper of his memory, the guardian of their past.

The audience are invited to join the pair on their journey, to share their fears, smiles, strength and tears, and arrive with them as they seize the last memory and a ‘carpe diem’ hope.

Bradford-born playwright Alan Stockdale-based The Last Memory on the real-life story of Catherine Pasek and her father Edwin Harrison, and the daughter in the play is played by Catherine herself opposite Keith Royston.

Catherine and Alan are part of Talking Stock Productions, which was formed in 2013.

The Last Memory includes true stories from Edwin’s family, real letters, memories and experiences.

Catherine lived in a similar situation to the fictional Lynne, with both her late parents in different nursing homes suffering with late stage dementia.

Catherine lost both parents to the disease within six weeks of each other in the summer of 2016.

She said: “This piece of writing is totally from the heart.

“Dad had this awful disease for 17 years - but despite the diagnosis and situation we aim to show how it’s still possible to extract joy out of the pain and laughter from the tears.”

Talking Stock Productions first performed The Last Memory in 2013 at the Viaduct Theatre in Dean Clough Mills, Halifax, as part of that year’s Halifax Festival.

They have taken the play on tour several times since then.

Earlier this year the play was seen by an NHS Trust chief executive, who was so impressed with the production and concept that he asked Talking Stock to perform for NHS staff including GPs, nurses and occupational therapists.

In early October, the company will be performing The Last Memory for the NHS Leadership Academy in Leeds in a bid to improve the way senior professionals and health chiefs deal with dementia care.

Dementia Friendly Keighley project administrator Helen Charters said the organisation was delighted that Talking Stock had chosen it as their nominated charity.

She said: “I anticipate that not only will this be a wonderful evening of entertainment, but also a personal insight into the challenges of living with dementia that will raise awareness and support the message that underpins our work.”

One critic wrote: “The actors dealt with the difficult subject of dementia tenderly and compassionately, picking out the humour, the positives, the memories and the ‘carpe diem’ moments in a beautiful, truly touching way.”

Another said: “One of the most moving and inspirational pieces of theatre I’ve ever experienced.”

Talking Stock Productions was formed in spring 2013 by Alan Stockdill and Catherine Pasek.

They pledge to produce compelling theatre with a loving heart and a loud voice.

Since starting out the theatre company have toured several productions which have had consistently good reviews and feedback.

They describe themselves as a philanthropic theatre company with a keen social conscience as they have a continuing commitment to raise funds for local branches of charities through their work.

Talking Stock Productions have so far raised over £26,000, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Society, Childline, NSPCC, Overgate Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Royal British Legion, Age UK, Bradford Cathedral Artspace, Manorlands, Ravenscliffe High School, Dementia UK, Sporting Memories Network, St John’s Hospice Dogs for Good and Bloodwise.

They have helped fund various Memory Cafés in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and the Dementia Friends group in Ilkley.

Talking Stock Productions have also been nominated for and won several awards at different drama festivals and Fringes.

Alan Stockdill won Best New Writing at the Greater Manchester Fringe in 2015 with his play Le Grand Return.

Dementia Friendly Keighley is a registered charity providing guidance, information and help to families and carers affected by dementia in Keighley and the surrounding area.

Its aim is to raise awareness of dementia and promote support for people living with the condition.

It also works to increase understanding and change the way communities think, talk and act about Dementia.

The organisation relies on fundraising activities, donations and the dedication of its team of volunteers, to help people “live well” with dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the word ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become severe enough to affect daily life. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour.

* The Last Memory can be seen at Bingley Arts Centre’s Studio Theatre on Sunday September 23 at 7.30pm.

Visit ticketsource.co.uk or call 01274 567983 to book tickets, which cost £5.