A WIMBORNE stage company is putting on a play to give a window into the experience of living with dementia.

Performed at the Tivoli Theatre from May 23 to 25, it is an adaptation of the award-winning book and Oscar-winning movie Still Alice.

Still Alice has been adapted for stage and will be performed by Wimborne Drama Productions to aid Alzheimer's Society.

This production of Still Alice is directed by Sali Pike, who has first-hand experience of dementia: her grandmother lives with the condition.

Sali said: "When I read the script, it helped me gain a new understanding of what my Nan must be feeling," said Sali.

"It gives people with Alzheimer's a voice. It is a cleverly written play, and I couldn't put it down. It had me gripped, and I knew it was a play I needed to see brought to life."

The play tells the story of Alice Howland, a university professor at the height of her career, who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Fiercely independent, with a husband and two children, Alice strives to make sense of her changing world as her memory begins to fail.

This heartbreaking and hopeful adaptation by Christine Mary Dunford puts Alice onstage with Herself, providing the audience with an extraordinary window into the experience of living with dementia. 

Sali said: "Still Alice takes the audience on a journey from sympathy to empathy. It explores living with dementia and not dying from it.

"Using the magic of theatre, it shows Alzheimer's through the eyes of Alice as she adjusts to her new perspective on life. It's a powerful play with some light-hearted moments and beautiful scenes."

She added: "Of course, there are aspects of the play which are very sad. But it isn't depressing; we just want people to come along and see clearer through the eyes of someone with dementia.

Playing the title role is Julie Sissons. Michelle Barter plays Herself. Also in the cast are Andy Gill, Scarlett Dixon, Calum Hearne, Kelly Webb and Chris Durham.

The play is on at the Tivoli Theatre from 23-25 May, evenings at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

For further information and to book tickets, contact the box office at 01202 885566 or visit www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk/event/still-alice/ Wimborne Drama Productions is supporting the work of Alzheimer's Society and will be making a donation to aid the charity.