Theatre company Studio 86 presents a play called 'Waiting' by local writer Ray Heywood

Life always has a way of throwing surprises your way.  People wait for decisions which could change their life forever, hoping, of course, that the change will be for the better.  In this play relationships are put under stress while people are waiting for exam results, a decision about a mortgage, a divorce, whether their IVF treatment will be a success at last, or simply to tell a partner something important.  Steph, meanwhile isn't actually sure what she is wishing for as she visits her mother who has Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a subject close to writer Ray Heywood's heart.

'After visiting my mum who had Alzheimer's I was struck by the mixture of emotions I went through during every visit. It was always surprising and often confusing, sometimes funny, sometimes moving but always, underneath was the feeling of guilt that maybe I could do more.

When I began writing my play 'Waiting' I included a character going through the same emotions, hoping to shed light on what it means to have a relative with Alzheimer's. The character of Steph speaks in monologues because I wanted to emphasise her feelings of isolation as she struggles with her feelings.  Of course this is only a small part in a play and not real life so I make no claims that it is an accurate depiction or even the same experience for every relative.'

Directed by Jack Burrows the first play to reach the stage by Ray is touching, heart-warming and comedic as the characters make their journeys to not necessarily what they want, but what they need.

You can follow the progress of Waiting through our blogs The Waiting Room at http://studio1982.blogspot.co.uk

Tickets are available now by emailing studio86@live.co.uk. Performances are on 14 and 15 June at Sutton Centre Community College, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottingham. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £5 (a donation from profits will be made to the Alzheimer's Society.)