Dementia play makes its debut in London's West End

Becca Stevenson was inspired to initiate the project since studying drama at university. Her father, John, was 52 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease nine years ago, and Becca - the youngest of five children - was just 17.

The play centres on the experience of younger people with dementia.

Rebecca Stevenson said,

'The play isn't autobiographical. The mother and father are divorced so the focus is on the relationship between the father and daughter and the pressures on her life. She drops out of university to care for him. The play also looks at the transition between how the daughter views her father; first as a father, then a man.'

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society said,

'Congratulations to Rebecca on her success in the West End and in the London Marathon.

This innovative play powerfully portrayed some of the difficult issues that can be faced by young people with dementia. Rebecca Stevenson and her family are an inspiration to us all.

Rebecca's father John is not alone as there are over 15,000 people with dementia in the UK who are under 65.

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Rebecca who give up their time to raise funds to help us support people today and find a cure for tomorrow.'

The play is on until Saturday 2 May and you can find out more and purchase tickets by visiting Tristan Bate Theatre website

Read the full article and interview with Rebecca from our Living with dementia magazine, March issue