Big with huge talent

The play has had a powerful impact upon audiences.

“One man who came to the show, a dementia sufferer, said he loved it. But then he smiled as he said he wouldn’t remember it the next day.”

The play has really brought home the impact of the illness.

“It’s scary,” says the actress. “We’re living longer. The plaques and tangles begin to cover your brain and affect people in different ways. Some get angry. Wendy, however, says she’s forgotten how to be angry.”

Sharon Small lives in London with her photgrapher

‘‘ When you get an immediate response from an audience it reminds you why you do this job

partner Daniel and their two sons Zac and Leo.

Small grew up the oldest of five kids in a single parent family, in which life was challenging.

She reflects on the changing concept of childhood.

“They’re not daring themselves to do stuff. So much of our lives was about getting out to play. You’d go out, come back when you were hungry, for a piece. You had a bath once a week, all sharing the same bath.”

She laughs: “Dirty water. That’s what I remember. Now, kids’ lives are all organised play dates.”

Her laugh becomes louder and mocking. “And kids have showers!”

Sharon Small laughs a lot. Life is good. She has picked up great notices for her performance as Alice.

But chat reveals a woman who, despite a great career, doesn’t quite see it that way.

“Yes, life is good but there’s a sense I’ll never be Juliet,” she says, with a wry smile. “And I haven’t done the indie film that lifts you up into the stratosphere.

“It’s the very beautiful women who get that chance. I was never that sort of person. I’m too . . . curvy.”

But isn’t that better in the long run? “Yes, well, maybe. But if you’re Oscar-nominated you tend to stay in the frame for good work.”

Has she done the casting rounds in LA?

“I did it once, still full of breast milk at the time,” she says with a little sigh, “and I didn’t really know what I was doing back then. But I’d love an American TV series.”

She adds, laughing; “Do you think I’m too moaney?” Yes. “Just wait ‘till you see me and I’m not working. You’ll be sorry you said that.” • Still Alice, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, November 13-17.