Thought-provoking play about dementia is both ‘risqué and terrifying’
BOTHERED And Bewildered is a comedy drama by Gail Young that illustrates the effects of dementia on the family.
Recently, Dunbar And District Amateur Dramatic Society (DADADA) performed the play over three nights at the town’s converted Harbour Chapel.
It was an excellent production.
The storyline concerns dementia and the effect that this cruel disease has on the family.
And whilst this could have been depressing and maudlin, it wasn’t in the least; it was heart-rending and thought-provoking, and sometimes even amusing but, also, a little bit terrifying.
The hugely talented Martine McCluskie was exceptional in the lead role of Irene, an older woman who is struggling with dementia.
Irene spends much of her time conversing with the ghost of Barbara Cartland and this brought a balance of light-heartedness to the production.
Linda Strachan played the role of Barbara Cartland to perfection, and the audience loved the risqué suggestions and saucy comments that the character made.
In contrast, Irene’s daughters were fraught with the increasingly difficult situation they found themselves in as their mother’s condition worsened.
Many incidents in the play were shaped by real-life incidents, and local families might identify with the challenging events of dementia as portrayed on stage.
Louise Glen and Emily Wright were terrific as Irene’s daughters: filled with frustration and guilt in equal measure.
Sam Horobin played to her strengths as the non-committal, plain-talking doctor, which was an excellent contrast to the emotions displayed by other characters on stage.
Credit also to Caitlin Webster and Millie Simpson, who portrayed how dementia might be seen through the eyes of young people.
All up, the storyline pulled no punches, yet tugged at the heartstrings.
The acting was as good as any performed in a professional theatre and the simple set was very effective.
The play was directed by Gordon Roberts and Gareth Glen.
Gordon was a founder member of the successful Dunbar Lyric Group, which was part of Dunbar’s footprint for many years.
He was instrumental in the newly formed DADADA and is always open to ideas on growing and promoting the group.
During the interval and at the end of the performances, there was a collection for the Dunbar Dementia Carers Support Group.
With the likelihood of one in three people developing dementia in their lifetimes, raising awareness of this cruel disease is paramount.
Now in its ninth year, Dunbar Dementia Carers Support Group provides friendship and support for unpaid carers living within the Dunbar and East Linton ward, who are dealing with the challenges of caring for a loved one living with a dementia-related condition.
For more information, search for Dunbar Dementia Carers Support Group on Facebook or visit the group’s website at dunbardementianetwork.org.uk
Contributed