Sharon Small’ss powerful portrayal of one woman’s fight to maintain her identity, following a devastating diagnosis of early on-set Alzheimer,s is set to visit the Liverpool Playhouse from 6th-10th November.

On her first tour in 25 years, Ms. Small, who is known for her role as Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers in the B.B.C. series The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, visits with a production of Lisa Genova’s best-selling novel Still Alice.

Joined on stage by actors Eva Pope, Martin Marquez, Mark Armstrong, Ruth Ollman, Micah Balfour and Anna Andresen, Small plays the role of Alice Howland – a renowned linguistics professor at Harvard University, forced to confront a new reality of living with dementia.

Fifty year old Alice battles with her early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, exploring the effects the condition has on identity, family and relationships in this uncompromising yet tender portrayal.

Originally premiered at the Leeds Playhouse in February of this year, the production was part of Every Third Minute – a unique festival curated by people living with dementia, acknowledging the fact that in the U.K. a person is diagnosed with dementia every third minute.

Sharon Small said, “I had no first-hand experience of dementia, but there are a lot of people who are dealing with it and living with it well. They need understanding, and for people around them to be willing to adapt.”

The production really resonates with people and many come and share their experiences with me afterwards. It starts from the moment when she realises something is wrong. It’s about how it changes you as a person and how it changes you as a family. It is a very moving piece.”

Still Alice visits the Playhouse for seven performances from 6th-10th November. Tickets are available at www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on or by calling Box Office on 0151 709 4776.