New play exploring dementia to premiere at Norfolk theatre

The Missing Piece, created by two local amateur actors, will be performed at Sheringham Little Theatre from November 7 to 9.

The play focuses on the story of widower George Johnson, who has been diagnosed with dementia, and his daughter, Lizzie, who is trying to care for him.

They are played by Peter Blakeley, a retired company director from Colkirk, and Charlotte Pistorius, who lives in Sheringham and teaches English and media studies at the high school.

It has been written by two amateur actors whose own lives have been touched by the cruel condition (Image: Submitted)

The actors have personal connections to the condition, as Mr Blakeley's father and Mrs Pistorius's husband's grandmother both lived with dementia.

Mrs Pistorius said: “I had a dream about us both being on stage as a father with dementia and his daughter – and began to picture it as a play while driving to work.”

The plot follows George and Lizzie's journey over two years, as he struggles with his emotions and memory loss, and she tries to care for him while resisting external help.

The play is described as poignant but also laced with gentle humour.

Mr Blakeley said: “Dementia sufferers do some silly things and can laugh at themselves in the early stages.

"Life is a whole range of emotions.”

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The play was well received by the Little Theatre director, Debbie Thompson, who gave them a slot to stage it.

Mrs Pistorius added: “When Debbie said the play was really good and gave us a slot to stage it we were thrilled.

"We thought it might just be a show for village halls."

The Missing Piece is now in rehearsals with a seven-strong cast.

Shows are at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets are £13 via the Sheringham Little Theatre website or the box office on 01263 822347.