‘LAUGH, CRY AND SOB’: Award-Winning Alzheimer’s Theatre Hit Makes UK Debut at Edinburgh Fringe

A heartbreaking story of Alzheimer’s, family, laughter and survival is heading to Edinburgh this August as award-winning theatre show The Woman in the Mirror makes its UK premiere. The acclaimed production from rock radio Hall of Famer Dayna Steele will take over ZOO Southside (Studio) from 7 to 30 August, with performances at 3.15pm. There will be no performances on 12 or 19 August, while the preview takes place on 7 August.

Based on Steele’s bestselling memoir Surviving Alzheimer’s With Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass Of Wine, the play tackles one of life’s toughest experiences with an unexpectedly wicked sense of humour. Steele’s own mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2013, prompting her to write a Facebook post that attracted hundreds of responses from friends, family and strangers. What began as a post ultimately became a virtual support network during two and a half years of caregiving.

Now that deeply personal experience has been transformed into a stage production that promises tears, belly laughs and plenty of uncomfortable truths. Steele performs alongside Rebecca McWilliams in a story about the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter, while shining a spotlight on the millions of people who find themselves caring for someone they love. The production has been praised for finding humour without losing sight of the pain and reality of illness.

The show has already picked up major recognition in the US, winning Best Production and Best Director at the Desert Theatre League, while Steele was nominated for Best Actress. Critics have described it as a love letter to caregivers, praising its mixture of humour and hope. One audience member went even further, describing the experience as “beautiful”, emotional and uplifting, while another review highlighted Steele’s ability to make audiences laugh at situations that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

With its UK premiere landing during the Edinburgh Fringe, The Woman in the Mirror is promising audiences something more than a conventional drama about dementia. It is being billed as a survival guide, a caregiver’s manual and a chance to laugh through the chaos of looking after someone you love. Produced by Blue Squirrel Productions in association with Suzanna Rosenthal Productions, the 70-minute show runs at ZOO Southside (Studio) at 3.15pm from 7 to 30 August, excluding 12 and 19 August.