Edinburgh Fringe Show Turns Alzheimer’s Into a Story of Survival in 'The Woman in the Mirror'

It is the subject nobody wants to talk about, but The Woman in the Mirror is bringing laughter, tears and brutally honest storytelling to the Edinburgh Fringe. The award-winning production, written by rock radio Hall of Famer Dayna Steele with Laura Stearns, arrives at ZOO Southside (Studio) for its UK premiere this August. The 70-minute show runs from 7 to 30 August at 3.15pm, apart from 12 and 19 August.

The play tells the true story of Steele’s experience after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2013. Faced with the bewildering reality of becoming a caregiver, Steele turned to Facebook and shared her experiences with friends, relatives and strangers. Hundreds responded, and the online conversations developed into a support system that helped her through two and a half years of caregiving.

Far from delivering a relentlessly bleak account, The Woman in the Mirror aims to find the absurdity and humour hidden inside some of the most difficult moments. Steele stars alongside Rebecca McWilliams, with the production exploring the emotional rollercoaster of caring for a parent while navigating the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters and between adult children and their parents.

The US production has already made a splash, taking home Best Production and Best Director honours from the Desert Theatre League, with Steele receiving a Best Actress nomination. Reviews have praised the show’s ability to balance tragedy with comedy, with Houston Press calling it a love letter to caregivers. Broadway World also highlighted Steele’s storytelling presence and her ability to find humour in situations surrounding dementia without making light of the illness itself.

Now Edinburgh audiences get their chance to experience the production for themselves. With its mix of brutally honest memories, sharp humour and emotional storytelling, The Woman in the Mirror promises to shine a light on the often-unsung world of caregiving while giving audiences permission to laugh, cry and recognise themselves in the chaos. The UK premiere takes place at ZOO Southside (Studio), with performances at 3.15pm from 7 to 30 August, excluding 12 and 19 August.

The Woman In The Mirror will be at ZOO Southside (Studio) at 3:15pm for tickets go to www.edfringe.com.