Review: The Other Place, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.

Karen Archer ‘rediscovered’ this play years after first reading it and was so smitten by it that she was determined to stage it.

Her determination and desire have paid off. She turns in a true tour-de-force as the central character who realises she is suffering from the onset of dementia.

This is not a one-woman production, but Archer, at once vindictive, then vulnerable, dominates proceedings as successful neurologist Juliana Smithton, whose life unravels following a breakdown at a conference.

Now, the idea of a play about dementia may not appeal to many, but this isn’t some dry, educational lesson on life.

Written by Sharr White, this is more of a psychological thriller and won a Tony Award nomination when it premiered on Broadway.

It is not a whodunnit but a wha’happened?’ as uncomfortable truths are revealed about a 10-year-old family secret.

Director Claire van Kampen strips back the production to let the words, actions and performances speak for themselves in a moving, witty and quietly powerful play.

This is not a one-woman show. Archer does get truly fine support from the other three cast members, particularly from her real-life daughter Eliza Collings who gives nuanced and very different performances in all her three roles.

But the leading lady carries it superbly.

The play runs until November 10. For tickets, go to www.theatrebythelake.com or call 017687 74411