Former West End star writes play about dementia

Mr Willetts has been hosting sessions as part of a service provided by the Alzheimer's Society

A former West End star from Coventry has written a new stage play about dementia.

Dave Willetts, who has played the lead role in multiple West End shows, is hoping to tour the play, The Wednesday Night Club, around the country.

He was motivated by personal experience when two family members suffered from the condition.

For the last 10 years Mr Willetts has been hosting Singing for the Brain sessions, a service provided by the Alzheimer's Society in Coventry.

It has led to him writing the stage show about living with dementia.

"The protagonist is dementia, but the story is about four couples and the way it affects those couples," he said.

"So it's not all doom and gloom. Hopefully people will laugh, people will cry, people will sing along."

Dave Willetts has seen his mother and father-in-law suffer with dementia

The actor and singer, who has seen his mother and father-in-law both suffer from dementia, hopes the play will reach the West End.

"With all shows nowadays, you get your producer on board.

"You do a nationwide tour and then if that's gone well, the plan is to move it into the West End. So that's what we're aiming for, that's what we're looking for."

Mr Willetts' dream is that the play will debut at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre - once an early stopping point in his career.

The sessions bring people affected by dementia together to sing songs they know

Whatever happens with the show, he plans to continue with the Singing for the Brain sessions for as long as he can.

"When we're doing what we do and we see people physically get up and dance, it's just one of those wonderful things," he said.

One man at the sessions said: "(This) to me has been my godsend, it really has... I can't thank Dave enough for doing it."

Another commented: "They don't care if you're a bit clumsy dancing or don't do it properly.

"You get down and enjoy it and enjoy it with your friends. That's what I like about it."

Mr Willetts has been running the sessions for 10 years