A play about a Bradford woman who died at Swiss clinic Dignitas is coming to a theatre that she helped to set up.

Actor, writer and director Chris Larner wrote An Instinct for Kindness after accompanying his former wife Allyson, 60, who had multiple sclerosis, to Dignitas last November.

The one-man play offers a personal look at assisted death. Mr Larner wanted to bring it to Otley Courthouse because Allyson, of Greengates, was involved in setting up the arts venue. She lived in Otley for ten years.

“The last time I was there was a month after Allyson’s death, so this performance will be particularly poignant,” said Mr Larner. “It tells Allyson’s story and looks at the wider ethical issues surrounding assisted death.

“Allyson knew her condition was deteriorating and felt very strongly that this was what she wanted. I’m proud of her.

“While writing the play I got progressively angry that she had to endure the process of going to Switzerland, which wasn’t easy. She hadn’t been out of her flat for two years, so leaving the country was a massive thing for her.”

Mr Larner hopes the play will encourage open debate of assisted death.

“I believe it should be legalised in the UK,” he said. “I’m hoping my play will attract some controversy because it’s a subject that should be up for discussion.

“Allyson was an actress and believed in the power of theatre. It’s quite gruelling, because there’s no getting away from what it’s about, but it’s a lively, entertaining piece of theatre paying tribute to Allyson as a fantastic, vibrant, strong, brave person.”

Debbie Purdy, of Undercliffe, who has MS and is lobbying for a debate on changing the law on assisted death, welcomed Mr Larner’s play.

“It gets it out there as a talking point. I would very much like to see it,” she said.

* An Instinct for Kindness is at Otley Courthouse on Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on (01943) 467466 or otleycourthouse.org.uk

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