A PLAY written to make people aware of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer will be performed at three venues in Helensburgh and Lomond next month.

Islets of Silence, written by Isobel Barrett, will be staged in Garelochhead, Arrochar and Helensburgh in the course of a week in October.

Isobel, from Glasgow, is the director of the city’s Tram Direct theatre production company. She lost her husband John to the disease four years ago - only three weeks after his diagnosis, an experience which prompted her to write the play.

Isobel said: “I did not know a lot about pancreatic cancer until my husband died of this silent killer.

“Realising that the arts can deliver a powerful message I decided to write a play to raise awareness for others.”

Islets of Silence, starring Frances Knows, Alasdair Ferguson, Aimee Hannah and Sam Stuart Fraser, centres around the Gourley family, who are dealing with everyday situations – parenting, teenagers, growing up, school, work, hopes, dreams, plans for the future, friendships and relationships – until life throws a grenade in the form of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

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“The play is about an ordinary family getting through life as we all do until the devastating diagnosis is given,” Isobel continued.

“As individuals they all react differently, but through it all they never lose the close family bond.

“Change happens to us all, and this we cannot avoid. However, love, hope, and a belief that things will improve will always see us through the dark tunnel that sometimes engulfs us.”

Of all the major cancers, pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rates, fewer than eight per cent of people survive five years after diagnosis.

However, with earlier diagnosis and optimal treatment, patients can have a much better chance of survival.

Isobel’s first tour of her play was halted due to Covid-19, before she adapted it for an online audience.

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Now she’s looking forward to getting back out to venues around Scotland and meeting people face to face once more.

“Without a doubt the arts have suffered due to the pandemic,” she continued.

“We have completed a few shows already on this tour and it’s been great to be back in venues and in front of an audience again.

“The feedback has been very positive, and I just need to get this message out there.”

The play has been funded by Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland (PCAS) and also through Culture & Business Fund Scotland match funding managed by Arts & Business Scotland.

Dates and times for the Helensburgh and Lomond performances are as follows:

Saturday, October 9 at 7.30pm at the Gibson Hall, Garelochhead – call 01436 810403 for tickets.

Sunday, October 10 at 2.30pm at the Three Villages Hall, Arrochar – call 01301 702669 for tickets.

Friday, October 15 at 7.30pm at the Victoria Halls, Helensburgh – call 01436 673275 for tickets.

Alternatively, email the box office for all three venues on manager@tramdirect.com.