Unshakeable

Plagued by severe shakes from the age of 22, Paul Betney was not diagnosed as having Parkinson's Disease until 18 years later, mainly because such early onset is so rare. Indeed, although he had figured it out long ago, it wasn't until a new Parkinson's drug produced dramatic improvements that his doctor made the connection.

With his tremors significantly reduced, Betney could now lead a more normal life, only to discover that he was not sure what that was. Coping with the disease had been so central to his existence that he had no real identity without it, and had first to overcome shock and depression in order to learn how to be healthy and who the healthy him was.

An experienced stand-up comic, Betney tells this story with charm and good humour. But even with the occasional jokes it remains much more a lecture than a performance, and is probably more suited to the inspirational speaker or after-dinner circuit than a theatrical setting.