In a neat device, the three women in the cast each play Rae’s character, along with other characters. Her emotional journey is tracked in the unfolding events, from the first signs of illness through to the eventual finding of her tribe – others like her who truly understand her experience and stand with her. Between these is a roller-coaster of a trip. Is it possible to persuade yourself that you can ignore the disease through ‘mind over matter’? What does it mean for future jobs and relationships? How do you talk to other people about your illness? What about the prospect of having children? And, always, underlying everything, is the endless fatigue.

But there is energy, empathy and humour in the production as well, and an honesty about the sense of chaos and tumult that sit just below the surface. Belying the subject matter, there are moments of sheer exuberance: club scenes and dancing represent the good times and express hope. If one day is bad, the next may be good.

Bright Places performers are Lauren Foster, Aimee Berwick and Rebecca Holmes. They make an adaptable cast and it is easy to warm to them even though there are times when the dialogue is a little indistinct. Fortunately, subtitles help with this.

Set and props are minimal. Just a few quick costume changes support the action. The focus is on the performers and, with their breaking of the fourth wall, they speak directly to the audience, raising the implicit question: What would you do if you were faced with a situation like this?

Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative neurological disease that affects over 150,000 people in the UK, and which can affect people of all ages. It is just one of many chronic conditions that are yet to be adequately represented in theatre, and it is good to see a production that begins to address this gap.

Bright Places was presented by Carbon Theatre, in association with Birmingham Rep. It was directed by Tessa Walker.

It’s at the Rep until 2nd November. For further information visit birmingham-rep.co.uk