A sign outside promises ‘strong language, themes of dementia, references to drugs and death, discussions around sexuality and fake vomiting.’ That makes writer and performer Kimberly Hart-Simpson show sound like an absolute ordeal, but it’s anything but; Amnesia is funny, energetic, and manages the tricky tonal gear changes required to be moving and relevant too. Just back from Ibiza and wearing a souvenir T-shirt to prove it, Hart-Simpson plays Kelly, a personable carer working in a dementia facility. Dealing with difficult cases gives her a brash, upbeat persona, but that comes under threat when she has to deal with the end of a close personal friendship, and the aftermath of an unhappy holiday romance.

The details sell a show like this; Kelly talks about ‘buying a curse from a witch on Etsy’, giving her dialogue an updated Alan Bennett quality, but the truth is gradually revealed in her own uncontrived words. Hart-Simpson’s full-throated description of a young woman noisily running smack into life’s hard edges makes for compelling viewing. This might sound depressing on paper, but in these capable hands, Amnesia is an elevated monologue that’s likely to stick in the memory for a long time.

Amnesia, Pleasance Courtyard, until 31 August, 4.25pm.