THERE are many striking visual images alongside strong graphic language in this production about life-threatening alcohol and drug addiction.

It is not so much a roller coaster ride in and out of emotions, but more like frenetic trips up and down a helter skelter.

Whoever goes up ... must come down.

The powerful opening sequence sees a version of The Seagull collapse before our eyes and we are taken to a re-hab clinic where our central character Emma checks in for treatment.

Why has her world collapsed like wobbly stage scenery?

We soon find out, via a stream of consciousness.

Her own mind has been tempered by flights of violent fancy by substance abuse.

Sound and lighting play dramatic parts in the next two-and-a-half hours.

An interval allows the audience to reflect on how they think this very modern tale will unfold.

We watch and listen as Emma reluctantly attends group therapy and makes some all-encompassing statements about life, love and indeed art.

Emma is a clever woman who has somehow lost the plot.

She meets her match in a fractious confrontation with her weary therapist.

There is plenty of damaged soul-searching and lucid outbursts only softened when she meets a fellow addict with a more level-headed approach to problems.

People, Places and Things was a huge hit when it first enjoyed a sell-out season in 2015.

It sealed the star status of its leading lady Denise Gough.

Now Lisa Dwyer Hogg is in the spotlight and it will allow her to stamp her own personality on the demanding role as it tours the UK.

Written by Duncan Macmillan, there are many flashes of dark humour.

Bunny Christie, who designed the set for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time here creates a cold clinic where the re-shaping of Emma and her fellow inmates takes place.

Headlong's Jeremy Herrin keeps the pace fast and furious - - my helter-skelter analogy coming to fruition in downward spiral moments and then - when we hit the ground -  therapy sessions including some preachy role plays.

Full credit to Headlong, National Theatre, Home and Exeter Northcott for a co-production tackling addiction but, ultimately this challenging play has more questions than answers.

Sobering - Three-and-a-half stars

The production is on at Liverpool Playhouse until Saturday.

Tickets from the box office on 0151 709 4776.