ALISON Peebles has been inhabiting a world which includes self-destruction, political corruption, skulduggery and incest.

Rather amazingly, the actress doesn’t simply cope with all this human torture in various forms.

She thrives on it.

“Well, I do except the getting up and down the stairs,” she says, smiling of the platformed stage. “But that’s part of the job.”

Alison is starring in Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts at the Tron Theatre, a modern re-telling of the writer’s commentary on 19th century morality, which has evolved into a coal dark, but compelling story laced with themes of child abuse and addiction.

Alison plays Helen Alving, the local councillor whose carefully constructed life is shattered when ghosts from her husband’s past come back to haunt her.

It’s a hugely demanding role, requiring her to pivot from once devoted wife to Machiavellian manipulator.

“It’s a barrel of laughs,” she says, smiling. “No, it’s pretty intense and it calls for you to dredge stuff up from the past.

“But I’ve been in other plays that have been more demanding.”

Alison one of Scotland’s most acclaimed theatre actors for work such as Lady Macbeth.

“I think this play is made a little easier because my character takes drugs near the end, and sort of floats. It’s a break from the intensity.”

The story is an ever-constant in society.

“Helen is a woman who’s made a Faustian pact, she’s married the well-off man, had the nice house and he then came to see her as one of his assets.

“This is a story which still occurs today. And it’s not just in the gangster community. It happens with businessmen who are controlling.”

As well as the demands of the script, there is the physicality to deal with. Alison has multiple sclerosis, and walks with the aid of a crutch.

“I’m not too sure with the steps,” she says of the raised stage. “I can get up and down but my balance isn’t great, and looking out from the stage that can feel strange.”

Alison says her condition however has shown some real improvement.

“I’ve been doing this treatment for two and a half years,” she says of the Point One Clinic physiotherapy, which involves spinal massage and strengthening and stretching exercises.

“It’s been amazing. It’s about releasing toxins and stress in the spine, which aids the symptoms of MS, and changing your diet.”

Alison adds; “I went to see my neurologist in November 2012, and at the time I was really struggling to stay upright. He actually put in an order for me to get a wheelchair. I was so weak at the time, and sleeping very badly.

“And I knew this news was bad. Once you go into a wheelchair your body really shuts down.

“But then this treatment came out of the blue and I began a ten week trial. And it’s worked for me. I’ve got more energy, I feel so much stronger. I can do so much more for myself. People are saying I look so much better.

“It’s not a cure, but it’s non-invasive, it doesn’t involve drugs. And it focuses on getting blood flowing around the body. But most importantly, I believe it’s kept me out of a wheelchair.”

She adds, with a wry smile; “Now, it’s just getting on and off the stage which gives me problems.”

Alison’s performance in Ghosts suggests her ability to hold an audience hasn’t been impaired at all.

But does she feel her condition has affected her employment prospects? She appears to be working continually.

“I feel there are parts in theatre and on television I should have been up for,” she says.

“But there is a double whammy going against me. I’m a woman of a certain age, with an MS disability.”

She adds, with a wry grin; “Yes, there are granny roles out there. But the directors want you to look like one.”

• Ghosts, the Tron Theatre until Saturday, also stars Laurie Ventry, Billy Riddoch, Scarlett Mack and John Hogg.