Motherhood under the spotlight in Liverpool baby shows
Two new plays about pregnancy are on their way, and needless to say there's a vested interest here at MADEUP.This week sees the flying visit of Amy Golding's Preggers - with not just an evening show, but a morning performance for those with babes in arms.Amy Golding, the artistic director of Newcastle's Curious Monkey Theatre, is known for making shows from real stories, told to her by real people. Now, she’s making her own story. Described as playful, touching and provocative, Preggers is "a show about family – being in one and starting one of your own".She says: “I was inspired to make this play by my mum, my nan and my big sister. I wanted to find out more about their experiences of motherhood and how things have changed from 1948 when my mum was born to now when I hope to become a mother. The show is a very personal story but I believe the themes it explores are universal - choices women have (and don't have) now and in the past around becoming parents, how it affects your career, family relationships and trying to plan something that is ultimately beyond your control.”Preggers comes to the Unity tomorrow (June 7) for an 8pm performance, followed by an 11am show on June 8. At the morning performance, parents are free to bring babies under 18 months, to enjoy the show in a relaxed atmosphere - although be aware that it contains some strong language.Liverpool writer Helen Jeffrey's new play The Brink was performed at the Lantern last month, and returns in July as part of their final Shiny New festival. The Brink is a one-woman show starring the fantastic Leanne Martin of Broken Biscuits, and depicts one woman's spiral into postnatal illness.The play also features original music by the recently ubiquitous Daniel Taylor, better known for performances in Blood Brothers, Through a Glass Onion and Down the Dock Road."It is based on first hand experience of postnatal illness, as well as interviews with others who have been affected," says Helen.Catch it at the Lantern on July 21 at 6pm.
