First time to Salford Arts Theatre, a small but perfectly formed venue with a warm welcome and a charming atmosphere. There is even an outdoor terrace which was welcome on a very warm evening.
This 1 hour monologue play is written by a 2 man team with a background in writing a directing for TV, films and animation. Tim Clague and Danny Stack met Kimberley whilst directing a TV movie. She is a Welsh actress with a solid background in TV and has previously been open about her struggles with mental health issues which were highlighted further after her first pregnancy. She has promoted awareness via interviews podcasts and her Substack and had an autobiography published this year.
The work comes as result of honest discussions between the three about Kimberley’s experience of pregnancy, motherhood and challenging mental health.
The performance is set in a single room on a mother and baby unit with simple staging and muted lighting.
Cass is a new Mum who is navigating new motherhood and staying in the unit for support with initially undisclosed issues.
Her performance uses monologue, stand up comedy, imaginary scenes and props and is a real rollercoaster ( not a word I use lightly ) of an emotional ride.
Cass is navigating social pressures, society expectations, the crashing realisation of new motherhood and responsibilities, and deteriorating mental health in the face of post partum depression.
It is a brutally honest account of a personal experience and holds nothing back, including all the bodily functions and the most heartbreaking portrayal of a mother navigating the loss of a child ( not a spoiler as this is flagged up as a trigger warning at the start )
The whole performance was riveting. Humour one minute and almost unbearable sadness the next were on show here. The audience were engaged and it was an incredibly powerful experience to watch how this story developed.
Hats off to the writers and to Kimberley for making this happen, such a powerful and important story that will surely speak to others who have had similar experiences.
The production is on until 9th at Salford and then on to Camden Fringe in August 10-12th, then Edinburgh Fringe August 21 – 30th. Highly recommend this show.
babybrainplay.co.uk for further information.
Christine Ince for Canal St Media