The end of Hull Truck Theatre’s 50th anniversary year is being celebrated with a comedy drama, set in the city and written by homegrown talent, Lydia Marchant.
Mumsy tells the story of an unplanned pregnancy which causes friction between mum-to-be Sophie (Jessica Jolleys), her mum Rachel (Nicola Stephenson) and Rachel’s mum Linda (Sue Kelvin).
The well-written script of this world-premiere production was delivered so realistically and naturally by all three on stage on Tuesday night that, at times, you could hear a pin drop in the fullish theatre.
Even before “curtain up” I couldn’t take my eyes off the impressive stage setting of a huge tower block, its many windows, open and shut, plus individual window lights flashing on and off – just like a real tower block would be.
It’s little touches like this that make a huge difference to any production.
The rest of the stage setting centred on mum Rachel’s one-bedroom flat. Nothing exciting, but oh so normal.
Rachel had downsized when daughter Sophie, at the age of 18, moved out to house-share with others. But she was back, at the age of 22, asking to move in with her mum, while breaking the news that a one-night stand had resulted in her being pregnant.
While one-time single mother, Rachel, is worried that her nursery nurse daughter is throwing away her chance of going to university, Sophie is beside herself with excitement at the prospect of becoming a mum.
According to Sophie, everything is going to be fine. Her mum and nan can take turns helping raise the child, while she goes back to work. It was going to be absolutely wonderful – wasn’t it?
Her mum tries to instil a sense of reality into proceedings as her daughter looks at future motherhood through rosy-coloured specs.
As Sophie brings more and more of her belongings into her mum’s once-neat home, tempers flare. Then as if things can’t get any worse, nan Linda turns up with a broken leg in a splint, a portable commode and a suitcase, having been evicted for non-payment of rent.
Poor Rachel’s life is turned upside down. After four years of being able to do whatever she wants, she finds her pole-dancing classes, to name but one of her activities, in danger of being curtailed.
As Sophie’s pregnancy progresses, her morning sickness lasts months, resulting in her boss at the nursery cutting her hours.
Rachel had already started labelling all the food in her flat with her name, encouraging her daughter to pay her own food bills. She was working after all. But was she?
Mumsy is a delight from start to finish. Jolleys, Stephenson and Kelvin are a theatrical treat to behold. In their loud and clear voices we heard the familiar dropped aitches Hull-speak is noted for. A nice touch.
Marchant’s script is comical, thought-provoking, intense and, I can imagine, so true to life for many families. The f-word gets a good airing as hurts and long-forgotten grievances come to light, and in one very dramatic scene, reality finally hits home for Sophie.
Drama at its very best. I loved it.
Running until Saturday, March 25th, 2023; 7.30pm nightly, with 2pm matinees every Saturday; and Wednesdays,15th and 22nd. Baby friendly performance on Friday, 17th, at 11am. Tickets from £10. Call (01482) 323638 or visit www.hulltruck.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 7th March 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★