In today’s society having a child out of wedlock is accepted as the norm but before the 1970s things were a whole lot different. Unmarried pregnant mothers faced stigma and were social outcasts.
Many were sent to Mother & Baby Homes, often in secret to protect “the family’s good name”’. Their new born babies were taken from them and passed on for adoption.
Such is the situation in Amanda Whittington’s play that focuses on four such teenage girls.
Set in 1964 the play also highlights the lack of knowledge regarding the mechanics of birthing that existed then. The girls’ naivety is comical as they try to fathom it out from a text book.
There were impressive performances from the mums-to-be. Mary Wesby’s Mary, educated and cosseted, contrasted with Kerry Williams’ down to earth and cynical, Queenie.
Delores, a much simpler soul, was played with a charming edge by Phoebe Cook whilst Alice Wesby’s child-like Norma was most moving in her break-down scene.
Debbie Creissen played Matron and Sharon Churchill, Mary’s mum.
The script needed a bit of editing to move the first act on – there were bitty moments when a scene dragged.
Happily the second act provided more dramatic impact.
Three stars
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