Mumsy – Hull Truck Theatre

Writer: Lydia Marchant

Director: Zoë Waterman

Great Thornton Street Flats are a prominent feature of Hull’s skyline. Towering over Anlaby Road, they were given a make over as part of a 2017 City of Culture regeneration project. Here, inside one of these flats, we get a glimpse into the tender and fraught family relationships as cross generations of actors share their story. Family dynamics, the cost of living crisis and the need to survive in a Tory-led Britain are the stories here with conversations that could’ve been echoed in anyone of these flats.

We are immediately introduced to Rachel (Nicola Stephenson) and Sophie (Jessica Jolleys), two characters that are cleverly normalised by their creator. Sophie announces she is having a baby posing lots of questions about being able to cope. Enter Nan (Linda – played brilliantly by Sue Kelvin) to add a little light relief. After a rather tenuous close of the first half, the play does gain momentum with pockets of poignancy in Act Two.

Appropriately titled Mumsyand as homely and refreshing as a mug of Yorkshire Tea, Hull Truck Theatre present this world premiere: a brand new comedy drama exploring the highs and lows of motherhood.

There’s an interesting rhythm to Lydia Marchant’s writing and, at times, it is very funny. This is promising work for the Hull playwright even if the plot line is, quite often, a little too thin. More sitcom than play, Marchant’s debut is just the tonic for a dank and snowy night in Hull. This new work (Marchant’s professional writing debut) is clearly observational. It is raw, real and utterly Northern. This brand new play isn’t going to set the world alight but Marchant’s skilful writing might just ignite the flame. Set to a cracking soundtrack of female pop stars, this bitter-sweet play shows real promise and one is excited for the future of its writer. Marking the end of the theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with a script more suited to television, there is still so much to like in this story of hope and humility, family and friendships. It feels appropriate to be reviewing this on International Women’s Day and Hull Truck Theatre even offer a mother and baby-friendly performance. Zoë Waterman directs.

Runs until 25th March 2023.