Martha Lucas
The final cast and crew lineup for the highly anticipated play ‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’, written by acclaimed playwright Kelly Jones, has been unveiled. The co-production by Paines Plough, Mercury Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, Landmark Theatres, and Royal & Derngate Northampton is set to leave audiences moved and pensive about the complexities around death.
Under the ingenious direction of Paines Plough’s Joint Artistic Director, Charlotte Bennett, talented actors Samuel Armfield, Debra Baker, and Nicole Sawyerr will bring the compelling narrative to life. The show begins its journey at Belgrade Theatre in Coventry for a preview before embarking on a full run at Roundabout @ Summerhall as part of the anointed Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Thereafter, the production will tour several UK cities including Plymouth, Bristol, and Newcastle.
‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’ explores the character of Abigail, who is grappling with the financial burdens of her mother’s death. In her quest to afford a dignified funeral for her mother, she is compelled to portray her grief through her playwriting – a twist that questions the high cost of death and the painful process of turning personal grief into art.
Playwright Kelly Jones, inspired by personal experiences, dissects the myth of death being the ultimate leveller, pointing out the stark inequality that persists even in death, with dignity carrying a high price tag that is often unfairly levied on those less fortunate.
The production team boasts an impressive roster of talent, including Set and Costume Design by Rhys Jarman, Lighting Design by Joshua Gadsby, Sound Design by Asaf Zohar, Movement Direction by Rachael Nanyonjo, and Dramaturgy by Lauren Mooney. The Assistant Director is Phillippe Cato, with Nadine Rennie CDG spearheading the casting, Harry Armytage managing the production for The Production Office, and Roni Neale as the Company Stage Manager.
‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’ promises to be a compelling and poignant exploration of death, love, and art, brought to the stage by some of the best talents in the industry. It’s a show that resonates with our times, promising to offer audiences a profound theatrical experience, full of raw emotion, insights, and reflections. For those fortunate enough to witness it, ‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’ is an artistic exploration you won’t forget.
