Well where do I start? If you had told me I’d one day laugh at a play about new parenthood and post natal depression, I’d have said it would never happen.
Having felt like I was on the verge of post natal depression in the first year of having Matilda, I know how raw a subject it can be and having lost my brother through suicide in March of this year, the subject of depression and sadness, is usually enough to set me off crying. But this musical was amazing and the only tears shed were of laughter.
I went to a morning showing of Baby Brained yesterday, in a baby group in Edgbaston with lots of friendly new mums and their little ones who all seemed to be between 5 weeks old and 6 months old. For those parents who want a break from the kids and are happy to leave little ones with their other halves, grandparents, babysitter, next door neighbour, alone at home (joking, obvs) they do an evening showing which has FREE gin included in the price of your ticket (how fab is that!).
This show is perfect for either situation. A night off or a day on. A chance to sit and giggle at all of the things we don’t usually talk about and tend to brush under the carpet.
Baby Brained is a breath of fresh air. It is for mothers and aimed at mothers and even if you’re not a mother, you’ll laugh out loud and sing along. And if you are a new mother who is still in need of some pelvic floor exercises, it’s your chance to use some tena ladies. You will laugh during this. One of those ‘LOL’ laughs that we all type that we are doing but never really are, but now you really will. You’ll even sing along, even if you can’t sing. And if you’re getting enough sleep and actually have managed to not get baby brain (lucky you!), you might even decide to join in on the interactive parts. But you don’t have to, it is entirely up to you.
I took Jemima with me yesterday (even though its a play for mums) as I didn’t have any one to have her before her afternoon at nursery and she loves hanging out with Mummy any way, so she came along. Other than her usual fidgeting on the seat, moving her legs here and there. She didn’t actually get off the chair, she was mesmerised by Rebecca and her amazing ability to own the stage (or front of the room in this case).
Rebecca Schwarz is the brains behind this musical and is the lovely lady who performs the show, alongside Ian who is the pianist and chief button presser when some audio needs to be played. Even though it is aimed at adults, Jemima in her innocence loved it and joined in at parts – Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and the catchy song that is sung a few times. Jemima was there, front row, in her broad Black Country accent, singing along.
The Musical was humorous and entertaining. Showcasing acting interspersed with songs and interactive elements to the show.
When it comes to writing comedies every syllable counts and Rebecca has ensured this stays true within Baby Brained.
The story follows Sally, a wife, heavily pregnant with her first child, already desperate for a good night’s sleep, reading up on Gina Ford and her practices. We get taken on a journey through her first year of being a mum. Even getting to meet her midwife Lorraine and the new baby group that Sally sets up called Sticky Fingers.
It’s a show that all new mums can relate to at some point and one that you will be recommending to all of your mum friends.
For more information please do check out http://rebeccaschwarz.co.uk/baby-brained/ and find them on Facebook @babybrainedmusical and Twitter @brainedthe.
They haven’t ventured onto Instagram yet, but I’m sure that will be the next step.
