Not suitable for children
Make theatre, not babies.
Originally published in the 2023 FemiFringe Guide: The Official Guide to Shows Led by Women and People of Marginalised Genders at Edinburgh Fringe
Friends gasped when I first told them I wasn’t planning on having kids. It was a bold claim for an eleven year old but it stuck. No maternal desire bloomed as I grew up and instead I naturally seemed to collect more logical and ethical reasons why reproduction wasn't right for me. Later in life my adult friendship circle joked that I'd be the outcast when they began having children but unfortunately this also stuck. So when five actor girlfriends asked me to write a play for them I birthed a baby shower comedy about female friendship called Nevernatal.
Although lighthearted and quippy, Nevernatal showcases varied perspectives on the decision to procreate; examines the disconnect when friends don’t hit typical milestones at the same time and the fracture point when we can’t be happy for each other’s idea of success. It even posits that a baby shower can be wonderful when not such a commercialised, chocolate-nappy riddled affair. After sold out performances in Melbourne where audiences said they cried, felt seen or were going to reconnect with friends; I knew the feelings explored in Nevernatal would resonate with broader audiences. In perfect timing after I moved to London, local friend and creative Charlotte Cattrall, proposed to co-parent bringing Nevernatal to Edinburgh Fringe. We found a superb cast of UK actors who have also discovered emotional connections to the narrative and are thrilled to have sold out shows in London ahead of Fringe.
The story continues to teach me patience and perspective on supporting friends in whatever lights them up rather than projecting my version of their success and I'm grateful for the women that have believed in this project along with me. We are excited to introduce Nevernatal to UK audiences and help every type of baby shower guest feel represented.
Nevernatal ran at the Edinburgh Fringe 14-19 August 2023