Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Good Enough Mum’s club is the brain child of the talented Emily Beecher, who herself experiences postnatal psychosis after the birth of her daughter Maise. I don’t imagine this was an easy thing for her to write, but clearly she felt it was important to reach out to the many women who go through this traumatic experience. 

The Good Enough Mums Club is a raw emotional rollercoaster of musical with an powerful story to tell. I can honestly say that this show made me, a mother of two young children, feel seen. It is so refreshing to see the harsh realities of motherhood laid bare, mixed with humour and joy. 

Throughout the play we meet 5 mothers, who although from completely different backgrounds and life experiences share a bond that has been formed through their local playgroup. Their lifeline. Each character has a story to tell, and each represents the very real challenges faced by mothers all over the world, but challenges we hide or don’t talk about. The subjects of postnatal depression, sleepless nights and feeling of just not being good enough is often completely taboo in our everyday lives. People don’t want to see the unwashed hair, the vomit-stained clothes or listen to the tales of how hard it sometimes is just to get through the day. 

The stories that these women have to tell are done so through moving and emotional musical numbers, that don’t shy away from the realities of their experiences. And while the harmonies are not always perfect, the emotion and meaning of the lyrics are deeply moving.  My only wish would be that these stories were developed further and in more depth. There is much to digest and sometimes the narrative moved on too quickly for me. 

The bond between bond between these five women on stage is palpable – there is so much chemistry and it is obvious that these women have shared much together.

The group is made up of Bea, the playgroup leader, who seems to have it all: the “insta” perfect home, the over achieving children, the suave and sophisticated husband. But underneath the perfect armour, Bea is lonely and feeling neglected by her very busy husband. Joanna Kirkland plays this role beautifully, she is strong yet vulnerable and we can see the inner turmoil she is going through, of wanting to share her sadness with the group, but not doing so because she is so used to keeping up appearances. 

Next we have Michelle, a young black woman,  with a big heart and quiet manner who is encountering racism in her day to day life and is feeling overwhelmed by what the future for her sons will be. She has taken a break from a successful career but uses her knowledge and experience to help the group fight back when the council threaten to close the playgroup. Rebecca Bernice Amissah is excellent in her performance and her vocals are exceptional. 

Chantel, played by the wonderful and comedic Jade Samuels is a strong, fierce woman: she doesn’t take any prisoners, she’s hugely passionate and unapologetically direct. Her local community means so much to her, but her life isn’t all rosy. Her kids are everything to her, but financially she is struggling to get by, but through all the challenges she is facing she still finds time to take care of those around her. 

And then there is Sophie, (Amy Ross) the cheerful optimist, who is hiding a heart-breaking grief from her friends, something that none of them could have known or expected. Her revelation broke my heart in two. I would have loved to have seen this issue explored more fully but felt that the narrative moved on quite quickly. It can’t be easy to play a role like this and Ross’ emotional breakdown, where she tells her story, was both stirring and meaningful. My heart broke in two for the character and Ross portrayed this mother most brilliantly. 

And finally, Esme, a young woman struggling with postpartum psychosis. Who is afraid to speak out because she doesn’t know whether her experiences are just part of what she should expect from motherhood. This was delivered excellently, we as the audience could see her unravelling and all we could do is sit and wait for it to happen. It was deeply emotional. Belinda Wollaston captured this character with the respect and dignity it deserved. Her fragility and vulnerability were laid bare. Exceptional performance by Wollaston. 

The show isn’t all tragedy and high emotion though. The more sombre themes and songs are interjected by group performances of songs with wickedly funny lyrics and moments where it’s obvious that all the mothers in the audience know exactly what they’re singing about. There is much light relief and hilarity throughout the entire performance. From scenes about world book day costumes, to the pregnancy bladder woes to the sagging body parts we are left with after child birth. And many, many times that we are made to feel not quite good enough. 

It is clever how the actors portray the part of the toddlers, these scenes provide light relief from the more serious themes told throughout this production. 

The use of a live band, lead by Debbi Clarke adds much to this production. The staging also works really well. I liked having all the scenes set in this one place, it helped me to invest in the characters, each time they returned to the playgroup I felt more connected and familiar with them. 

This musical is important, it normalises those fears we have about failing as parents. It shows us that even though life isn’t perfect we really are good enough. Motherhood can be tough, but we are all in the same boat and together we can support each other and make the journey less lonely. 

A funny, realistic story of motherhood, and friendship. A great night out for us mums, where we all come away knowing that we really are  good enough. 

The Good Enough Mums Club is on at The Lowry until Saturday 2nd Dec here.