about

Following a highly-acclaimed Australian production of this new musical comedy, written by singer/songwriter Amity Dry, "The (M)other Life" will have its UK and West End premiere in 2018 following a rigorous workshop process and industry showcase concert performance that was staged in London on, Friday the 15th September 2017 at the Wyndhams Theatre.

This fresh and original new musical has been winning over audiences and critics since its 2011 debut in Australia. Both an entertaining musical comedy and thought provoking drama it is unafraid to tell the truth about parenthood, relationships and the juggle to ‘do it all’.

Penned by chart topping pop singer/songwriter Amity Dry, this musical is a true international success story, having been performed for thousands of audience members both in Australia and internationally to date.

The UK Premiere Showcase Production on September 15th 2017 is directed by Christoper Hurrell, with orchestrations by Matthew Brind (arranger for X Factor and Britain's Got Talent), with Lighting Design by Mike Robertson and Sound Design by Elliot Sinclair for Autograph Sound. A nine piece band for the Showcase will be led by Musical Director Colm O'Regan.

This musical follows a year in the lives of four female friends as they juggle relationships, parenthood, work and the pressure to ‘do it all.’

Jessie (Natasha J Barnes), a vivacious 29 year old who is finally planning her wedding after years of dreaming about the big day, Kate (Laura Pitt-Pulford), a career focused 35 year old who just found out she’s pregnant from a one night stand and is unsure if she is ready for motherhood, Bec (Nikki Aitken), a 43 year old sharp witted mother of three who worries she’s lost her identity as a stay at home mum and Lily (Anita Louise Combe), a 54 year old restaurant owner who appears to have the perfect life and family but is hiding the loneliness of an empty marriage.

The women meet for coffee in Lily’s restaurant each week and share their lives with one another, finding the humour in their challenges and leaning on one another when things get tough. Through their every day experiences we witness an honest and powerful portrayal of relationships and motherhood, the strength of women and the power of female friendship.

Promotional Video and Vox Pops from the Australian production

from the 2015 Australian Touring production of the show,

previously titled 'Mother, Wife and the Complicated Life"

reviews

from the 2015 Australian Touring production, and of the New York Musical Theatre Workshop

“This beautifully written musical

explores the reality of marriage and motherhood…Where Dry has succeeded is in writing an endearing story that moves between lighter and darker moments seamlessly… …that carefully balances hilarity with poignancy. The funnier moments are appropriately over-the-top, while the darker moments are handled with tenderness and sincerity…”

Alison Hillbig, Theatre People

“There’s much humour in all of this but also a good-hearted realism about the physical realities of birth and babies and sexuality that the cast (and the audience) clearly relishes.

It certainly deserves to find an audience who will appreciate its frankness, energy and fun.”

Alana Maclean, published in

The Age, Sydney Morning Herald,

Canberra Times, The Guardian

“This is the start of something big

for this witty musical comedy...

It's slick and snappy, with witty lyrics and belly laughs aplenty... Take your mum, your sister, your long suffering husband or your best friend to this entertaining and honest account of life as a modern woman”

Amity Dry has nailed it.

This sassy, tell-it-how-it-is story seems so obvious it’s a wonder no one has thought of it before… 4.5 stars out of 5”

Jo McEniery, ArtsHub

“Highly recommended. Fantastic!”

Rip It Up Magazine

"intelligent songs and excellent performers creates

abundant laugh-out-loud moments...

Dry bravely includes serious emotional moments that address some rarely spoken truths behind motherhood. The risk pays off with a deeper, more involving show that provides food for thought in addition to all the laughs.”

Simon Parris, Man in Chair

“If you’re lucky, you find musicals that are funny and endearing and speak to you on a personal level. This is one of those musicals… extremely clever …

genuinely warm and witty

and great entertainment value.

Carol Drouyn, Stage Whispers

“Not since I watched Bridget Jones’s Diary as a desperately single 30 year old (with a fondness for enormous granny pants and emotionally stunted men) have I identified so strongly with a story. (It) is hands down my favourite musical of all time because it so sublimely captures the joys of motherhood along with the moments that have us reaching for the wine ... Go see it. Then just try and wipe the smile off your face.

It is nothing short of brilliant.”

Rebecca Sparrow, Mamamia.com.au

“A chick’s night out, a celebration of female friendships and

a laughing examination of girl power.

At a time when new musicals all seem to be imported re-hashes of movies, this is a home-grown gem.”

Adelaide Theatre Guide

"With a fantastic pop score the show moved the audience from laughter to tears, as it poignantly touched on what it is to be a woman. If you are a Mother, or a Wife, or have one in your life,