The Moms tackle Christmas
›› Mark Dusseault
It started as a lark and transformed into an international success.
Thirty-one years ago, six new mothers—once glamorous actors, now exhausted mothers with ten children under six between them, started a writing group. Every Saturday morning, they would share their stories about motherhood.
They talked, they laughed, they whined, they complained, and they laughed some more. In 1993 they were offered a spot at the Women in View Festival. Suddenly their first performance was just three weeks away and they had nothing on paper.
“I would say the thing that surprised us most with the first one was how many people cared,” said co-creator and performer Robin Nichol.
“We expected that the only people interested in what we were talking about (babies) would be other mothers, but it turned out to be way more universal. We were also surprised that we’d written a comedy – didn’t realize that until we were in front of an audience!”
The new show was an instant hit. They started touring Canada and their touching and hilarious way of talking of motherhood started to catch on. As their children started to age, they created Mom’s the Word 2: Unhinged, Mom’s the Word: Remixed, and Mom’s the Word: Nest 1⁄2 Empty.
Their plays have been performed in over nineteen countries, including a run in London’s West End, Just for Laughs (Montreal) and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“What surprised and still surprises me the most is whatever happens to come out of our mouths; no matter how personal our experiences may feel: someone in the audience has felt that too,” said co-creator and performer Barbara Pollard.
Two million audience members later, they are bringing their latest show, Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey, to the Belfry.
“I’d lost the spirit,” says co-creator and performer Jill Daum, “but writing this show has made me appreciate Christmas again.”
It’s a celebration of womanhood, parenting, and the humour that can be found in the most trying situations. Having a tough time getting in the spirit of the season? The Moms see you.
Pay-what-you-want tickets are available for Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey.
