Park theatre, London A writer tries capturing the messiness of new parenting in Jane Upton’s gut-punching play – every scene of which chips away at the myth that motherhood should come naturallyWant a crash course in the reality of motherhood? Head to Jane Upton’s panoramic and boundlessly imaginative, Bruntwood prize-shortlisted play. It zips through scenes from M’s life after the birth of her first child – an old school flame tells her he “expected more” from her; she bickers with her husband about not wanting sex anymore – but (the) Woman is much more than an ordered presentation of ideas. M (a gut-punching Lizzy Watts) is a writer, and what we’re watching is her attempt to create a play that captures motherhood with all its messy, unvarnished edges.Angharad Jones’s production weaves M’s writing process into the action. The title of each scene is typed, deleted and rewritten across the back wall of the stage. There are glitches and line repetitions, as M’s artistic vision struggles into shape. In a boardroom scene, she meets two commissioners who agree she can write a play about motherhood – so long as it involves crime, a possessed baby and a few musical numbers. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/oct/05/the-woman-review-park-theatre-motherhood">Continue reading...</a>

تقدم مسرحية جين أبتون في مسرح بارك بلندن نظرة صادقة ومليئة بالفكاهة على تحديات الأمومة، متحدية الفكرة القائلة بأن تربية الأطفال سهلة. من خلال تجارب أم جديدة، تكشف المسرحية عن الحقائق الفوضوية والتوقعات المجتمعية المحيطة بالأمومة، مما يجعلها عرضًا لا بد من مشاهدته لأي شخص مهتم برحلة الأبوة الحقيقية.

La obra de Jane Upton en el Park Theatre de Londres ofrece una mirada cruda y humorística a los desafíos de la maternidad, desafiando la noción de que ser padre es fácil. A través de las experiencias de una nueva madre, la obra revela las realidades desordenadas y las expectativas sociales que rodean la maternidad, convirtiéndola en una visita obligada para quienes estén interesados en el verdadero viaje de la paternidad.

La pièce de Jane Upton au Park Theatre de Londres propose un regard brut et humoristique sur les défis de la maternité, remettant en question l'idée que le parentage est facile. À travers les expériences d'une nouvelle mère, la pièce révèle les réalités désordonnées et les attentes sociétales entourant la maternité, en faisant un incontournable pour quiconque s'intéresse au véritable parcours de la parentalité.

Jane Upton's play at the Park Theatre in London offers a raw and humorous look at the challenges of motherhood, challenging the notion that parenting comes easily. Through the experiences of a new mother, the play reveals the messy realities and societal expectations surrounding motherhood, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the true journey of parenthood.

(the) Woman review – explosive comedy tells the unvarnished truth about motherhood

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