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1958

The Sport of My Mad Mother

Written by Ann Jellicoe

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director 
George Devine

Dates Performed

Tuesday 25th February 1958
Main House (Downstairs)

Play Details

Synopsis

In this play, a group of youths engage in a sequence of playful vignettes and scuffles. As the story progresses, they discuss the arrival of Greta, a character symbolising selfishness and self-interest. By the third act, Greta’s influence causes discord within the group, coinciding with outbreaks of violence in the streets surrounding them. The play culminates dramatically as Greta gives birth to a child, symbolising a new beginning amidst the chaos.

“The Sport of My Mad Mother” is a thought-provoking exploration of human relationships and societal absurdity. It uses satire and farce to challenge conventional norms, highlighting the breakdown of communication and the absurdity of everyday life.

 

Director(s)

Ann Jellicoe, George Devine

Content includes

Gun, birth, violence, description of violence, description of suicide, strong language, misogyny

Cast & Creative

Cast

Paul Bailey

Cast

Sheila Ballantine

Cast

Wendy Craig

Cast

Avril Elgar

Cast

Philip Locke

Cast

Jerry Stovin

Cast

Anthony Valentine

Designer

Jocelyn Herbert