The Sport of My Mad Mother

Synopsis

The streets of 1950s London become a volatile playground for a group of disaffected youth searching for identity and purpose.

Greta, a fierce and enigmatic young woman, emerges as a charismatic leader among a gang of teenagers in post-war London. Her unpredictable and often violent behaviour both frightens and fascinates the other characters, including the naive Patty, the American outsider Dean, and the volatile Fax and Cone.

Jellicoe crafts a provocative exploration of youth culture and social rebellion in post-war Britain. Through a series of fragmented, almost ritualistic encounters, the play delves into themes of violence, sexuality, and the search for meaning in a world that seems devoid of clear values or direction. As Greta’s influence over the group grows, the boundaries between play and reality, love and hate, become increasingly blurred.

The play’s experimental structure and use of invented slang challenge conventional theatrical norms, posing an unsettling question: In a society where traditional structures have broken down, can the raw energy of youth create a new order, or will it simply lead to chaos and self-destruction?