Mother? – A bold, unfiltered new play about modern parenting tours the North East this June

Rachel Stockdale, in association with ARC Stockton Arts Centre, presents Mother?, a funny, honest and energetic new play about motherhood inspired by more than 100 women in the North East. Directed by Tracy Gillman and written and performed by Rachel Stockdale, the production will be staged at ARC Stockton Arts Centre on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June at 7pm, before touring to Live Theatre on Tuesday 30 June at 7.30pm.

What does it really mean to be a mother today?

Award-winning artist Rachel Stockdale brings Mother?, a darkly funny, honest and moving new one-woman show, to ARC Stockton Arts Centre and Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne this June.

Developed from real stories gathered across the region, Mother? draws on conversations with over one hundred Mam’s, Mum’s and primary caregivers. Contributors include parents, foster carers, adoptive families, midwives, a doula, people who have chosen not to have children, and even a nun. Their stories touch on birth and bereavement, adoption and fostering, family legacy, and the changing realities of parenting across generations.

Blending humour with honesty, the play explores the pressures, expectations and unspoken realities of family life today.

As Rachel explains: “Mother? has been shaped by the real voices of mothers and caregivers from across the region. It doesn’t shy away from the mess. It’s about the things people don’t always get the chance to say aloud. It’s funny, emotional, and it asks big questions about what support really looks like for families today.”

Whether you’re a parent, thinking about having children, or reflecting on your own upbringing, Mother? invites audiences to recognise something of themselves in the stories shared.

Alongside the performance, a portrait exhibition will be presented at ARC Stockton Arts Centre from Thursday 18 June until Tuesday 7 July. Featuring portraits of 30 mothers and caregivers involved in the project, the exhibition places them firmly at the centre of the frame – something many rarely experience themselves. The play is also in development for radio with BBC Tees, extending its reach beyond the stage.

Mother? is created by North East Culture Award-winning artist Rachel Stockdale in association with ARC Stockton Arts Centre. The project is supported using public funding from Arts Council England through National Lottery funding, the PFC Trust, and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Rachel Stockdale plays at ARC Stockton Arts Centre on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June at 7pm, before touring to Live Theatre on Tuesday 30 June at 7.30pm. Tickets are available now via arconline.co.uk and live.org.uk.