When Abigail’s mum dies, the only thing she can afford is writing a play about it to fund her funeral

My Mother’s Funeral: The Show, written by Kelly Jones, follows Abigail, a struggling playwright who’s mum Linda passes away. Without any money to give her the funeral she believes she deserves, Abigail, who’s current script holds no interest for the big theatre she is attached to, decides to create what they are looking for: a piece that is gritty, real and authentic. So she makes a play about the death of her mum.

Abigail is brilliantly brought to life by Nicole Sawyerr, who evokes the anxiety of organising a funeral while dealing with grief dialled up to eleven. Samuel Armfield deftly switches between Darren, Abigail’s brother, and the head of the theatre, giving both of these characters the injection of sincerity and satire, respectively, that they both deserve. Debra Baker is a true standout, shining as Abigail’s Mum with an ease that will surely put a smile on your face.

The play flows fluidly from scene to scene, brought to life by Charlotte Bennett’s incredible direction. Adorned from the start with just a microphone through which Abigail can “speak her truth”, the stage is layered with reminders of her Mum, utilising the Roundabout’s space in intriguing ways.

The play deals with class in thought-provoking but hilarious ways, as the prospect of Abigail forced to write something that is “true to life” becomes quickly disingenuous. Must she fictionalise her own mother in order to have enough money to pay for her to have a proper funeral? Why is so much importance placed on whatever a “proper” funeral actually means?

A true highlight of the Edinburgh Fringe this year, My Mother’s Funeral: The Show is not to be missed. 

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/my-mother-s-funeral-the-show