The London Mothers, The Bull
On Thursday evening, Fanciful Flock Theatre took us back in time with ‘The London Mothers’, written by Heidi Luker and directed by her daughter Gina Luker-Edwards.
The play tells the story of three young women from London who fall pregnant against the turbulent backdrop of WW2. All are unplanned, the circumstances being unfavourable to say the least, and with each of the fathers being out of the picture. Two of the women - Doreen (played by Cian Rouf), and Mary (Roxanne Delreux) are evacuated to have their children at Willersley Castle near Cromford, whilst the third - Gladys (played by Georgie Ray), remains in London.
A classic example of female histories being swept under the radar and out of public knowledge, we learn that there were many cases of pregnant women being sent to the country to give birth. They enjoyed comforts found only outside larger cities at this time and, to a great extent, were rather pampered. Those evacuated to Willersley picked up the nickname ‘London Women’. Many others who were traumatised by the horrors of war were also sent to the countryside for ‘rest’ and to lift their spirits.
This was a period in which life was turned upside down for almost everyone in Britain - I dare say in particular for women. They were at this time, alongside their existing domestic duties, expected to work and run the household. These women pioneered the long and arduous journey of equality, respect and fair treatment in the workforce, an ongoing struggle fought to this day.
All three of our cast learn they are with child whilst working at a factory in the ‘smokes’ of the big city, where the threat of bombs and air raids constantly loomed over a war-ravished and dismal place. This was a less than ideal time to be pregnant, and coupled with the impending responsibilities of motherhood, and we really see how the enormity of their predicament plays on the nerves of our young trio. As Gladys aptly remarks on her birth experience in London; ‘I didn’t know what I dreaded more, giving birth or being blown to bits!’
Luckily for Doreen and Mary, giving birth in Willersley brings all forms of joys. Doreen proudly boasts of how their children will have ‘Willersley Castle on their birth certificates’, and be treated like young princes at the provided nursery. The mothers themselves also receive a warm welcome from the country locals - from lavish gifts of local produce from nearby farmers, to having special seats reserved at the local cinema for the ‘London Women’ and so forth.
What makes this play so immersive and engrossing, however, is its dedication to telling the wider story. Of course, the female histories are front and centre, but we also get an insight into the lives of young men in society at this time (Santiago Azcueto brilliantly takes on all other male characters here). The potential demise of Mary’s partner ‘Dave’, for instance, looms over the women’s time at Willersley. So too does the fear and worry about their friend Gladys who is left behind in London.
This production was commissioned by Beam and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Sites to shine a light on the untold stories of the ‘London Women’, and other young mothers who were not so fortunate as to be evacuated to such a haven. The result is a compassionate piece exploring what it would be like to be expecting a child during one of the most turbulent and harrowing periods in recent history. Peppered with very real and astonishing facts, one learns so much about this hidden history despite the short run-time. There are plenty of wonderful moments, from dance routines, audience interactions, and of course stellar musical accompaniments from Santiago.
On the whole, this production is wonderfully informative and in equal measures both harrowing and heartwarming. It reminds us of the harsh realities of war and the struggles endured across society, yet at the same time it speaks volumes of how humanity prevailed and hope saw us through this darkest of times.