Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Mummy’s Dead, Long Live Mummy!
Koël Purie Rinchet Mic and Couch Entertainment Ltd
Genre: Comedy, Dark Comedy, Theatre
Venue: theSpaceUK
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Raw, chaotic, heartbreaking; much like motherhood. God couldn’t be everywhere, so he created mothers. Of course, he could be everywhere, he’s God, he chose not to be, he knew mothers have the hardest job. This dark comedy from Paris dramatizes the relentless nature of motherhood by following the often ridiculous but sometimes moving journey of four diverse mothers.
Review
This play by Koël Purie Rinchet explores motherhood. While we know there are the joys of motherhood, this play aims to tell the truth about the real experiences of mothers. The truth of many mothers. Four actors take the stage at the same time to tell their own story and share their not so joyful experiences. Directed by Tiffany Hofstetter, who also acts in the play with playwright Rinchet, the short scenes show how each copes with motherhood and the ideas and challenges that come up. One of the mothers has post partum depression and struggles to accept the new baby. Another mother is Christian and agrees that whatever happens is God’s plan for her children. One is an influencer making videos about diet and wellness when it turns out she is not so well herself. The other mother openly admits that she has lied to her children.
As the play continues we discover that God does have a breaking point for the mother and we see that one smokes a bong crafted out of a baby’s bottle, and how she spends hours in the bathroom hiding out away from her children and her family. Other truths that are relatable are that one loses part of one’s identity as a mother when we may be introduced as someone’s mother instead of our own name.
The script is well structured, with snappy meaningful dialogue that clearly shows each woman’s situation. Each of the four mothers is contrasting and represent different viewpoints and experiences. The play is ironic, funny, moody and lively in the first half and changes tempo a couple of times in the last half as each mother reveals inner truths. The cast sometimes step out of their role to take part in showing physical examples, which is innovative. These are not necessarily bad mothers, but the general state and issues many families experience dealing with motherhood. Their interactions range from fury to witty to tender and empathetic. The four actors are very good in their portrayals of differing characters. They are not afraid to show their emotive range, at time it is like fireworks! Ultimately one hopes there is a resolution and hope at the end, and there is, sort of.
