GUSH

After a lifetime of putting others first, a woman on the brink of motherhood takes her destiny into her own hands.

Ally’s ready to be a mum. She’s done the antenatal classes, cleaned up her diet, and even forgone her beloved tea to avoid the caffeine. So why does something inside her still feel off?

In the final days of pregnancy, Ally is determined to take control of her life while it’s still hers. As she steps into the unknown, she’s forced to confront who she truly is, and what she might lose – or find – when the baby arrives.

Exploring self-identity, sexuality and the tension between compromise and sacrifice, GUSH considers what it means to discover what we want and dare to ask for it.

Written by Jess Brodie (nominee for the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland St Andrews Playwriting Award 2024) and directed by Becky Hope-Palmer (Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas – Birmingham Rep, Woman Walking – Sylvian Productions), GUSH is a funny and frank exploration of the barriers that prevent women from owning their desires—and what happens when choice is no longer an option.

GUSH is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

Development supported by Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and the Traverse Theatre.
The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council.

Reviews

★★★★ 'A daring exploration of identity and motherhood' - The Herald

★★★★ 'Raises provocative questions around desire and parenthood' - The Stage

★★★★ 'Elegant and intelligent' - North West End

★★★★ 'A blisteringly strong performance from Jessica Hardwick' - Corr Blimey

★★★★ 'Keeps us spellbound from beginning to end' - UK Theatre Network

★★★★ 'Pacey and witty' - Beyond The Curtain

★★★★ 'Beautifully crafted' - A Youngish Perspective

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