SOLO WORK

Following life changing events, I followed a cathartic urge back to theatre via stand-up, blackly comic storytelling and cabaret.

EXCAVATE THAT BITCH, a work in progress show for Manchester’s Women In Comedy Festival, was a sell out in 2024.

MOTHER DARK

This journey into stand-up/cabaret heralded a return to theatre; but in a new way, using autobiographical material. ‘Mother Dark’ was a blackly comic cabaret character first of all – this slowly evolved into a solo show.

I was supported by Arts Council England with a DYCP grant, working with mentor/director Ursula Martinez and dramaturg Annie Siddons.

I was invited to speak at MMU Manchester School of Art in November 2025 where I read an extract of Mother Dark (WIP) and spoke about making autobiographical theatre, working with darker material and personal myth making with Dr Andrea Maciel Garcia. You can watch the recording of the BUNKER TALK here:

I write about this creative journey on my Substack. The latest post The Call of Mother Dark #4 by Rachel Smith: Clowns, Cabarets and Falling Over Chairs Read on Substack

photo credit: Shay Rowan

A full length sharing of MOTHER DARK, my work-in-progress solo show took place at 53Two Theatre, Manchester on 26 November 2025, supported by the 53new scheme:

‘This Mother should be living alone in a caravan on the moors, by herself, and did we mention alone? Fat chance when everyone around her keeps falling apart. Apparently rescuing is ‘enabling’ and ‘helping’ is the sunny side of control, but how do we let people go when there’s nothing left to catch them?

MOTHER DARK is a blackly comic, wildly cathartic ride through co-dependence, a true crime story, mother rage and recovery. If you love a self help group and a banging 90s tune, if you yearn in these times for a (dark) Mother – this show is for you.’

photo credit: Shay Rowan

Audience Feedback for MOTHER DARK (WIP):

‘An extraordinary piece of theatre. The subject matter spoke to all of us young and older. It managed dark and light, and involved the audience all the way through. The honesty and openness was beautiful and presence on stage so strong.’

‘What a show! I loved it. It was very funny at times and always entertaining and engaging. I was very moved by the end.’

‘We’re both CAMHS kids and this filled in part of our story – what our parents went through.’

‘Incredibly honest, but still hilarious, entertaining and very very touching. Such important work.’

‘I found so much to relate to, highlighting the pressures for family members, young people and mental health issues. It was tender, brave and playful.’

‘This was a beautiful show that soothed the soul.’

‘What a brutal, heart smashing piece of work this was!’

‘As well as being an extraordinary story, this shone a much needed light on mental health, mental health issues and the fecking roller coaster ride that being human can be.‘

‘Fabulous work – very moving, beautifully performed, can’t wait for what’s next!’

‘My heart dropped into my shoes so many times watching this, but I always felt in safe hands. And it was bloody funny too.’

‘Loved how this piece balanced the personal with the universal. Showed so cleverly how systemic failures means that the pressure is on individuals – the Mother Darks and others!’

‘I can’t stop thinking about this courageous piece of work! It was such a complex mixture of vulnerability and resilience, of human connection and disconnection.‘

‘I loved this show. I was gripped, entertained and moved.’

‘It was f****ing brilliant.’

A recording of the work-in-progress sharing can be seen here: watch MOTHER DARK (WIP)