News Story
Brand new comedy Mothers of The Brides, from the writers of the hugely popular theatre shows Hormonal Housewives and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, is heading out across the UK on its World Premiere tour.
The fun-filled, sketch-packed, gag-fuelled show stars BBC One’s The Traitors favourite Diane Carson, who will make her stage debut as the “happily unmarried’ Audrey. We caught up with Diane to find out more about what to expect from this
Diane this is your stage debut. Why now and why ‘Mothers of the Brides’?
I have actually spent most of my career putting children, of all different ages and abilities, on stage – in an effort to promote confidence, teamwork, communication skills and a real sense of achievement! Most of my family members are actors so I thought, ‘My Turn’ – why not?’ You only live once and I’m a great believer in grabbing opportunities!
Coincidentally, I’d been chatting with my agents about what I wanted to do post Traitors. I had a list – what self-respecting woman doesn’t have a list? Amongst the items on that list was comedy – humour gets you through, laughter unites! And any opportunity to demonstrate that women don’t become invisible after a certain age……. You’re never too old!
That very same day, I was contacted regarding Mothers of the Brides – some things are meant to be! I had a meeting with the writers, and I liked the sound of the women being out there, cutting loose, supporting one another and making each other laugh. That’s very powerful!
Writers Julie and John think that, in a way, every woman is at the centre of their own sketch show and that our audiences will see themselves and their lives on stage; especially in this case anyone who’s been a Mother of the Bride.
How are you feeling about stepping out on stage?
If my kids can do it, so can I! Actually, two of my children first stepped out on the stage at Lowther Pavilion - one of our venues. Who’d have thought, all those times sitting in the audience ( so, so proud of my children) that’d I’d be up on the same stage, years later? Mental!
I’m sure there’ll be the odd hiccup (I’ve never had to learn a script before……) but I’ll be with two very experienced actors, who will sort me out!
When I met with Jules (Julie Coombes, co writer and co star) she said, “Diane, I watched you get buried alive in a coffin. I know you’re not frightened of anything.” I’m certainly not afraid of hard graft! In this case, the reward will be to entertain our audiences, bring laughter AND meet new people. I’m also getting to reconnect with people I haven’t seen for years through the show (including former pupils!). They’ve bought tickets!!!
Tell me a bit about who you play and the premise of the show?
I think the best way to describe the show is not a ‘play’ but rather, it’s a comedy sketch show with a narrative.
Tricia, Sabrina and Audrey are besties who became besties because their daughters have been besties since their first day at school. They now find themselves in the middle of planning a triple wedding.
I play Audrey. On paper she’s the sensible friend, but they’re all three of them daft in their own way. Auds is down to earth and she loves these two friends like sisters – her cheeky wee Scottish pal, Tricia and the brilliantly blingy Sabrina. Audrey’s job on the weddings is the budget because she’s good at sums and she’s the friend who’ll do the unglamorous jobs. But there’s a bit of the minx in Audrey…she doesn’t immediately give much away but can cut in with a sharp one-liner. She reveals from time to time her colourful past.
Fun fact about Audrey is she’s never been a bride herself. She’s been happily unmarried to Chris for over twenty years. They have two daughters. If she’s honest, she’s never seen the point in weddings, but she does see the point in budgets!
Do you relate to Audrey at all – is there a little bit of Diane you will bring to the character?
Well, I can certainly relate to being the mother of the bride because my own daughter has just celebrated 8 years of marriage! However, I’m not sure ANYONE, who knows me well, would consider me as “sensible”. “Good at sums”? – not sure my old maths teacher would agree! I was the bain of his life in class. Although I’m always the one on a night out to check the bill! I can also chat for Ireland - I don’t think I have one secret - I give lots away (apart from when I was going into that castle, of course!) As to my colourful past – moving on!
And as Mothers of The Brides is actually a sketch show so I get to play another little character. No spoilers…you’ll have to come and see the show…
What are you looking forward to most about touring?
I’m looking forward to visiting many different places across the country and spending time in the company of the fantastic folk who come to see the show. Jules has promised that although we’ll be working hard, we’ll also have fun on the road and I’m holding her to that!
Anywhere you are particularly looking forward to visiting?
I’m particularly looking forward to getting some runs in, between shows! I love to run in new surroundings, and it would be a bonus if I could fit in some trail running in and around some of the areas we are visiting. The UK is blessed with some amazing countryside/scenery. I’m also not averse to a little shopping, particularly along a High Street with an array of independent shops!
How are you preparing for the tour?
I am working on my packing skills - I don’t travel lightly! Just the other day, on a journey to London, I had to get help carrying my suitcase up a flight of steps! Embarrassing! Indeed, my husband is on standby to bring me extra clothing if necessary. I obviously need further work on my packing skills!
Without giving away any surprises what can audiences expect from this show…
Fits of laughter, just like you do with your best pals! It’s a romp through bridal shops, hassles with wedding planners, hen nights that get horny, first dance choreography and a particularly screwball celebrant! Oh, and did I mention, fits of laughter?
And who do you think will enjoy coming along?
Basically, ANYONE who likes a good laugh! You don’t have to have a planned a wedding to love this show! It’s a great big slice of comedy cake and the weddings are the icing! Mothers of the Brides is a great night out and we’d love to see EVERYONE there!
Can you sum it up in 3 words?
Cheeky! Naughty! Funny!
Diane will tour alongside popular Scottish Soap stars Julie Coombe (The Vagina Monologues, Lena, Hormonal Housewives and also co-writer or the show) and Helen Logan (Local Hero, Royal Lyceum; Hamlet, Bard in the Botanics).
Three mothers. Three daughters. Three weddings. How will they get through it without a funeral?
