My Mother Said I Never Should

The play is about the relationships between mothers and daughters and explores the themes of independence, growing up and secrets.

The play has a non-chronological and non-linear structure and moves between different places (Manchester, Oldham, and London) and time periods.

Jettisoning the younger Doris, they are wary of ingredients for their 'curse' being too real (such as harelip) or too fantastical; and then call upon the spirit of their Granny, fleeing as a figure moves upstage towards them.

Doris insists on being called 'Mother' rather than 'Mummy', and pushes Margaret to practise the piano rather than answering her inquisitive, lively child's questions about the war and whether her parents say their prayers.

My Mother Said I Never Should was written in 1985 and was first produced at the Contact Theatre in Manchester on 25 February 1987, directed by Brigid Larmour.