When you’re being looked after by your parents as a child, it’s rare that you think about how, one day, you might be looking after them.
Betty is a reprogram of a show originally planned for 2021 that explores the relationship between a mother and daughter as the matriarch’s health declines. It’s an unflinching look at the ageing process and the past, and how these can affect relationships.
Written and performed by Jules Allen (alongside Sally McKenzie), the production is largely autobiographical, though it follows a tale many in the audience will relate to. Lucy has never been overly close with her mother, Rose, but has been tasked with caring for as the older woman succumbs to dementia. Allen says: "After 40 years of a dysfunctional, chaotic and bitter relationship with my mother, I dropped everything to care for her in her final year of life. To this day, I don’t know what provided the forgiveness to do such a thing, but the rewards were endless."
Betty is showing at Theatre Works from February 16 to 26.
