How best to celebrate Mother’s Day when you’re a stage fan? By giving a shout-out to our favourite on-stage mums! There was such a range of responses that we decided to share them with you and let you make up your own minds.
What’s more, if you’re still struggling to get your mum the present she really deserves this Mother’s Day, why not treat her to some super cute Theatre Tokens? Theatre Tokens can be used at more than 260 venues across the country and have no expiry date. Support the theatre industry while bagging mum a great gift – it’s a win-win!
Donna Sheridan – Mamma Mia!
Liv – Communications Manager:
Meg Hateley (Sophie) & Mazz Murray (Donna) in MAMMA MIA!, credit Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.
“For me, Donna is the ultimate fun mum. She’s impulsive, adventurous and has a great sense of humour – not to mention she really made the most of her youth! She’s also independent and entrepreneurial, making her an amazing role model for her daughter Sophie, who she brought up alone. Her long-lasting friendships with Tanya and Rosie prove she’s fiercely loyal, plus a supportive fellow girl band member (go, Donna and the Dynamos!). Finally, Donna is a doting mother to Sophie (who didn’t shed a tear at Slipping Through My Fingers?), who she teaches to be just as headstrong as her.”
Elizabeth Schuyler – Hamilton
Tony – Marketing Coordinator:
Schuyler sisters. Photo by Danny Kaan.
“Elizabeth Schuyler has to be the most impressive mum on the West End right now. Not only did she raise seven children of her own, often while her husband was away fighting wars and winning rap battles as we see in the show, she also adopted a daughter. Adopting inspired her to co-found New York’s first private orphanage, to help children without parents, which is still active today.”
Fantine – Les Misérables
Erin – Marketing & Communications Administrator:
Ava Brennan as Fantine. Photo by Johan Persson.
“Fantine stands out to me as an outstanding theatre mum because of her resolute dedication to bettering the life of her daughter Cosette. By making the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for her child, she gifts Cosette the life she dreamed of for herself. She’s also very strong-willed and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in.”
Nurse – & Juliet
Jess – Social Media Manager:
Malinda Parris as Nurse in & Juliet.
“Nurse in & Juliet is more of a mum to Juliet than her actual mum ever is. She looks out for Juliet as a person rather than just her prospects or future, and treads the line carefully between encouraging her independence and keeping her safe. But, as we all know, mums and mum figures need a day off too, and Nurse isn’t afraid to have her own fun and pursue her own dreams too!” It’s your last chance to book before the show closes on 25 March.
Miss Honey – Matilda The Musical
Kitty – Content Coordinator:
Matilda the Musical – Imogen Cole as Matilda (2021).
“For me, Miss Honey is the West End’s best mum. She believes in Matilda to such an extent that she puts aside her own fears to stand up for her. She nurtures and encourages Matilda far more than her parents, assuring her that she is special and that her extraordinary intelligence is nothing to be ashamed of – the total opposite of what Matilda is used to hearing! Her love for Matilda, as well as her capability as a teacher, is even more admirable in the knowledge that she hasn’t experienced much love herself.”
Sarabi – Disney’s The Lion King
Yasmin – Content Administrator:
Disney’s The Lion King. Photo by Deen van Meer.
“Although Sarabi doesn’t feature too heavily in the show, she is still my favourite West End mum. Her resolve in the face of her husband’s death and son’s disappearance deserves far more credit than it gets! She is an amazing role model for the remainder of the pride, who she continues to lead with dignity and grace – despite the awful circumstances they must endure. She also stands up to the dictatorial Scar, insisting that the pride must leave their beloved Pride Rock (which of course she doesn’t want to) if they are to survive. All in all, a pretty gritty lioness!”
Rob’s Mum – My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)
Richard – Senior Commercial Manager:
Rob Madge – credit Mark Senior.
“Rob’s Mum – along with their Dad and Grandparents – shows just what a supportive, encouraging mother can do for a child’s creativity. She embraced Rob’s Disney parades, puppet shows and recreations of Mary Poppins which in turn has led to this heart-warming, joyous play about the celebration of raising a queer child.”
Hermione Granger – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Megan – Senior Marketing Manager:
L-r: Michelle Gayle (Hermione Granger), Grace Wylde (Rose Granger-Weasley) and Thomas Aldridge (Ron Weasley), photo by Manuel Harlan.
“Hermione carries herself with a decisive, strong and kind manner. Her and Ron are the ideal parenting duo! She always manages to problem solve and keep the peace, given the weird and wonderful action that goes on in the Wizarding World. You’ve got to see the show yourself and experience the magic.”