Normal/madness
“Our mothers always remain the strangest, craziest people we’ve ever met." Marguerite Duras
Kirsty’s mother is inappropriate, embarrassing and definitely unusual. For 25 years Kirsty accepted crazy as conventional. All mothers are slightly insane, right? But Kirsty’s mother isn’t like all mothers… If you’re raised in madness who tells you what’s normal?
Based on a true story, this solo show is a frank, funny and deeply touching tale of Kirsty McKenzie and her schizophrenic mother. Join Kirsty as she attempts to distinguish her mother from the madness, the one subject no one wants to mention.
Following its 2014 premiere at The Pleasance, Edinburgh, Normal/Madness embarked on a successful tour across Scotland in 2015, including performances at Eastgate Theatre, The Byre Theatre, East Kilbride Arts Centre, Paisley Arts Centre, Eden Court Theatre, The Lemon Tree, Camus Arts Centre, Assembly Roxy, The Cat Strand, The Swallow, and a sold-out run at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
Press
★★★★★ What's On Stage
"Geddes’ performance is one that is brave, frank and downright devastating… great theatre.’
★★★★ The Scotsman
"Honest, moving… captures the complex interplay of duty and freedom and family."
★★★★ The Edinburgh Guide
"Hilarious at times and heart-breaking in others… Normal/Madness is an unpretentious and authentic show that shouldn’t be missed."
★★★★ Broadway Baby
"Powerful and moving… funny, to the point of belly laughter (with) an almighty, but tactfully underplayed, emotional punch."
★★★★ TV Bomb
“This brave, edgy, and omniscient script – written by a rising (if not already risen) Scottish talent, and littered with poignancy, love, and the occasional flutter of humour – is one stage writing debut everyone should enjoy.”
★★★ The Herald
“Geddes' portrayal of Kirsty's mother that provides some of the play's most poignant moments.”
“Credit is due to Jessica Beck as both dramaturg and director who has fashioned a tremendous piece of theatre.”