MS GOLDIE VS THE WORLD (Original Theatre)***

 

By Cal

Link: https://originaltheatreonline.com/productions/9/mrs-goldie-vs-the-world

Available until: 27^th November 2020, 1am

Ms Goldie vs the World is presumably autographical. It’s written and performed by Nicky Goldie and it’s all about her relationship with her ninety-four year old mother. It’s presented as a monologue, with Nicky sharing her thoughts, frustrations and memories with the audience.

The writing is good – it’s fast and snappy with no wasted words and although it does meander around the topic, wandering off the main point and telling all the stories about Nicky’s mother in a haphazard sort of order, it isn’t confusing and it does feel far more natural for her not to give a clear and chronological narrative. I think Nicky also does a good job of playing herself. Her character comes across as very strong but not a caricature.

But it does appear to be autobiographical and that did make me feel a bit uncomfortable. Yes, we all moan about our mothers. My biological mother wasn’t perfect and neither is my adoptive mother and I’m sure I’ve expressed the fact to my friends and fiancé. But I’ve never actually written a play about them and stuck it on the internet. I don’t think I could. I don’t want to judge Nicky and it’s not like she’s broken any laws, but I do feel a bit… surprised by this play.

There are things about this play which I like. It’s good to see Nicky stating calmly and honestly that she didn’t want children so she didn’t have them. Good for her – far too many people feel pressured into having families and it’s really not fair. I actually do want kids, but there are so many valid life choices. Not having children is one. Some of the stories Nicky tells about her mother do show affection and admiration and that’s really lovely. And I’m also not judging her for the thing she looked up on the internet for her. It’s a bit of a shock and it could be interpreted in a very negative way, especially after all the earlier negative comments, but I do respect her for taking it in her stride and not making a big fuss and trying to tell her mum she doesn’t want that. And her mum does sound like a bit of a handful. I’m sure it isn’t easy for Nicky at all. I’m just a bit surprised it’s ended up in a play on the internet.

I do like the sound of Mrs Goldie. She sounds like a real character. She gets confused sometimes, but she’s intelligent, sharp and witty. She has her sad moments and that is sad to hear about, but she sounds like a really incredible person who’s had a fascinating life. And I think her attitude to her carers is normal and understandable. Just because something might be considered necessary, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy and it certainly doesn’t mean it’ll be fun. I might well have similar feelings to Nicky if I was the one looking Mrs Goldie, but from my position as an audience member, I think Mrs Goldie is amazing. Ms Goldie… well, maybe she just needed to get it out of her system. Everyone needs to do that sometimes.