New Theatre Production Shines Light on Postpartum Psychosis and Challenges Stigma

We're thrilled to announce that the theatre production we have been supporting Company Four with to shine a light on Postpartum Psychosis will be opening at the end of this month at Waterside Arts, Sale.

Who Is Your Mummy and Where Did She Go? is a powerful and thought-provoking theatre production aimed at raising awareness of postpartum psychosis and reducing the stigma surrounding maternal mental health.

Opening on Friday, January 31st , the production explores historical narratives of women diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, using their stories to reflect on contemporary care and societal attitudes. This unique blend of theatre and advocacy brings together compelling storytelling, live performance, and projected poetry to create an emotionally resonant and inspiring experience.

 A Vital Message for Today

Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a severe but treatable mental health condition that affects around 1-2 in every 1000 births. Core symptoms may include not needing to or being unable to sleep, hallucinations, delusions, confusions and mania. While support and treatment have improved over the years, stigma and a lack of understanding still prevent many women from seeking help. This production aims to foster compassion and understanding by using the past as a guide to inform and improve today’s care.

A Call for Change

This production is not just a performance—it’s a call to action. By raising awareness, challenging stigma, and advocating for better care, Who Is Your Mummy and Where Did She Go? invites audiences to be part of a conversation that has the potential to save lives.

Director Gemma Whitley explains,

“This show is not just about history—it’s about the present. By exploring the untold stories of women from the past, we’re inviting audiences to rethink how we view and support maternal mental health today. Theatre has the power to open up these conversations in a deeply human and accessible way.”

 A Collaborative Effort

The production has been supported by APP.  Jenny Stevenson, our National Peer Support Co-ordinator (Online Services), said:

'Members of the APP team and our lived experience community have been delighted to support this production through the research and development process and through creative workshops. Giving a voice to postpartum psychosis and maternal mental health through art is extremely powerful - we are looking forward to seeing the performances and how sharing our experiences of postpartum psychosis has helped to inform the production.'

 Waterside Arts, a vibrant cultural hub in Sale, is proud to host the production. Darren Adams, Venue Manager at Waterside says ‘Waterside is delighted to support theatre artists in developing meaningful discussions around contemporary issues, fostering creativity and dialogue within our community’

Event Details:

Dates: Friday, January 31st 2025 & Saturday, February 1st2025

Location: Waterside Arts, Sale

For further information or to buy tickets, click here

To find out more about the exhibition, click here.

Join the Conversation

As part of the production, there will also be a curated exhibition featuring poetry and artwork by women who have experienced postpartum psychosis, offering a deeply personal and moving insight into their journeys. Post-show discussions with the creative team and mental health professionals will further explore how we can collectively work to break the silence around maternal mental health.