By Angela Garwood
“I really hope this doesn’t read like a TED talk, if it does, I’m really sorry,” I said to an audience of mothers and babies.
I was stood behind a microphone, on stage at the Cockpit Theatre in London, ready to share some of my writing.
Let’s rewind a few months, to a brief Instagram exchange, followed by a Zoom call with the lovely writer Sally McIlhone, founder of Every Other Mother, “a new series of baby- and child-friendly events that aim to amplify the voices of creative mums everywhere”.
She told me of her idea, to create events for mothers, with the focus on entertaining and inspiring the mother as opposed to the child. Genius. While baby sensory and music classes are great fun for babies, after a few weeks, they can become tiresome for mums; enter Every Other Mother.
Joined by friend and poet, Violet Malice, the two would host “a lunchtime cabaret of sorts”, combining comedy, poetry, performance, new writing (that’s me), experts and inspiring speakers.
It was perfect for the tired mum who wanted something a bit different, something intellectually and creatively stimulating, accessible during the day.
Sally asked if I’d like to come and speak at one of the events, (a resounding yes) and two months later I’m on a train to Paddington, wondering what I might get asked in the live Q&A.
I was 98% prepared, having practised what I began to call my “speech” several times.
“What do you think? Is it good?” I asked Maia.
“I’m sure a mother person would be interested,” she responded, smiling.
“Oh good, can I do it again?”
“No.”
The event itself was glorious. Sally and Violet were excellent hosts, natural performers who created a warm and welcoming vibe. Babies crawled about the place happily as each act took to the stage; with sweet gurgles and occasional baby babbles coming from the audience.
Comedian, writer and podcast host Hatty Ashdown was first on stage, with a series of hilarious anecdotes about motherhood; the perfect way to kick-start the event and liven up the crowd.
She was followed by Kiddiwhizz founder and Whizzer Kids Eco-Toilet inventor Zoë Chapman, who appeared on Dragon’s Den and won multiple product awards. The entrepreneur shared the story behind her product and answered questions on the process.
After a brief interval, where pizza and Prosecco were on sale in the bar – again, not your average mummy and baby event – we returned for act two.
Violet Malice performed an evocative and perfectly executed poem on breastfeeding in public, which I found all too relatable.
Journalist Kat Romero then joined Sally on stage for a discussion on the Formula For Change campaign, which is calling on the government to change their formula legislation, and make it possible for retailers to accept loyalty points, foodbank vouchers and store gift cards as payment for infant formula.
It was at this point, I started to feel the tingling of anticipation; I was next.
With a kind introduction from Sally, and a relaxed atmosphere in the theatre, I spoke about squeezing creativity in amongst the daily grind of motherhood.
It was a great feeling, speaking about a topic I love so much; creativity, to a room of mothers.
I met some brilliant and inspiring people that day and only wish Every Other Mother was around when my children were babies. What a beautiful idea.
Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind
