I’M GLAD I ASKED
An honest and truthful reflection on what it means to have an older parent and the questions we need to ask, but rarely get the chance to.
This funny and tender one-woman show was drawn from workshops with women who I asked, “What would you like to ask or have asked your mother?”. It reflects my own lived experiences with my 91-year-old Mother, Gena (represented by a life-sized puppet) and the impact that dementia had on both of our lives.
Through a truly personal and generous piece of storytelling theatre, I explore the joys, heartaches, shared memories, love and conflict that bind generations together to convey a universal tale for all to enjoy.
Directed by Steve McCourt & Amy Rose
Original production directed by Katherina Radeva
The puppet was created and built by Teresa Grimaldi
Original music composed by Mark O’Brien (Bass Clarinetist with The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and played with Jeremy Watt
Access Consultant - Tam Gilbert
I’m Glad I Asked was created through funding from Arts Council England. Its successful pilot run of shows were staged at The Lighthouse in Poole and The Lyric Theatre in Bridport and as part of the programme of the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival.
The show is available for touring across the UK.
I took I’m Glad I Asked to In Jolly Good Company, a dementia friendly organisation who work with all ages to bring friendship, joy and a sense of community to older people living in Dorset. Click the button below to read about it in their words.
Listen to conversations
As part of the development of ‘I’m Glad I Asked’, interviews were conducted between mothers and daughters using a series of questions to explore individual relationships.