Push! The sparkling new comedy about natural childbirth. Written and directed by Harry Mottram. At the Oakhouse Hotel, Axbridge. 8pm. Wed 24-Sat 27 Nov, 2010, and the Alma Tavern Theatre, Bristol. 8pm. Mon 10-Sat 15 Jan, 2011

 The story

Abi is 40, pregnant and determined to have her baby naturally at home – despite previously having had a caesarian and facing the opposition of her partner Matt, her retired midwife mother Maggie and daughter Zoe. As she goes into labour Matt is equally determined to drag her to hospital – if necessary by her hair. (Well he is a medical student and prospective doctor.) The story is told by Abi through drama, song and a special film of all the off-stage action made on location in Bristol and Somerset by film director Geoff Dunlop.

The cast...

Jasmine Darke plays Abi, the birthing mother and main protagonist in the play. Jasmine is an experienced stage actor having previously appeared in a variety of stage and TV roles including Duckling Smith in For Our Country’s Good at the Royal Court.

Georgie Rennolds plays Zoe – who is sleeping with her mother’s partner. Dancer and actor Georgie was recently in Bean Field at the Brewery in Bristol – where she played Diane in the gritty socio-political drama.

Marcus Carroll plays Matt – the man in the middle who is totally against home births. Drama student Marcus was recently in Whores Aboard staged in Bath, Bristol and at the Edinburgh Festival this summer.

The film features actors Angie Ward who gives birth. Her baby is played by 10 day old Maisie Amery; and the rest of her family are played by Oliver Warren (husband), and daughters Sophie and Millie Warren. The midwife is played by Phoebe Flint, Abi’s mother is played by Janie Gray, and Abi’s other boyfriend is played by Alan Phillpot.

The film was shot in the Mendips, Bristol Airport, Weston Hospital, Axbridge, Clifton and Bedminster.