GUSH
By Jess Brodie
Traverse Theatre
April 2026
After a lifetime of putting others first, a woman on the brink of motherhood takes her destiny into her own hands.
Ally’s ready to be a mum. She’s done the antenatal classes, cleaned up her diet, and even forgone her beloved tea to avoid the caffeine. So why does something inside her still feel off?
In the final days of pregnancy, Ally is determined to take control of her life while it’s still hers. As she steps into the unknown, she’s forced to confront who she truly is, and what she might lose – or find – when the baby arrives.
Exploring self-identity, sexuality and the tension between compromise and sacrifice, GUSH considers what it means to discover what we want and dare to ask for it.
Performer Jessica Hardwick
Director Becky Hope-Palmer
Set and Costume design Becky Minto
Lighting Design Renny Robertson
Sound Design Niroshini Thambar
Production Manager Kevin Robertson
Stage Manager Lee Davis
Photos Mihaela Bodlivic
★★★★ 'A daring exploration of identity and motherhood' - The Herald
★★★★ 'Raises provocative questions around desire and parenthood' - The Stage
★★★★ 'Elegant and intelligent' - North West End
★★★★ 'A blisteringly strong performance from Jessica Hardwick' - Corr Blimey
★★★★ 'Keeps us spellbound from beginning to end' - UK Theatre Network
★★★★ 'Pacey and witty' - Beyond The Curtain
★★★★ 'Beautifully crafted' - A Youngish Perspective
★★★ ‘Jessica Hardwick is superb ... GUSH is worth seeing for her performance alone.’ – The Guardian
★★★ ‘Excellently performed...a skilful piece of writing’ – All Edinburgh Theatre