That’s why Mums Go to Switzerland is written and performed by Bonnie Oddie, who is a charming and honest narrator. Life with two teenage daughters, a partner, and a mother whose a force to be reckoned with and an incredibly strong willed character.

Under one roof live three generations of incredibly “pissed off” women dealing with puberty, hormones, menopause,  a few secrets and a trip to dignitas on the horizon.

The stage is set amongst the family washing line. Each member of the family is represented by clothes items. As Bonnie introduces each character, their item or items are hung up and the same in reverse when they are removed from the storyline. It’s subtle and never explained whose items are who it’s all visual. However, it is extremely effective and personal to each of the characters. There’s nothing more personal than our clothing.

Bonnie gives an incredible performance. She has a warm and magnetic stage presence. She narrates the storyline from the heart and is based on her real-life experience. With the recent death of her father, Bill Oddie, I was incredibly moved by how she held everything together with timed precision and delivered a powerful insight into what happens to the family during and after their loved ones have decided to take the dignitas route.

Why Mums Go to Switzerland is a very profound and honest piece of new writing. It doesn’t hold back in opening up about the complex and difficult relationships. Which push families to breaking point at times. Along with the matter-of-fact realities surrounding feelings and legality with assisted dying, it’s not as straightforward as it is reported to be.

This is one example of why the Edinburgh Fringe is an incredible experience every year. There are gems hidden amongst the thousands of shows where you learn and hear about courageous people who make life changing decisions for many different reasons. Unless you are their situation, you don’t know how you would respond.

When this play goes on tour, I can highly recommend catching it if it’s at a theatre near you. Take some tissues as it is incredibly moving and may evoke emotions that will catch you off guard.

For more information about That’s Why Mums Go to Switzerland and other productions across Edinburgh Fringe, please use the link below.

Five Stars.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/that-s-why-mums-go-to-switzerland