Be My Baby

by Amanda Whittington

Set in a Mother and Baby Home in 1964 in the north of England, Be My Baby follows the fortunes of Mary Adams, aged 19, unmarried and seven months pregnant. Forcibly sent there by a mother intent on keeping up appearances, Mary - along with the other girls in the home - has to cope both with the shame and with the dawning realisation the she will have to give the baby up for adoption whether she likes it or not. Despite this - and an overbearing matron - the girls' youthful effervescence will keep breaking through, as they sing along to the girl-group songs of the period.

Genres: Plays, Theatre, School

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ai-sha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hidden away in a mother and baby home in northern England in the 60s, a group of pregnant teenagers await the day they can return to regular life. In this cocoon time, they wrestle with the big dreams of futures that cannot coexist, of motherhood and social security, and are moved by that instinctual habit girls have to befriend, tell stories, nurture, and sing pop songs with each other. In brief sharp strokes, Whittington sketches a quiet tragedy about girls failed by poor education and sexual inequality. The characters surrounding these girls, who could easily be the villains with a slap of easy dialogue, are irrefutably motivated by care and compassion. And without the casual cruelty of mothers and matrons, the spotlight falls full force on the systemic injustice.

[maddie oconnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

the ending was so sad- nothing was happy.

[Daisy Leather · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional and heart-wrenching play!

[Jennpower · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read this script for grade 8 drama. I played Matron in one scene. Unlike most scripts, which are more interesting to be seen and not read, I don't get that impression from this one at all. I've read it several times, and I don't feel that I'm missing anything by not watching it being performed.

The subject matter of pregnancy is heavy in the book, but keeping in mind with the time period, it doesn't get too out-there (like Spring Awakening does.)

So why is this book only getting three stars from me and not four or five? Probably because the act of having to perform and read it in school took the enjoyment of it out for me. It would be interesting to see it turned into a movie.

[Jessica Ogram · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s so nice to reread this play after so many years. I played Mary for my GCSE drama piece so this play has a special place in my heart. An enjoyable and emotional quick read. Feels very real and gives good insight to a situation I’m sure a few people can relate to. Great writing. Highly recommend giving this a read or even as a play to study/act in.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this with a play reading group I am involved in. It was a decent read, not typically something I would pick out for my myself.

[daisy patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

good.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me laugh, the ending made me sob. Amazing!

[leilani ! · Rating 3 out of 5]

drama class makes me read the wackiest books lmao

this was a 60 page tumble of characters which were meant to come off as complex but honestly it was about ditsy girls who didnt understand their situation + a couple pages including the song as well.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a playlet and is only 60 odd pages long.
I would have liked to actual have seen this on the stage.. I could see that it would have been brilliant as a play.
The subject matter is hard hitting but very true to the period.

[Jade Elouise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This play is funny and heart warming but has its deeply sad bits too. The characters are great (especially queenie and dol) because they all have charisma and are all unique. Gives you a behind the scenes look at what it was like to be single and pregnant in a time where it was frowned on...and that's only the script. :) love it, would be a great film x

[Elise Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly involve with the story, I am currently studying this for A level drama and am playing Queenie who is a funny, slightly mean but with good intentions character! Couldn't of asked for a better role love everything about this and would recommend to any with an all female group!

Makes you really think of being a female within the 60s with a secret, such a strong recommendation

[Shaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I played Mrs Adams and Queenie in our GCSE drama group's production of this play. Be My Baby is a funny and poignant play about life in a mother and baby home in the North of England in 1964. A well-written play for an all female cast.

[Grace 🎻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant play! I'm doing it for my final piece in drama. It is so versatile and gives a naturalistic representation of pregnant teenagers in the 1960's. I love it!