Milanka Brooks talks Ed Fringe play ‘Mum and I Don’t Talk Anymore’: “If my Mum were to ever see this, I’m certain she’d shout at me!”

Known for her television work in recent hits such as Black Mirror or The Windsors, Milanka Brooks makes her writing debut through this one-woman show exploring some of the most personal themes in her life. Guillermo Nazara chats with the actress and author, to learn all the fun facts about this new piece where mum is literally the word.

How does it feel to be making your Edinburgh Fringe debut with your own one-woman show?

I don’t know if I’ve felt this many emotions in one go. Every day is a sheer privilege to be here and be meeting so many interesting people and seeing so many incredible shows. Most of all having this rare opportunity to introduce my Mum to so many different audiences, who have never met her and who get to experience Lela with all her panache and flair. I am so grateful I have the chance to do that.

What prompted you to write a show about your own relationship with your mother?

I had been writing about my Mum for years. Her flamboyance and verve were so unique (along with her thick Eastern European accent) that I couldn’t resist the urge to put pen to paper and ensure others experienced some of the brilliance I did. She couldn’t be left unseen. There was a point in our relationship where we weren’t able to speak anymore, and it happened very suddenly. The shock of that, and the unfinished nature of our adventures led me to write this live version. It felt much more fitting to create a stage show first.

How challenging does it get when you’re turning your own reality into a comedy monologue?

It’s scary. Honestly. You spend half the time you’re writing thinking what the hell am I doing, asking audiences to take an interest in our story? And then through sheer madness (and stubbornness) you write it anyway and think you must be absolutely nuts in doing so. Then once you have no idea what you’re doing anymore and what you think of it, you then present it to your first audience and you begin to realise that your story isn’t just yours, it resonates with so many people. Everyone has or has had a mum, or a parent that they have or have had colourful memories with. Some have thick accents too! The universality of it becomes so wonderful that you forget which parts felt challenging in the first place.

Have you taken any artistic licenses when creating the stage version of your life?

It might feel like I have, but honestly no, I haven’t. I mean, if my Mum were to ever see this, I’m certain she’d shout at me and tell me that she ‘didn’t say it dat way!’ So, if artistic license means I get to tell my story through my lens, and give as accurate an account of hers, again from my perspective, then yes the whole thing is artistic license! A ‘Lela license’ I might call it.

Besides the humour, are there any themes or values you’re trying to explore through this piece?

We always tell people when we’re talking about the show that it’s a funny and, in parts touching, character show about me and my Serbian Mum. Inasmuch as there was a lot of humour in my relationship with my Mum, especially to her sometimes lost-in-translation-responses to things, there was also a lot of suffering, on all our parts. These are parts of the realities of life, and I touch on some of those. Mainly through a comedy lens, but occasionally I want the audience to feel their direct affects. I didn’t want to shy away from telling as truthful a story as I could.

What are the plans with this show after Edinburgh?

I am working on some ideas for TV and film adaptations. I feel I’m ready to approach that medium now as a writer. I know those worlds well as an actress, but this is a different skillset, and I am ready to take it on. I am also very open to putting my stage show on in other theatres and festivals. It’s my mission, as I’m sure you can tell, to have as many people meet my Mum, Lela, as possible!

Why come see Mum and I Don’t Talk Anymore?

It’s my truth. It’s a journey through the waves of heartache too. You will definitely leave feeling like you now know Lela! If you like you also get a shot of Mum’s favourite Balkan plum brandy when you come in too. It’s called Šljivovica and I’m very fortunate to be sponsored by a premium brand for my show, called Maraska. It’s quite the experience!

Mum and I Don’t Talk Anymore plays at the Edinburgh Fringe until 25 August. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara