My First And Last Solo Show

My First and Last Solo Show was meant to be Natalie’s first time creating work alone, created as a gift for Nat’s daughter Mabelle. But as most parents of theatre kids would understand, it wasn’t long before Mabelle busted in – so now it’s their show.  

My First and Last Solo Show dives into a story of three generations – Natalie, Mabelle and Nat’s mum Cheryl – uncovering the joy, frustration, and unconditional love that develops between mothers and daughters.  

It’s a deeply funny and revealing personal journey examining family dysfunction and looking at how your own life experiences directly (or indirectly) affect how you parent. It finds vulnerability in the mundane, beauty in the boring, and many moments to laugh out loud while exploring memory, love and loss.  

Created and performed by Natalie Rose – a Western Sydney artist, mother and one-third of performance collective POST – with contributions from peers who are also mothers, or parents: Clare Britton, Clare Grant, Emma Saunders, Jodee Mundy and James Brown. And most importantly, the work was co-devised with Nat’s daughter, Mabelle Rose.  

My First and Last Solo Show will premiere at Campbelltown Arts Centre September 17-19, and will be available for national touring from 2027.

From the Artist:

“When Mabelle turned 12, I realised how young I was when major events in my own childhood began,” says Rose. “I wanted to create something extraordinary for her”.

Their collaboration is central to the work. “Working with Mabelle has been incredibly beautiful and so much fun. We love being silly together, challenging each other and making things together. Watching her grow through this process has been remarkable.”

At its heart, My First and Last Solo Show is a celebration of the everyday moments that connect us.

“I think this show is for anyone who has a mum, is a mum, or has ever loved someone deeply,” says Rose. “Sometimes the moments we remember most aren’t the big ones. They might just be a trip through the drive-thru together. And that’s kind of beautiful.”