She used to have dreams, now she has a baby. A sad, aging sack full of milk and regret.
Madonna on the Rocks is a visceral, beautiful, hilarious call to arms. A neon-lit menty-b at the Stay and Play. It’s about egos, responsibilities and the struggle to be an artist, or to have any career at all really, and be a relatively decent parent at the same time. With songs inspired by Madonna, Peaches and Nina Simone.
Written and performed by Marie Hamilton, composed in Berlin by Cameron Mackintosh Award winner Ben Osborn, directed by Stephanie Kempson with dramaturgy from Hildegard Ryan and Bryony Kimmings.
Brighton Fringe Award Nominated, Top 10 Shows Of The Edinburgh Fringe 2025 (Fergus Morgan The Crushbar, The Scotsman, The Stage)
“A striking image of motherhood as icon… personal and fresh, raw yet funny”★★★★The List
“An excellent show. Bracingly honest, profound and vitally important”★★★★The Stage
“This show is a gem. Refreshing, clever, and deeply human. Don’t miss it.”★★★★Richard’s Theatre Reviews
“Funny, sad and super relatable. A true reflection of motherhood.”★★★★Little Local Edinburgh
“Spectacular… a glittering, neon stage transforms the drudgery of domesticity into the glamour of showbiz. Self-aware without ever being too knowing… a triumph.”★★★★★Ed Fringe Reviews
“Fiercely honest… Emotionally charged and deeply resonant. I left the theatre shaken—in the best way.”One4Review
“Unhinged and uplifting… stunning. Hamilton lets us in on motherhood’s darker moments, spiralling into overwhelm and isolation before finding glimmers of joy amongst the chaos. The finale had the mother of a teenager beside me weeping in solidarity. ”Fest Magazine
Instagram handle: @marierhymeswithgary
Show website: mariehamilton.com
Cast and Creative Team
Written and performed by Marie Hamilton
With music by Ben Osborn, Marie Hamilton and Madeline Shann
Director On Tour – Georgia Murphy
Composer and Sound Designer – Ben Osborn
Lighting Design – Joe Price
TSM/ Stage Manager – Gemma Smith
Edinburgh Director – Stephanie Kempson
Original Development Director – Hildgard Ryan
With dramaturgy from Bryony Kimmings, Stephen Hudson, Madeline Shann, Alice Morgan Richards and Christian Loveless
Vocal Director – Becca Barrett
Movement Director – Lucy Alderman
Age Guidance: 14+ years Running Time: 70 minutes no interval Language of performance: English Content guidance: swearing, adult themes, discussion of postpartum depression Access Needs: Please contact us to book if you have any access needs that will require suitable seating or if you need a designated wheelchair space.
Madonna on the Rocks
Buy Tickets - £12.50 | £8.50
She used to have dreams, now she has a baby. A sad, aging sack full of milk and regret.
Madonna on the Rocks is a visceral, beautiful, hilarious call to arms. A neon-lit menty-b at the Stay and Play. It’s about egos, responsibilities and the struggle to be an artist, or to have any career at all really, and be a relatively decent parent at the same time. With songs inspired by Madonna, Peaches and Nina Simone.
Written and performed by Marie Hamilton, composed in Berlin by Cameron Mackintosh Award winner Ben Osborn, directed by Stephanie Kempson with dramaturgy from Hildegard Ryan and Bryony Kimmings.
Brighton Fringe Award Nominated, Top 10 Shows Of The Edinburgh Fringe 2025 (Fergus Morgan The Crushbar, The Scotsman, The Stage)
“A striking image of motherhood as icon… personal and fresh, raw yet funny”★★★★The List
“An excellent show. Bracingly honest, profound and vitally important”★★★★The Stage
“This show is a gem. Refreshing, clever, and deeply human. Don’t miss it.”★★★★Richard’s Theatre Reviews
“Funny, sad and super relatable. A true reflection of motherhood.”★★★★Little Local Edinburgh
“Spectacular… a glittering, neon stage transforms the drudgery of domesticity into the glamour of showbiz. Self-aware without ever being too knowing… a triumph.”★★★★★Ed Fringe Reviews
“Fiercely honest… Emotionally charged and deeply resonant. I left the theatre shaken—in the best way.”One4Review
“Unhinged and uplifting… stunning. Hamilton lets us in on motherhood’s darker moments, spiralling into overwhelm and isolation before finding glimmers of joy amongst the chaos. The finale had the mother of a teenager beside me weeping in solidarity. ”Fest Magazine
Instagram handle: @marierhymeswithgary
Show website: mariehamilton.com
Cast and Creative Team
Written and performed by Marie Hamilton
With music by Ben Osborn, Marie Hamilton and Madeline Shann
Director On Tour – Georgia Murphy
Composer and Sound Designer – Ben Osborn
Lighting Design – Joe Price
TSM/ Stage Manager – Gemma Smith
Edinburgh Director – Stephanie Kempson
Original Development Director – Hildgard Ryan
With dramaturgy from Bryony Kimmings, Stephen Hudson, Madeline Shann, Alice Morgan Richards and Christian Loveless
Vocal Director – Becca Barrett
Movement Director – Lucy Alderman
Age Guidance: 14+ years
Running Time: 70 minutes no interval
Language of performance: English
Content guidance: swearing, adult themes, discussion of postpartum depression
Access Needs: Please contact us to book if you have any access needs that will require suitable seating or if you need a designated wheelchair space.
Visit: aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
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