Mama G Brings Magic to Maesteg

I often browse the ‘What’s On’ section of the xAwen website and came across Mama G and The Magic Bookmark while browsing. It was then I realised that we were able to get tickets through our membership with the local charity Special Families Maesteg. We enjoy going to events with a group of like-minded families and were thrilled knowing there would be other diverse families like us at the show. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the differing needs of neurodiverse and disabled children, though we would have booked to see the show anyway.

I hadn’t heard of Mama G before this, but we enjoy panto-style shows, and I knew the kids would enjoy it, as her videos online were aimed at the age range of my family. As soon as we arrived, I knew we were going to enjoy it. The staff and volunteers were so happy and helpful, and really got stuck in with the show, joining in and speaking to each and every family attending, making sure we were comfortable and asking if we needed anything. 

Not only was Mama G herself entertaining, but seeing the team join in really made me smile. Mama G’s show gave such an important message to children: ‘It’s okay to be yourself and feel big feelings and emotions’. It was a story about acceptance and self-awareness and not letting the negative opinions of others deter you from being you and living your best, colourful life. 

I’m so incredibly glad this show was able to be shown in the Maesteg community because it’s such an important message for a town that doesn’t have a lot of opportunities for such diverse shows, especially until the town hall reopened. 

People need to know and feel it’s important to be themselves, especially in such a small community where, sadly, not all views are welcomed, and some families, like ours, aren’t accepted—be it for disability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, or gender identity. I want my children to grow up in a community where they know it’s safe to attend the library or a show in Y Bocs Oren, or just be in the town hall and know that someone will be able to help them if needed or will accept them, no matter what. Mama G wore a dress that perfectly captured our feelings: ‘Drag has always had a place in children’s entertainment,’ and it has. I believe it should, and not having a diverse range of shows, films, readings, and opportunities would be detrimental to those in Maesteg who already struggle with identity and acceptance. We wouldn’t hesitate to book a similar family show in the town hall in the future.

We left excited and happy, my eldest son especially, as he has been finding things difficult being autistic and moving to comprehensive school, being made fun of, and his needs not being met. He was able to be loud, join in, and be accepted, leaving shouting ‘I am awesome,’ just as Mama G said. The impact on his mood since has improved greatly, and that’s thanks to someone aside from us showing him it really is okay to be yourself. We can’t thank Mama G and the town hall enough for this.

We have since booked more events at the town hall, both for us as a family and just for the adults, and my mother has enquired about becoming a volunteer for special events due to our positive experience.