The remarkable life story of Thalidomide survivor Gary Skyner has been turned into a stage play.
Gary, from Toxteth, was one of the first British born people to be affected by the Thalidomide medical disaster of the 1950s and 60s. Thalidomide was a medication given to women to treat morning sickness, that resulted in thousands of children across the world being born with disabilities; many dying soon after birth or early in life.
'Mother's Ruin' is an emotional and moving account of the highs and lows, determination and struggles of Gary and his mum, Frances. Gary, now aged 62, was told he would be lucky to live until he was 30.
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Written by Steve Bird and directed by Michelle Parker, the play charts the mum and son's battle against a multi million pound company and the government to accept responsibility.
Gary told the ECHO : "Steve contacted me nearly four years ago with the view of writing an in-depth play about my life, a disabled kid growing up in Toxteth. The play, attempted before, and in reading my autobiography and a number of interviews, Steve identified hidden tragedies, broken love stories and silent victims.
"My sister Karen did not appear in the first play, and Steve identified, she was also a victim of this terrible man-made tragedy. The forgotten sibling and I was really the other man in my mum's life, as she ploughed all her love and attention into me".
Steve said: “This is the remarkable story of Gary, Liverpool comedian. A difficult and emotional story to tell, but made easier because of his comedic background. Sitting and talking about his life, I was taken by his strong will and tenacity.
"We shared stories about growing up in the sixties in some of the toughest districts of Liverpool. I did it able bodied, Gary had to cope with other challenges. What struck me regarding the whole journey was the massive role Gary’s mum (Frances) played in his life.
"She wouldn’t give in; fighting medical authorities who wanted to put her child into care, pushing him through mainstream education against all the advice, or fighting governments and pharmaceutical giants. A love story that begins in 1959 and the birth of Gary on November the fifth, that year".
Mary Savage, who plays Frances said: "It's an honour to help to tell Gary’s story through his mother’s eyes. The play captures her incredible strength, grit and determination.
"We experience her battles which Gary continues today. The whole rehearsal process has been brilliant”.
Director Michelle Parker said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be invited to work with a well thought out team on ‘Mothers Ruin’ to help create a play that challenges the culture of the past, and celebrates life and achievement. We've established a fantastic cast and technical manager in Norman Woods, to do justice to Steve's reflection of Gary’s life".
Gary concluded: "This play is a masterpiece and misses none of the facts that makes it such a rollercoaster ride for its audience. I cannot thank Steve enough for his long arduous hours of research and attention to detail writing a truly inspirational masterpiece that cannot, and should not be missed."
Mother's Ruin comes to Hope Street Theatre May 12 to 14. For ticket information and to book visit: www.hopestreettheatre.com
