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Mary Brown at the School Gates
"A warm, witty comedy: it's Motherland meets Bridget Jones."
Mary Brown at the School Gates is for every parent who’s ever felt underdressed, overwhelmed, or one wet wipe short of a nervous breakdown.
When Mary Brown’s twins start school, she’s thrust into a world she’s spent years avoiding: the school gates. Suddenly, her days are filled with competitive baking, WhatsApp warfare, and mothers who look like they’ve walked out of a Boden catalogue. There are shield-making competitions (with cereal boxes), lactose intolerance politics, playdates that end in tears, hummus, and glitter—lots of glitter.
And then there’s Ben, the suspiciously perfect stay-at-home dad with a camera, a smile, and just possibly… a secret. What’s he doing there? Where’s the wife he keeps talking about? Mary decides to investigate…
Navigating friendships, rivalries, and the art of showing up without her child’s PE kit (again), Mary must find her voice—and fast. Because behind the cupcakes and chaos lies a community to which she might just belong.
Join Mary in the top playground at The Kervin Primary School and meet:
"A warm, witty comedy: it's Motherland meets Bridget Jones."
Mary Brown at the School Gates is for every parent who’s ever felt underdressed, overwhelmed, or one wet wipe short of a nervous breakdown.
When Mary Brown’s twins start school, she’s thrust into a world she’s spent years avoiding: the school gates. Suddenly, her days are filled with competitive baking, WhatsApp warfare, and mothers who look like they’ve walked out of a Boden catalogue. There are shield-making competitions (with cereal boxes), lactose intolerance politics, playdates that end in tears, hummus, and glitter—lots of glitter.
And then there’s Ben, the suspiciously perfect stay-at-home dad with a camera, a smile, and just possibly… a secret. What’s he doing there? Where’s the wife he keeps talking about? Mary decides to investigate…
Navigating friendships, rivalries, and the art of showing up without her child’s PE kit (again), Mary must find her voice—and fast. Because behind the cupcakes and chaos lies a community to which she might just belong.
Join Mary in the top playground at The Kervin Primary School and meet:
- Felicity, the glam mum whose daughter speaks Mandarin and judges your snacks.
Shanice, who’ll tell you about her ex, her rash, and her emotional dreams before you’ve said ‘morning.’
Sophie, late for everything, baffled by everything, lovely despite everything.
Tracy, PTA queen with a clipboard and the power to destroy you via tombola.
Carmella, who won’t let her child near dairy, plastic, or sarcasm.
Julie, who may or may not be a real person.
And the teachers: Mr Tully (overwhelmed), Ms Harris (watchful), and Mrs Dee, the school receptionist who already knows your secrets.
But at the end of the day, all Mary wants is to get through pick-up without anyone crying (including her).
Funny, warm and painfully relatable, Mary Brown at the School Gates is a joyful ode to the chaos of modern parenting—and the quiet triumph of showing up with both shoes on the right feet.
Genre: Mystery
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