REVIEW: I’m Mom, Nate Wise, EdFringe 2026 ★★

When he was 18, writer and performer Nate Wise’s mother died of breast cancer.

The premise of I’m Mom is to use Gestalt Therapy’s empty chair technique, where a person imagines a conversation with the person they have lost and then responds to themselves, inhabiting the body and mind of their lost loved one as much as they can – a bit like an acting exercise. Unfortunately, this fascinating premise falls short in its realisation: this performance had beautifully thoughtful moments, yet needs development in its dramaturgy and its staging to achieve the emotional significance that it promises in concept. As we hear about Wise’s relationship with his mother, and the ways he felt let down by her after she didn’t tell anyone that she was dying, I’m Mom offers a brave and vulnerable performance, but needs a stronger structure and theatricality to hold it together, to more intentionally guide the audience on the emotional journey we are being taken on.

Wise is a compelling actor and handles the quick scene changes between memories of his conservatory acting training and the Empty Chair conversation with a seemingly effortless fluidity. He is able to expertly distinguish between the character of his teacher and himself, as well as between these scenes and his intimate confessions to the audience using subtle yet highly effective changes of voice and eyeline (though I would have liked to see some bolder physical choices). His performance towards the end of the play, when the conversation with his mother unfolds, is breathtaking. This is clearly a writer/performer who is being completely authentic and truthful, and this really comes across.

I wonder if this commitment to authenticity is partly what is limiting I’m Mom as a piece of theatre. The play felt like dived straight into the deep end of grief and regret from the first moment Wise stepped out onto the stage, and stayed in this quiet and heavy place for the whole hour, lacking any variety in its mood or atmosphere. Of course, this is a play about talking to the dead, about grieving, so it doesn’t have to force light-heartedness, but I suppose I was craving the chance to get to know Wise in a lower stakes way at some points, to allow me to later feel close to him as the Gestalt Therapy starts to take hold.

All in all, I’m Mom is an intriguing exploration of how we can feel connected to people who have passed away, and how, in turn, this can enable us to feel more connected to ourselves. Wise’s exploration of resentment and abandonment as he unpacks his relationship with his mother puts words to an experience so many people will relate to with sensitivity and care. There is a subtlety to this piece, from its mention of Jewish traditions to even a song at the end, which shows great potential. I would love to see Wise continue to work on I’m Mom and find ways to develop it beyond the therapeutic exercise itself.

Recommended Drink: A comforting green tea.

You can watch I’m Mom at Just The Tonic at Subway until 29th August at 16:30 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.