Hilarious and heartfelt: Maureen Nolan on Menopause 2 as show comes to Mullingar

You know a play is funny when the cast themselves find themselves regularly in peals of laughter – and that’s how it is for the cast of ‘Menopause the Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause’, reveals cast member, Maureen Nolan, who is, of course, also one of that still-beloved ’80s band The Nolans.

The show is coming to Mullingar Arts Centre for two nights – Friday and Saturday March 21 and 22 – and Maureen is looking forward to visiting, for while she knows the name of the town well, she has never actually been here.

‘Menopause 2’, as Maureen refers to it, is a follow-up to ‘Menopause 1’, the original Menopause the Musical: “Menopause 1 is just four menopausal women from different walks of life – soap star, housewife, earth mother, and power woman, and when it comes to what it’s about, the clue is in the title: it’s about their menopausal journey, and how they’re coping with their husbands – who don’t understand – and hot flushes, and everything that goes with the menopause. It’s an absolute scream,” says Maureen.

Menopause 2, in which Maureen’s co-stars are Carli Norris (Doctors, Hollyoaks, EastEnders), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty), and West End star Daniele Coombe, is set five years down the line, and together, they deliver a performance that is as hilarious as it is relatable: “They’ve gone on a cruise to catch up and see where they are now in their lives,” Maureen explains.

“I just think it is so funny. It’s such a great night out. We travel by bus together, the four girls – five girls, actually – and we’re loving it – there’s almost a play going on within the play.”

There is, at the same time, a certain poignancy to the production: Maureen’s sister, Linda Nolan, who died in January, was part of Menopause 1, so she remains, Maureen says, “part of a kind of ‘menopausal family’.”

The production is a mix of parodies of well-known songs from the 1970s and 1980s in which the lyrics have been changed; scenes featuring dialogue and interaction between the characters and also some funny, but at the same time, thought-provoking monologues.

“We always have scores of women holding hands, and friendship, and the camaraderie in the audience is amazing – and on stage too actually, because I think women often think: ‘Oh, thank God we’re not alone!’ And so, some of the women on stage as well are menopausal, so we have a great understanding.”

Men who attend get a lot out of the show: “They absolutely howl, because, of course, men are living with the menopause as well, aren’t they? Menopausal mothers, and sisters, and wives. They howl. And we get a lot of women after shows saying: ‘Oh, I wish my husband could see this. I think he’d understand a bit better.

“It’s about time we stopped ignoring the menopause and pooh-poohing it. It’s part of a woman’s life, isn’t it? It can be traumatic.”

Menopause the Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause is more than just a stage production; it’s a celebration of women facing life’s challenges together with humour and grace. For audiences, it’s a chance to laugh, reflect, and find solidarity in shared experiences.

With an age advisory of 16+, Menopause the Musical 2 is a heartfelt tribute to the trials and triumphs of middle age, promising an unforgettable evening for all who attend. The musical’s relatable humour and touching moments resonate deeply, ensuring that it remains a cherished experience for audiences everywhere.

Fans are encouraged to follow the production on Facebook at ‘Menopause The Musical UK Tour’ for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and ticket information. Social media provides a platform for audiences to engage with the cast and share their own experiences, further enriching the connection between the performers and their fans. This sense of interaction adds another layer of meaning to the production, making it a shared journey for all involved.

This current tour kicked off in Scotland on Friday February 14, and travels to venues across Ireland and the UK before concluding in Brighton on Sunday 1 June.

• Menopause the Musical – Cruising Through The Menopause, at Mullingar Arts Centre, Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22. Book tickets via the Arts Centre – mullingarartscentre.ie, or by calling the arts centre box office, on 044 934 7777