[Ad-gifted] Northern Soul hit the stage in last night’s performance of Do I Love You? by the recognisable playwright John Godber at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
Northern Soul is pretty deep routed here in Stoke-on-Trent and you could certainly tell from how New Vic was full to the rafters. Not only was it the pull of the topic of this simple yet effective play that featured in the round at New Vic, it was also the playwright John Godber from John Godber Company, who is widely known for his play Bouncers which was described as a social phenomena rather than a play. Its success is widely recognised and has been touring since the 1970s. So it’s possible that Do I Love You? could have the same impact as Bouncers.
Keep reading to find out what I thought.
What I thought of the Do I Love You?
Last night’s play was an immersive story where you were taken through the love of Northern Soul through the eyes of three young adults from Hull. The play only had three main characters Sally played by Martha Godber, Natalie played by Chloe Macdonald and Kyle played by Emilio Encinoso-Gil.
We saw quality acting, with each performer creating such depth to the characters being portrayed that you could feel their plight being from the working class areas of Hull, their struggles with employment regardless of their qualifications and lastly their collective passion for Northern Soul.
Although the play touches on some gritty topics it’s dotted with light hearted comedic moments that had the audience giggling.
This captivating play worked well even with the small trio of actors. There were minimal sets and costumes remained the same throughout but the stories were described and narrated that you could fill in the visuals with your imagination.
My only criticism is I felt that the audience were waiting for more music and dancing from the cast. The snippets of sound were short and the dance scenes were quick, however, they were well executed and captured the style of dancing iconic to Northern Soul.
Not being knowledgeable of this era of music I could still feel the passion that has been generated from back in the 70s and how it continues to captivate audiences now.
Cast
Emilio Encinoso-Gil Kyle
Martha Godber Sally
Chloe Mcdonald Natalie
How much do the tickets to Do I Love You? cost?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £22 to £30.50.
Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Four Friends for £92
Under 16s Go Free
Under 26s Go Free
How do I book tickets to watch Do I Love You?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here. Age guidance : 14+ (This performance contains some strong language). Approx. running time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including interval).
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
Do I Love You? will run until Saturday, 3 February 2024 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The New Vic has an on-site car park at the theatre (a charge of £2.00 applies from 6.00pm) payable by card payment. Blue Badge holders can arrange to reserve a space in our car park, free of charge. Simply call our Box Office on 01782 717962 if you would like to book a space. Spaces are limited.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals. Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
About Arts Council England
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. By 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help deliver this vision.
About the John Godber Company
The John Godber Company was established in 2011 with the purpose of allowing the playwright John Godber to continue expressing himself through the dramatic form.
John and his playwright/director/actor wife, Jane Thornton, decided to create their own company in order to keep control of their work.
The John Godber Company, which has a base in East Yorkshire, often produces national tours out of Theatre Royal Wakefield, and partner-productions at Hull New Theatre and East Riding Theatre amongst others.
The John Godber Company believes in putting the artist at the centre of the theatrical creative process.
Keeping you safe
To help you enjoy your visit, the New Vic has put measures in place to help all visitors feel as comfortable as possible:
- Please feel free to wear a face covering while at the New Vic, when walking around the venue and during the performance.
- They ask all guests to be mindful of fellow audience members when at the theatre, who may prefer to continue to keep a distance from other theatregoers while in their spaces.
- They have hand sanitiser stations positioned around the theatre, free to use by all. They are maintaining their high levels of cleanliness throughout the building, ensuring all spaces and contact surfaces are regularly sanitised.
Feeling unwell? If you, or a member of your party, are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 prior to your visit, they politely ask you do not attend the theatre. If this is the case, please speak to a member of their box office team who will be able to talk you through options to exchange your tickets.
Review by: Lex Ward
You may also want to read this:
Review: Happy Jack by John Godber Company at The New Vic Theatre
Review: Sunny Side Up at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Review: Eric’s Italian Job at the New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Ian Hodgson
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
26 comments
Sounds like it was a great show to watch, cool they only have three main characters so that you could get a better glimpse of their acting skills.
Yes it was a lovely night out
This sounds like a wonderful play. I’ve always loved stories like this that touch on heavy topics but manage to keep some humor. It’s a great interplay between emotions.
Yes indeed Beth, one worth watching
I love that they injected humor into a heavier play like this. I’ve found in my life that even the heaviest topics often have humors moments in them.
I agree, we need to add more humour into whatever we do
I love comedy plays and this is one of my favorite. It follows the lives of three young people from Hull who develop a passion for Northern Soul music and dance. The play explores themes such as identity, belonging, nostalgia, and social change. It also features many classic Northern Soul songs and dance moves. I watched the premiere last year at the Hull Truck Theatre sometime November 2023 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences.
So glad to hear that Albert, it is a great production
It lovey that the story was heartfelt but also had a few comedy moments alongside, with a bit of music and dancing. I do love your reviews as it gives me such an insight into plays I would normally not look at
Thank you so much for your lovely comments Samantha
I’m sure this “Do I Love You?” is a wonderful play. I want to watch this live, I love watching plays.
So glad to hear Marie, hope you did get a chance to see this live
Any time you can make people laugh is a good thing! Great review – I bet the show was great!
I agree, we all need some sort of escapism to get away from our hectic life and laugh all night
Enjoyed reading your insights and thoughts on this captivating play! Thank you for the share
You are welcome Sue
I like that it’s poignant but in an interesting and entertaining way. Sounds like you really enjoyed the show and looks very lively!
I did thank you, cast were talented and great show indeed
I feel like I know nothing about the 70s, and this sounds like a very interesting and captivating performance.
It was indeed, we had a great evening out
Now this is something I’d love to witness. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Vic Theatre. I’d love to visit sometime!!
So glad to hear that, it is such a good theatre
Do I Love You?” Looks like a great play. I have heard a lot about this from my friends too. I would love to go and watch this play too.
I hope you get the chance Khush
I haven’t been to a play in a long time. This sounds wonderful and very entertaining. Great show to check out!
Yes I had an entertaining night