Keep the faith at York Theatre Royal this week – as Northern Soul meets northern grit in John Godber’s Do I Love You?
Godber delivers another sharp, socially observant script, which is both rich with dry wit and beautifully dark subtext. It’s a tale of stalled routines, social stagnation and the desire to dream – brought to vivid life by a committed trio of performers who embody the struggles and hopes of a self-described lost generation.
Do I Love You? is at York Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 June.
The answer to their existential crisis lies at the needle drop within Frank Wilson’s ‘Do I Love You?’, a timeless floor-filler that can light a fire under even the most down-trodden souls. The play captures the intoxicating pull of music, that’s not just nostalgic but transformative.
Though the script is jam-packed with sardonic humour and dry wit, a deeper message lingers: Northern Soul is about feeling everything, even when you’ve got nowt. For Sally, Kyle and Nat, navigating their late twenties – and all the emotional baggage it entails – music becomes their new salvation.
And this music was woven through each short scene, bold transitions accompanied by subtle choreography, synchronised claps and evolving footwork, all of which teased the audience to the long-awaited boogie.
Classic soul tracks from artists including The Spinners, Archie Bell & The Drells, and The Impressions thread their way through the action, offering just enough to get the audience tapping their brogues and aching for a full spin.
The cast are comprised of Martha Godber (Sally), Emilio Encinoso-Gil (Kyle) and Chloe McDonald (Nat), all of whom handled the rapid dialogue and poignant stillness with equal skill. Whether it was Godber’s moving relationship with her granny, or Encinoso-Gil’s yearn for something more, or McDonald’s emotional uncertainty – they all offered a new perspective within the plot.
A standout moment features as we are introduced to the memorable Keith, multi-rolled with finesse by Encinoso-Gil, who is described as a ‘nice man… creepy… but nice’. His nostalgic expertise leads our trio to their new dream and destination, to escape the confines of The Floral Hall, Hornsea and take a trip to Blackpool to dance at the iconic Tower Ballroom.
The production keeps things visually simple, allowing the text to take centre stage. Minimal props and accessories enable identifiable locations – from bus stops, to hospital waiting rooms, to the memorable employment at the newly established fast-food drive through. Lighting played a crucial role in subtly shifting us through time, giving a spotlight to the more tender moments.
Whilst the script lacked some intensity, the cast more than compensates by giving great depth of sincerity and vulnerability to their portrayal. And this connection is felt by the audience, gaining audible reactions at each familiar location or local reference, appreciating each pinpoint on the map of their own life in the Northern Soul scene. You suspect they are ready to head home and hit the kitchen dancefloor by the time the lights dim.
But this play is more than just nostalgia and emphasises how freeing music can be, regardless of age or circumstance. The rhythm doesn’t judge, it just calls, you feel and it always awaits your answer.
Do I Love You? Indeed the audiences do, grab your tickets here to join the party.
Do I Love You? is at York Theatre Royal until Saturday 14 June. Tickets start from £15.