Join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this hilarious comedy as they develop a love for, and the people involved with, Northern Soul. What started as a College project has grown into a passion, but the dance steps are exhausting. Far beyond their home city of Hull our trio find excitement, purpose and the tribe they’ve been looking for. Now they can’t get enough; from Bridlington Spa to Stoke, from London to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom our young soulies are determined to keep the faith!
This is Northern Soul for a new generation, but with rising costs, unemployment, and small town blues, has anything really changed? Is this England 1976 or 2026? The pubs are closing, hospitality has gone, and strikes are everywhere; but when you’re out on the floor …
We sat down with Martha Godber, daughter of Olivier Award-winning playwright John Godber and acclaimed writer Jane Thornton, to learn more about the show.
Martha, it's fantastic to hear about the buzz around Do I Love You. This production delves into the heart of England’s socio-economic struggles, mirroring the challenges faced in 1976 and today. What sparked your interest in bringing this message to the stage, especially during such a pivotal time?
I think the fact that not much has changed. In the 70s, when Wigan Casino was the place to be, people would save up all week working in labouring jobs to have the release of a banging Northern Soul night on the weekend, this remains the same, its about the release and allowing your body to surrender to the music, it’s escapism and I think thats very relevant to society today. The play follow three young people working in a chicken shop, unsure what to do with their lives, they then find Northern Soul and it allows them to live for their passion of the music and the dancing.
I love how this production brings to life the nostalgia of Northern Soul dancing while also addressing contemporary issues. How do you think today’s younger audiences relate to the themes presented in the show?
I think it really highlights the lack of spaces young people have to feel like they can express themselves. A lot of the culture now is of course online and engrained in social media, I think young people will relate to the feeling of yearning for something more and trying to find meaning in everyday life.
The John Godber Company has a rich legacy, co-founded by your parents, John Godber and Jane Thornton. How has this family-run ethos influenced your approach to theatre, especially in terms of creativity and collaboration?
I definitely acknowledge that I have had privilege from growing up in a family that has been deeply rooted in the industry and I'm extremely great for that. Now we work as a family business along with my sister Elizabeth, I feel so grateful that my parents have created a legacy that my sister and I can follow and we are all so passionate about bringing stories to the stage, particularly those that come from voices that are often marginalised. I also founded the Godber Theatre Foundation in 2020 which is a
charity to help young people from Hull gateway into the industry, I think its really important that when you are in a position of privilege, to do something with it.
As you step into the role of Sally once again, can you share what this character means to you?
Oh my gosh, this character is so deeply rooted in my being now, without sounding too woo woo. I think every character you play as an actor you pour a percentage of yourself into and Sally definitely has a big percentage of Martha and I think one of the reasons is because I have such a deep love for Northern Soul and soul music in general so I genuinely really connect to it - I don’t think I could do this show if I didn’t.
I also have now played the character over the last 3 years so I’m so familiar with her. I actually even have a ‘Do I Love You’ tattoo just to highlight how special this production is to me haha!
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| Martha Godber. |
With The John Godber Company celebrating its 15th anniversary alongside your father’s 70th birthday, how does it feel to reflect on this journey and the impact of your family’s legacy in the theatre world?
It’s genuinely mind blowing. I am so so proud of my Dad and we are super close, he genuinely inspires me everyday with what he’s achieved and how much he has impacted the theatre industry, particularly for working-class creatives which I think is deeply important. It’s also so exciting that my sister and I are now writing and creating our own work and can do this with the company’s name behind it, but My
Mum and Dad have definitely left big shoes to fill!
What was the first piece of theatre you remember seeing that had a big impact on you?
I remember studying ROAD by Jim Cartwright at school and just being so excited that they were ‘normal’ characters, not speaking in grand ways or in Shakespearean tone of voice. I always struggled in English at school being dyslexic and ADHD so never took to the language of verse as much. So when I came across a play that reflected real life and the characters acted and spoke in ways I was familiar with, that was so exciting to me!
What keeps you inspired?
Definitely my family and my friends, I’m so lucky that I’m surrounded by amazing people doing amazing creative things that I can be hugely excited by and that really drives me. But seeing other theatre and film too is a huge thing for me, especially when it has incredible women behind it. It’s so hard to be a women in any industry, but especially this one, so I get inspired by other female creatives going out there and owning their shit!
What would you hope that an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
I want an audience member to leave ‘Do I Love You’ feeling elated. The play takes you on such journey that all our audiences really join us on. If they love Northern Soul they’ll love the show and if they don’t know what it is, they’ll certainly be educated. I hope they leaving playing our northern soul playlist on their journey home!
Do I Love You? plays at Wilton's Music Hall in London from 3rd to 7th March 2026. For tickets and more information visit https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/do-i-love-you/#
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