A Reunion to remember, a past to forget.
Liz Tait Productions is delighted to be bringing their heart-warming production of 'Who Do They Think They Are?' to Greenwich Theatre. The Monday Night Dance Club Reunion is off to a rocky start with a poor turnout. Ex-cruise ship dancer Pippa arrives, ready to show off her Spice Girls dance routine. Marion's rose-tinted memories of her college days are somewhat questionable. Can squabbling sisters, Kim and Sarah, be united by a family scandal? What begins as a joyful reunion, spirals into an honest reckoning with the past. This heartening, upbeat one-act play is a celebration of life's lessons - coming to terms with ageing, bereavement, grand-parenting and....whatever comes next! This joyful show celebrates too often invisible, middle-aged women and the benefits of dance in promoting a good quality of life, improved fitness and self-image.
A five-star triumph’ Latest TV ‘This is a show that will resonate with anyone who’s ever tried to figure out where they belong, or who’s found strength in friendship when family ties fray’ Latest TV ‘….funny, heart-warming and bold – a great reminder that friendship never goes out of style!’ LatestTV ‘Liz Tait Productions is a small powerhouse delivering warm, deftly-tailored dramas’ View from the Gods ‘Liz Tait’s writing might be compared favourably to Tim Firth’s Calendar Girls and Sheila’s Island’ View from the Gods.
We spoke with Liz Tait to learn more about the play.
It's essentially a love letter to the power of friendship, dance and the resilience of women.
I would describe it as a hilarious, heartfelt celebration of women and the power of friendship.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the show?
I was inspired to write this play after attending a hen party some years ago.
Part of the 'fun' was to learn a dance routine to Britney Spears' song "Baby One More Time". We did the routine way more than 'one more time' - I think it was more like 50, but it was an experience I've never forgotten! Not been a massive fan of Britney since, but it gave me a great idea for a play.....
How have you approached blending the topics and themes within the show?
I have approached the blending by concentrating on the similarities of the energy and friendship of both the characters in the play and the Spice Girls. The women in the play mirror how the Spice Girls presented themselves: loud and fun on the surface, but grounded in very real emotional stakes underneath.
The unifying thread is collective empowerment. The play keeps returning to the idea that strength isn’t just individual—it’s amplified in community, which is also the heartbeat of the Spice Girls spirit.
Can you tell us about the cast and how they'll embody the roles?
I'm incredibly lucky to have four brilliant and lovely actresses who bring so much fun, experience and enthusiasm to the show. They each take on a Spice Girls persona: Kate Peltzer Dunn ('Sporty'), Sophie Dearlove ('Scary'), Sally Best ('Ginger') and Helen Rogers ('Posh'). They all hail from Brighton in East Sussex. Sally and Helen were both in Liz Tait Productions' first play which toured in 2024 entitled 'A Different Song'.
Your previous works have received great acknowledgement as well. How do you reflect on your journey so far?
I reflect on my journey so far with a mix of pride in my bravery in producing my own work and joy at witnessing an audience laughing and taking pleasure from something I've written and brought to life. This is incredibly fulfilling and makes some of the struggles and sometime loneliness of the playwriting process worthwhile.
What keeps you inspired?
I am getting so much enjoyment from continuing to work with the women in my play for the new tour. We have had so much fun rehearsing it, which inspires me to continue writing work centring on women's experiences, putting too often invisible, middle-aged women squarely in the spotlight.
Inspiration for future work can come from the strangest of places - I have recently started working on an idea for a new play inspired by a conversation I heard between two volunteers in a charity shop. Absolute gold!
What would you hope an audience member takes away from seeing Who Do They Think They Are?
In 80 minutes the audience gets to laugh, tap their toes and then suddenly feel, whilst also immersing themselves in the nostalgia of the Spice Girls music.
In a world that can feel disconnected, I urge people to come and find some colour, joy and fun in Who Do They Think They Are? I'm sure they won't regret it.
Post a Comment