Do I Love You?, John Godber Company Review
Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The unmistakable rhythm of Northern Soul was pulsing through the Gala Durham this week, as John Godber’s Do I Love You? makes a triumphant return with its 2025 tour — and if the opening night audience was anything to go by, it’s lost none of its magic. Packed with heart, humour, and heaving with energy, this sharp, socially aware comedy dances its way through both generations and genres, inviting a new wave of soulies to join the faithful on the dancefloor.
The play centres on three twenty-somethings – Sally, Nat, and Kyle – who stumble into the world of Northern Soul while working on a college project. What begins as an assignment soon becomes an obsession. As they learn the dance moves, dig into the music, and tour the country in search of the scene’s remaining hotspots, they discover a new sense of belonging, identity, and meaning – far beyond anything they’ve known in their home city of Hull.
Godber, best known for Bouncers and other gritty-yet-comedic takes on working-class life, does what he does best here: he blends razor-sharp wit with heartfelt social commentary. The trio’s journey is not just physical but emotional, as they grapple with modern Britain’s disillusionment — rising living costs, unemployment, dwindling public services, and a pervasive sense of being stuck. Is this England 1975 or 2025? As Godber asks, “Has anything really changed?”
The cast of Do I Love You? delivers punchy, fast-paced performances, juggling multiple roles with impressive versatility. Sally (Martha Godber) is the group’s moral compass – fiery, principled, and politically charged. Nat (Chloe McDonald) brings sharp humour and wide-eyed enthusiasm, while Kyle (Emilio Encinoso-Gil) is the quiet observer who comes into his own as the beat takes hold. Their chemistry is instant and electric – it’s clear these are characters who would be mates offstage too.
Equally commendable is the cast’s physical commitment: Northern Soul isn’t an easy dance form, and the choreography (Sally Molloy) – all slides, spins, backdrops, and footwork – is relentless. The stamina required is part of the story itself, and the performers rise to the challenge with style and sweat.
It wouldn’t be Do I Love You? without the music, and here it takes centre stage. Classic Northern Soul tracks are woven into the play with precision and reverence – from Frank Wilson’s iconic title track to rarities that will have true collectors nodding in approval. The songs aren’t just there for nostalgia – they underscore the emotional beats of the story, amplifying everything from elation to heartbreak.
The live mixing of tracks, the snippets of DJ banter, and the re-creations of weekenders at venues like Bridlington Spa and the Tower Ballroom give the show an immersive, gig-like quality. It’s as much about atmosphere as it is about narrative. The production is tight, economical, and full of movement. Set design is minimal but clever, with lighting doing the heavy lifting when it comes to shifting time and place. Flashbacks, fantasy sequences, and club scenes are all rendered with fluid transitions, never slowing the pace.
Godber’s direction is confident and playful, allowing the performers space to improvise and connect directly with the audience – particularly during comedic interludes or reflective monologues. The result is a production that feels alive and immediate, never preachy despite its social undertones.
What sets Do I Love You? apart from other jukebox productions is its refusal to settle for nostalgia alone. This isn’t just about remembering the past – it’s about confronting the present. The parallels between the economic pressures of the 1970s and those facing young people today are drawn clearly but subtly. The pub closures, job market struggles, and cost-of-living concerns form the backdrop to a larger question: what do young people today have to believe in?
And the answer, in this show at least, is music, movement, and community. That’s what Northern Soul represents here – a kind of resistance, a way of reclaiming joy and identity in a time of uncertainty. It's not just about retro records and talc on the floor; it’s about belonging.
Do I Love You? is a joyous, gritty, and gloriously sweaty celebration of what it means to find your people, your purpose, and your groove – even when the world around you feels like it’s falling apart. With Godber’s signature mix of biting comedy and social realism, this production offers both a nostalgic nod and a vital message for today’s generation.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Northern Soul or you’ve never set foot on a dancefloor, this is a show that speaks to the heart and moves the feet. Talc up, grab your loafers – and get yourself a ticket while you still can.
On a limited UK tour until 02 August 2025
★★★★
