- What first sparked the idea for Kiss Me Quickstep? Was there a particular moment or story that inspired you to set a play in the world of ballroom dancing?
In 2012, I was one of six writers offered a bursary by the East Midlands Theatre Writing Partnership to make a creative journey. My fellow writers went all over Europe but I headed to Blackpool. It’s the home of ballroom dance and I’d long felt there was a fantastic story behind the glitz and glamour, especially if it’s set in this iconic British seaside town.
I spent two weeks at the beautiful Winter Gardens for the World Championships. It was amazing world to discover: 3,000 couples representing 60 countries in a round-the-clock spectacle. The exquisite perfection of the dancers felt a world away from of life outside the ballroom: that friction was the spark for this story.
- Is Kiss Me Quickstep one for the Strictly fans? What will those who love the glitz and glamour of the show recognise – and what might surprise them?
Absolutely! Thanks to Strictly, we’re all familiar with the language of Ballroom and Latin: the dances, the costumes and of course, the fierce competition on the floor. What Kiss Me Quickstep set out to do was explore the reality of life as a competitive dancer and the complex relationships between the couples. There’s plenty of humour in the show but some hard truths too. I hope it reveals the iceberg below the calm surface, something we rarely get to see or appreciate.
- Ballroom may look dazzling, but what’s really going on behind the sequins? What truths were you keen to explore beneath the sparkle?
Behind the frocks, fake tan and fixed smiles are everyday people transforming into an image of perfection. The emotional, psychological and financial cost of that transformation is what the play’s about. For me, the biggest surprise in Blackpool was discovering the dancer’s backstage area was literally the back of the ballroom. There were so many competitors, they were dressing in any space or corner of the building they could find. Dresses and tail-suits were hung in the stairwells, suitcases were open and spilling out as spectators like me walked around them. It was so bizarre to see how truth and illusion blurs into one.
- If Kiss Me Quickstep was a dance move, what would it be – and why?
It would probably be some kind of lift. Specifically, that moment when the female is spinning around upside down and you’re sure both partners will crash and burn. Yet with astonishing grace and precision, they pull it off!
- Do you have a favourite character – or one that was especially fun (or tricky) to write? What makes them stand out for you?
That’s a tough question as I genuinely love them all. It was a lot of fun to conjure up three very different relationships between the couples but I do have a soft spot for Justine and Jodie. I think we can all relate to their struggles.
- What do you think is the biggest challenge of competitive dancing – on the floor or off it? And how does that pressure shape the drama in the play?
It’s easy to make light of the frothy façade of competitive dancing but it’s a serious, high-pressure business. I interviewed competitors, judges and teachers in a bid to capture the reality of competitive dance. It soon became clear how much faith, hope, courage, incredibly hard work, commitment and stamina it takes to reach that apparently effortless ease on the dancefloor. That pressure lies at the heart of the world and the play.
- Your plays are known for being warm, witty and full of heart – what can audiences expect this time? What kind of emotional (or glittery) journey are they in for?
Thank you, I hope the audience will find all of that in Kiss Me Quickstep. I hope the audience will feel emotionally invested in the couples and really feel the pressure when they’re competing. We’re used to watching dance as spectators but this journey takes us into the hearts and minds of the dancers. We’re on the journey and with them every step of the way.
- Describe Kiss Me Quickstep in just three words.
‘Behind the smiles’.
- What would you say to someone on the fence about booking a ticket? Why should they come?
When I went to Blackpool, seeing such skilled dancers in real life just blew me away. It’s a completely different experience to screen and you don’t have to be a fan of dancing to be drawn in. As in Billy Elliott, dance is a poetic metaphor. This is a story which explore the human condition and the very real battles we all face in a world which defines us as winners and losers.
- What do you hope people feel when they leave the theatre after seeing Kiss Me Quickstep? What kind of impact do you hope it has?
I hope people will leave feeling exhilarated and entertained, with plenty to think about and reflect on once they’re home. Maybe they’ll feel they’ve been out on the dancefloor with them. Overall, I’d like it to be a fabulous night out with maybe a few 10s on the scorecard!
- This production is part of Derby Theatre’s MADE IN DERBY season – what does it mean to you to have the show staged here? Is there a special connection for you, personally or professionally?
I’m from Nottingham, so the East Midlands connection is very strong. I’ve travelled down the A52 countless times to spend amazing nights in the audience at Derby Theatre. I’ve also been lucky enough to have my plays Be My Baby and Amateur Girl staged here, too. It’s really special to be returning with a Made In Derby production for 2025.
For more information and Kiss Me Quickstep updates, visit the Derby Theatre website here: Kiss Me Quickstep – Derby Theatre or follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube – @derbytheatre).