Rooted in the electric energy of the Northern Soul movement, Do I Love You is a high-octane production that navigates the parallel struggles of 1976 and the present day. Against a backdrop of rising costs, unemployment, and the steady disappearance of local hospitality, the play asks a hauntingly relevant question: has the landscape for young people in England truly changed? Following a critically acclaimed UK tour, this socially resonant story—celebrating the 15th anniversary of The John Godber Company—is set to make its highly anticipated London premiere at the historic Wilton’s Music Hall.
The Artiscape spoke to actor and director Martha Godber about the upcoming run of Do I Love You at London’s iconic Wilton’s Music Hall. This interview delves into the fusion of cultural heritage and modern disillusionment, examining how the Northern Soul movement continues to offer a sense of belonging to a new generation of theatre-goers.
How are you getting into the mindset of your character, and what’s the biggest challenge in bringing her to life on stage?
“Oh my gosh, this character is so deeply rooted in my being now. 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. One of the reasons is because I have such a deep love for Northern Soul and soul music in general; I genuinely connect to it—I don’t think I could do this show if I didn’t.
I’ve played the character over the last three years, so I’m incredibly familiar with her. I actually even have a ‘Do I Love You’ tattoo just to highlight how special this production is to me! I think the challenge is always authenticity; if you don’t believe in who you are playing and that character’s world, no one else will.”
Northern Soul dancing is incredibly high-energy—how have you been preparing for those sequences, and what was the hardest part to learn?
“It has been a journey, to say the least! We are so lucky that we had 2022 Northern Soul dance champion Sally Molloy to coach us and choreograph the show. We’ve been Northern Soul dancing for years now, so we’ve naturally improved over time, but I’d say the biggest challenge is the ‘tricks.’
I really wanted to do the splits in the show, but doing it every day—sometimes twice a day—is just too taxing. You have to be incredibly aware of your body. I think I’ve been to the physio about ten times in the past year! With the kicks and spins, a proper warm-up is essential. Emilio, one of the other cast members, does a back drop in the show and I honestly don’t know how he manages it every performance!”
The play looks at the struggles of young people today versus 1976. What do you personally hope to show through your character’s journey?
“I think young people in today’s society are struggling to find meaning and belonging. We are so influenced by social media now that I think the play really highlights the search for deeper meaning within yourself.
There are such differences in the way people ‘go out’ now. In the 70s, people would work laboring jobs and save up all week just to go on a soul weekender. It wasn’t about drinking or trying to ‘pull’; it was about expression and connection to the music. That is something I feel is missing from how we express ourselves today, and it is definitely something the three characters find in Do I Love You?“
You work very closely with your parents and sister—what’s the best part about creating theatre as a family?
“It’s such a privilege, and I’m very aware of that. They all inspire me so much, particularly my Dad, and we’re all really close. It can be mad at times and you often never ‘switch off,’ but it’s also exciting because most of the time we’re all on the same page. We’re all very quick, so things happen fast, which makes for a very motivating and fun world to be in. We’re all workaholics, but we love it, so we’re very lucky!”
Since your dad is directing, what’s the most helpful piece of advice he’s given you about leading this show?
“Again, it has to come back to authenticity. He always says we must feel it and truly be in the character’s world. The three of us as a cast have worked so hard to be part of the Northern Soul community; we’ve really lived it, attending Northern Soul nights and immersing ourselves. I’m lucky that I grew up with my Dad, who introduced me to the genre at a young age.
On a technical level: he taught me to listen, and that you’re only as good as your last performance. Every audience is different, so you can never expect a certain reaction.”
After touring the UK, what do you hope London audiences specifically take away from the story and the music?
“Even though the show is set in Hull, it really is a story that anyone of any age or geographic location can relate to—I think that’s where its charm is. The show sits in a space where it talks about the lack of opportunities in the North, and that’s what motivates the characters to get into soul. However, it’s a transferable story which, at its heart, speaks about finding yourself, love, loss, and finding meaning in everyday life through music. There is also a huge Northern Soul scene in London, so come through!”
Booking Information
Do I Love You Venue: Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB
Dates: Later this year (Check official website for specific dates and times)
Tickets: Available via the Wilton’s Music Hall Box Office
Keep up to date with The John Godber Company’s 15th-anniversary tour by visiting johngodber.co.uk.
