A little-known fact about me is that, in my younger years, I was heavily involved in the world of dance, having performed at multiple venues across Wales, including the Wales Millennium Centre, Newport Riverfront Theatre, and the Sherman Theatre. Most notably, I was part of a huge group of performers who held the world record for the most simultaneous tap dancers at one time. These wonderful opportunities meant that I attended a plethora of dance classes throughout the years, and there is nowhere in the world quite like a dance class! Despite most of my dance experience taking place when I was particularly young, the people I performed alongside were some of the most wonderful individuals I have ever met, and even today I find myself reminiscing about how connected we all became. In a strange turn of events, I recently bumped into someone I danced with while I was in high school almost fourteen years ago, and we chatted as though we had not been apart for a single day—a true testament to the power of dance and the bonds it creates. This is why, when I learned that Who Do They Think They Are? (which I first discovered through my interview with the cast and crew, available here: https://youtu.be/2JeFD5zxKJg) followed the lives of a group of mature women who reunite their old dance group years after their final performance, I instantly knew this would be a story that would not only tug on my nostalgic heartstrings but also explain the unique bond formed through dance to those who have not been lucky enough to experience its magic.
Written by the fantastic Liz Tait, Who Do They Think They Are? tells the story of a group of mature women who attempt to recapture the joy of their youth by reviving their old Monday Night Dance Club. Sadly, only four members of the group turn up—which is instantly iconic, considering the band they are paying homage to famously had five members. Together, they stumble through learning a 1990s and 2000s-inspired routine while paying tribute to one of the most recognisable bands of all time, The Spice Girls, for one of their fellow dancers’ 50th birthday. In the years between their beloved dance group disbanding and this reunion, the characters have faced a plethora of everyday challenges, including family drama, work-related stress, and—most importantly for this production—the menopause. Alongside dealing with these issues, they must also learn a complex choreography while donning a selection of the iconic costumes made famous by The Spice Girls. This naturally adds immense pressure to those involved and helps justify some of the more intense conflicts that arise between the characters. While I began this review by discussing how wonderful dance classes can be, it is equally true that many people will never experience the anxiety and pressure that dancers often face, particularly as a performance approaches. As such, these disagreements feel entirely believable from a narrative perspective. This is one of the production’s greatest strengths, as both the characters and the writing are crafted in a way that allows audiences to easily identify with and relate to them, resulting in an incredibly emotional and heartwarming experience.
One of my favourite characters in this entire production was the ever-optimistic and cheerful Marion, portrayed brilliantly by Kate Peltzer Dunn. She begins the show as someone who is very much part of the group, yet simultaneously finds herself on the receiving end of the most criticism from her fellow dancers. The audience is introduced to Marion before the production officially begins, as she takes to the stage while audience members are entering the theatre to set up the hall for the surprise reunion. This immediately showcases her eagerness and excitement to reconnect with her friends. Not only does this create a greater sense of immersion for the audience, but it also makes perfect sense narratively, as Marion is the driving force behind organising the reunion. Unfortunately, she is frequently overruled by her so-called friends as the event quickly evolves beyond what she had originally envisioned. Throughout the production, Marion’s storyline explores her loneliness and longing for connection. She repeatedly speaks about her mother, only for the audience to later discover that she passed away some time ago. This revelation helps explain why Marion is so desperate to reconnect with her friends from years gone by and why the reunion means so much to her. Despite her obvious affection for those around her, Marion spends much of the show being talked down to—particularly by the group’s choreographer, whom I will discuss shortly—due to her struggles with dance. As a result, the audience develops immense sympathy for her, leading to thunderous applause in the closing moments when she finally masters the routine while being recorded.
Joining Marion in this music video-inspired reunion is the unofficial peacekeeper of the group, Kim, played by the brilliant Sophie Dearlove. Kim arrives with the simple intention of having fun, complete with multiple glasses of wine, hilarious Spice Girls face masks for the quartet to wear, and even a memorable “cock cake,” which generated fits of laughter throughout the audience. Kim is the second character introduced in the production, having assisted Marion in organising the surprise celebration for her sister, Sarah. However, once Sarah arrives, the dynamic of the evening quickly changes. In an effort to save money, Kim suggests bringing in one of their former friends to choreograph the routine, a decision that is met with resistance from several members of the group, including Marion herself. This character is responsible for many of the production’s funniest moments, embracing her love of joy and her determination to ensure that her sister has a fantastic birthday. As the story progresses, we learn that Kim and Sarah are not currently on the best of terms following the recent death of their mother. This has created a significant strain on their relationship and helps explain Kim’s intense desire to make the evening a success. Initially, Sarah is reluctant to embrace the reunion, which makes perfect sense given that she had no idea the event was taking place until she arrived at the hall. However, as the show unfolds, the sisters gradually rediscover their bond. They begin sharing jokes, supporting one another, and eventually stand together against the treatment Marion receives from Pippa. This development marks one of the production’s most touching storylines and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family during difficult times.
Completing the ensemble is the wonderfully over-the-top former cruise ship performer Pippa, played flawlessly by Helen Rogers. Initially, Pippa is presented as the polar opposite of the other characters. She is intense, demanding, and ruthless in her approach to teaching the choreography, leading to several moments in which she berates Marion. These interactions further increase the audience’s sympathy for Marion and make her eventual triumph all the more satisfying. However, Pippa’s abrasive nature is gradually explained as the story unfolds. She eventually discovers that a secret she had believed Marion revealed years earlier—a secret that contributed to significant turmoil within her family—had in fact been shared by Marion’s mother. This revelation allows for a degree of reconciliation between the two women and begins to expose the vulnerability hidden beneath Pippa’s intimidating exterior. As the production progresses, the cracks in her carefully maintained persona become increasingly visible. The audience watches her navigate the prospect of becoming a grandmother, enjoy a hilarious moment in which she devours a slice of cake after previously expressing complete disgust at the crude baked creation, and share heartfelt memories with the rest of the group as they reminisce about their dancing days. One particularly memorable sequence sees Pippa showcasing the full extent of her dance talents as she launches into an impressive tap routine alongside the rest of the ensemble. Not only was this sequence incredibly entertaining, but it also resonated with me on a personal level due to my own experiences with tap dancing. It was a wonderful reminder of how performance can bring people together regardless of age, circumstance, or the challenges life places in their path.
Overall, Who Do They Think They Are? by Liz Tait, currently playing at Greenwich Theatre, is a heartfelt and honest exploration of modern life, friendship, and the enduring power of dance. The production balances humour and emotion exceptionally well, allowing each character to feel authentic and relatable while exploring themes that will undoubtedly resonate with many audience members. The closing moments, in which the entire ensemble puts their differences aside and finally performs the routine that has been teased throughout the show, are joyous, uplifting, and electric. It is a finale that perfectly brings together each of the production’s storylines while celebrating the resilience of friendship and the importance of embracing life at every stage. I would happily award Who Do They Think They Are? a full 5 out of 5 stars.
Rhysreviews 