The 50th-anniversary production of David Hare's rock'n'roll drama Teeth 'n' Smiles, featuring a new song by Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem), is now available to stream, offering audiences a raw look at a 1960s band's unraveling. The production, which premiered earlier this year, has been praised for its authentic period atmosphere and the new track Maggie's Song, which seamlessly blends with the original tunes by Nick and Tony Bicât. A cast recording has been released, capturing the energy of the live show.
Self Esteem's Rock Revival
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known for her work as Self Esteem, takes a leading role in this revival, bringing a contemporary edge to Hare's classic narrative. The play, set in 1969, follows a band's disastrous gig at a Cambridge college, exploring themes of artistic integrity, commercial pressure, and personal turmoil. The addition of Maggie's Song has been singled out by critics as a highlight, with its lyrics echoing the play's central message: "Don't let the bastards come near you. They just want to prove you're sane."
According to the production team, the decision to include a new song was to bridge the gap between the original era and modern audiences, and Taylor's contribution has been widely acclaimed. The cast recording, available on major streaming platforms, includes all the original numbers and the new track, making it a must-listen for fans of musical theatre and rock history.
Other Must-See Streams This Month
Beyond Teeth 'n' Smiles, several other productions are worth your attention. Michaela Coel's breakout solo show Chewing Gum Dreams is available on NT at Home, featuring Coel's own performance as a 14-year-old navigating life on a London estate. The monologue, which predates her acclaimed series Chewing Gum, offers a whirlwind tour of adolescence, from bus rides to nightclubs, and remains a powerful piece of contemporary theatre.
For Shakespeare fans, the Stratford Festival's archive includes a 1992 production of Romeo and Juliet starring Antoni Cimolino, who steps down as artistic director this season after 14 years. The production, opposite Megan Porter Follows, is a classic take on the tragedy and is available via Stratfest@Home.
Dance and Musical Offerings
Portuguese choreographer Marco da Silva Ferreira's F*cking Future, described by our critic Lyndsey Winship as having "a somewhat 3am vibe," is available on Arte.tv. The piece, captured at the Lyon Dance Biennale, blends protest and dance in a subtly intoxicating way, and is a must-see for contemporary dance enthusiasts.
The National Theatre's production of Hamlet, starring Hiran Abeysekera as a irreverent Prince in a Blockbuster Video sweater, is now streaming on National Theatre at Home. Filmed at the Lyttelton, Robert Hastie's production was part of Indhu Rubasingham's opening programme, with Francesca Mills's Ophelia earning particular praise.
Queer History and Murder Mysteries
The Pansy Craze, hosted by Mason Alexander Park, is an epic Audible series celebrating queer performers from the Elizabethan era to the 1930s. Billed as blending "the dazzle of a cabaret with the intimacy of a piano bar," it features appearances from Laverne Cox, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Sasha Velour.
For a lighter listen, Murder at the Gates is a new musical concept album by Steven Sater and James Bourne, featuring Gaten Matarazzo of Stranger Things fame. The story revolves around an heiress's murder mystery party that goes spectacularly wrong, offering a mix of intrigue and catchy tunes.
Flamenco with a Feminist Edge
Finally, Rafaela Carrasco's flamenco ballet Humo tells the story of 19th-century cigarreras – women who made and sold cigars – and their fight for emancipation. Set on a stage with minimal props, the piece is richly atmospheric, with the ensemble sometimes puffing on cigars, and is available on Arte.tv.
