Rebecca Lucy Taylor's Theatrical Debut in Hare's Rock Drama
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, the acclaimed pop star known professionally as Self Esteem, makes her straight play debut in David Hare's 1975 rock drama Teeth 'n' Smiles at the Duke of York's Theatre in London. The production, which runs until June 6, 2026, features Taylor in the lead role of Maggie Frisby, a minor rock singer navigating the disintegration of her band during a 1969 Oxford student ball.
A Forceful and Impassioned Performance
Taylor delivers a raw, impassioned performance that channels significant personal energy into the character of Maggie. While not showcasing her as a versatile character actor, her theatrical background and literacy enable a potent portrayal that resonates deeply, particularly with fans of her music. She effectively pours her heart, soul, and cynicism toward the music industry into the role, resulting in a spectacular combustion on stage.
The production, directed by Daniel Raggett, adopts a gently absurdist and lightly Beckettian style, with Chloe Lamford's set designed to resemble a gig rather than emphasizing period details. The songs, originally written by Nick and Tony Bicat and tweaked by Taylor, lean more toward music hall than punk, with notable tracks including Don't Let the Bastards Come Near You and Last Orders.
The Challenges of a Dated Play
Despite Taylor's compelling performance, Teeth 'n' Smiles faces significant challenges due to its age. Originally inspired by Hare's observations of a washed-up Manfred Mann at a university ball, the play's commentary on the end of the 1960s dream feels less impactful in 2026. The cultural and musical landscape has evolved dramatically since its debut, with movements like punk, post-punk, and grunge reshaping public discourse.
The play's themes, including dissatisfaction with England and feminist angles, are presented but not deeply explored, making the narrative feel tame compared to later works like those of the Sex Pistols. Hare himself has acknowledged the play's aging, though he supports this revival. The result is a production that struggles to connect with contemporary audiences, relying heavily on Taylor's performance to carry the weight.
Supporting Cast and Overall Impact
The supporting cast, including Michael Fox as songwriter Arthur, Jojo Macari as bassist Peyote, and Phil Daniels as manager Saraffian, deliver recognizably period-appropriate performances. However, Taylor's modern persona and physical presence create a jarring contrast, as she dominates the role without blending into the 1960s setting.
For Self Esteem fans, the production offers a satisfying glimpse of Taylor's powerful stage presence and emotional depth. Yet, as a complete theatrical work, Teeth 'n' Smiles falls short, hindered by its dated script and lack of contemporary relevance. The play serves as a vehicle for Taylor's talents but ultimately feels like a semi-broken piece that would unlikely be commissioned today.
