Interview with Liz Tait

Ahead of Who Do They Think They Are, I caught up with Liz Tait to talk about the themes at the heart of the production, the creative journey behind it, and what audiences can look forward to when the lights go up.

What first sparked the idea for Who Do They Think They Are?

I had the idea for this play when I went, somewhat reluctantly,  to a hen do some years ago.  It was one of those situations where I already knew  I wasn’t going to know anyone and was about 20 years older than everyone else.

Part of the 'fun' was to learn a dance routine to Britney Spears' song "Baby One More Time".  We did the routine way more than 'one more time' - I think it was more like 50, but it was an experience I've never forgotten! I’ve not been a massive fan of Britney since, but it gave me a great idea for this play.....

What central question sits at the heart of this play?

Can a blast from the past in the form of a reunion help reconnect you with earlier versions of yourself?  Or was your past not such a blast?  I think shared history provides context that modern life often lacks.

What have you learned from audiences on the road ahead of the Greenwich Theatre performances?

One of the most often-heard quotes from audience members as they leave the theatre is ‘I could watch that again’  You can’t really get any better than that!  I’ve also learnt that nostalgia and girl power is alive and well in 2026!

How has the development process been so far, and have some moments radically shifted from your original intentions?

This play has been a few years in the making and the storyline has changed many times following R&D sessions and a couple of incredibly useful script analysis reports.  It started out as a play about a hen do, but developed into a college reunion; plus I started with five characters and through the rewrite process realised I only needed the four women.

The writing walks a fine line between sharp observation and emotional depth. How did you approach balancing satire with sincerity?

I generally approach finding the balance by the way the dialogue is written to signal these shifts.  The faster, more rhythmic and  snappier sentences usually carry the satire. When it’s time for sincerity, I try and slow the dialogue down, signalling more sincerity and allowing the moment to breathe without the interference of a punchline.

Can you talk about the collaborative relationship between cast, director and creative team in bringing this production to life?

It’s been a collaborative joy!  I am so lucky to have four extremely talented and lovely women in my cast and we have had such a blast rehearsing this play.  Constant laughter but also real input creatively.  I haven’t directed this play - we’ve all directed this play together and I couldn’t have done it without their enthusiasm and experience, which was one of the reasons we decided to do it again after the premiere in September.

Looking ahead to the Greenwich Theatre run, is there anything you’re particularly excited, or nervous, to present to a London audience?

I’m excited for audiences to see the play in London - it sold out to hugely appreciative audiences in Brighton and received five star reviews.  It’s a heart-warming love letter to the power of friendship, dance and the resilience of women and a great night out!

What kind of audience member will love this show most?

Women of all ages will most definitely relate - it’s ‘Stepping Out’ meets ‘Riot Women’!  Having said that, I challenge anyone not to be caught up in the joy and nostalgia of this heart-warming story. 

What conversations do you hope audiences are still having on the journey home?

I hope they will be talking about how much they related to the characters and their stories and perhaps they also might be wondering whether there’ll be a sequel!

One final question, why this show, and why now?

This show because I enjoy writing and producing plays that place too often invisible, middle-aged women squarely in the spotlight and now - and this is a complete fluke - it’s the 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls debut single ‘Wannabe’.  Perfect timing!

Who Do They Think They Are tours the UK before arriving at the Greenwich Theatre on 20 June. For full performance dates and ticket information, visit the official venue website: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/who-do-they-think-they-are/

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