written by David Hare with music by Nick Bicât and lyrics by Tony Bicât
additional new music and lyrics by Rebecca Lucy Taylor directed by Daniel Raggett
set design by Chloe Lamford costume design by Alex Mullins
“Witty and biting. Half a century on, David Hare’s play feels current.”
“Wild. Unpredictable. Compulsive. A formidable portrayal of a talent in free fall.”
“Sharp, funny, smile inducing pleasure. With live music, cranked up good and loud.”
“Self Esteem is a blazing star who illuminates the stage. She is mesmeric.”
“Anarchic, rebellious, with plenty of humour and an excellent cast”
“Electric live music. The songs are thrilling, touching and funny.”
Teeth ’n‘ Smiles has now finished. It played at the Duke of York's Theatre, London from 13 March - 06 June 2026.
Before the New York Dolls. Before Debbie Harry. Before Kurt Cobain. There was Maggie Frisby. Once the roaring voice of 60s counterculture, now broke and disillusioned, a band’s youthful dreams of anarchic rebellion collapse into bitterness. Amidst the wreckage, lead singer Maggie tears through the night fuelled by booze, fury, and a voice that refuses to die. 50 years after David Hare’s trailblazing play set the Royal Court alight, Teeth ’n‘ Smiles is burning things down all over again. The ship is sinking but the music remains the same.
A play with original music starring Rebecca Lucy Taylor (AKA Self Esteem), Michael Fox (Downton Abbey) and Phil Daniels (Cock, Quadrophenia). Written by David Hare (Grace Pervades, The Hours, The Reader) and directed by Daniel Raggett (Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Anna X).
