Kiss Me Quickstep

Kiss Me Quickstep is a dazzling, energetic and emotionally engaging comedy-drama written by acclaimed playwright Amanda Whittington and directed by Lilac Yosiphon. Presented as part of Derby Theatre's MADE IN DERBY programme, the production brings the glamorous, competitive and often unforgiving world of ballroom dancing to life through a captivating combination of storytelling, choreography, music and theatrical spectacle. Set against the glittering backdrop of the national ballroom dancing championships in Blackpool, the story follows three ambitious couples as they compete for success, recognition and the opportunity to prove themselves on one of the country's most prestigious dance floors. Behind the dazzling costumes, polished performances and confident smiles lies a world of personal struggles, complicated relationships, hidden secrets and intense rivalries. Justin and Jodie have finally achieved their dream of reaching the national championships, determined to make their mark after years of dedication and hard work. Meanwhile, Lee and Samantha arrive with the confidence of recent success, facing the pressure of maintaining their reputation and proving themselves once again. Completing the line-up are Luka, who has travelled from Russia, and Nancy, a talented local dancer who has devoted her life to ballroom dancing since childhood. As the competition progresses, tensions rise and the dancers are forced to confront challenges extending far beyond their performances. Personal ambitions clash with relationships, secrets threaten partnerships and the relentless pursuit of perfection begins to take its toll. Each character must navigate the pressures of competition while questioning what success truly means and how much they are prepared to sacrifice to achieve it. The production explores the contrast between the glamorous public image of competitive ballroom dancing and the emotional realities experienced by those involved. Themes of ambition, identity, love, sacrifice, loyalty and self-discovery run throughout the story, revealing the determination and vulnerability hidden beneath the glitter and sequins. Under the direction of Lilac Yosiphon, the production combines Amanda Whittington's sharp humour and heartfelt storytelling with spectacular choreography by Joanna Goodwin. The performance features a range of ballroom and Latin-inspired dance routines, showcasing the precision, elegance, energy and discipline required of competitive dancers. The theatrical design plays an important role in bringing the world of ballroom competition to the stage. Eleanor Field's set and costume design captures the glamour and atmosphere of the championships, incorporating striking visual elements and elaborate dance costumes. David Coull's lighting design supports the transitions between the excitement of the competition and the more intimate, emotionally charged moments of the story, while Lee Affen's music and sound design contributes to the production's rhythm, atmosphere and dramatic impact. Through its combination of dynamic staging, expressive movement, colourful costumes, atmospheric lighting and powerful performances, Kiss Me Quickstep creates an entertaining theatrical experience that celebrates the artistry of ballroom dancing while examining the human stories behind the competition. At its heart, the production is a story about following dreams, challenging expectations and discovering the courage to make difficult choices. It reminds audiences that behind every polished performance is a personal journey filled with determination, uncertainty and sacrifice, and that sometimes the greatest victory is finding the confidence to follow your own path. Performed in Derby Theatre's Main House from 6 to 21 June 2025, Kiss Me Quickstep offered audiences a vibrant blend of comedy, drama, romance and spectacular dancing, capturing both the excitement of the ballroom and the emotional complexities of those competing within it.