Martha Godber returns to the stage in the London première of Do I Love You?, the Northern Soul comedy written and directed by John Godber, arriving at Wilton’s Music Hall following a successful UK tour.
Reprising the role of Sally, Godber joins Emilio Encinoso-Gil and Chloe McDonald in a fast-paced, heartfelt story about friendship, identity and finding belonging through music, dance and shared passion.
Do I Love You? runs at Wilton’s Music Hall from 3 – 7 March 2026, with evening performances and matinees across the week. Tickets are on sale here.
You’re starring in Do I Love You? at Wilton’s Music Hall – what can you tell us about the show?
Do I Love You? is a complete celebration of Northern Soul music and culture. It follows three young people in the north of England working in a chicken shop and looking for purpose, and that purpose is Northern Soul.
The play really takes you on a journey: one of belonging and finding yourself through a movement. If you know about Northern Soul you’ll love it, and if you don’t, it will certainly educate you!
You reprise the role of Sally for the London première. How has the character evolved since the earlier tour, and what do you most enjoy about stepping back into her world?
Oh my gosh, this character is so deeply rooted in my being now, without sounding too woo woo I think every character you play as an actor contains a percentage of yourself, and Sally definitely has a big percentage of Martha. One of the reasons is because I have such a deep love for Northern Soul and soul music in general, so I genuinely connect to it, I don’t think I could do this show if I didn’t.
I have played the character for the last three years, so I’m incredibly familiar with her. I even have a Do I Love You tattoo, just to highlight how special this production is to me, haha!
Northern Soul is at the heart of the play. What does that culture bring to the storytelling, and how does it shape the energy on stage?
It shapes everything. The whole show is flooded with Northern Soul music, and the unique type of dancing is also a huge part of it.
There are three of us in the show, and we now call ourselves “Soulies”. After doing the show for the best part of three years, we’ve become completely obsessed with the culture and the music. It means a lot to us to be on stage telling this story to people for whom Northern Soul is a complete part of their identity and life.
The play draws parallels between the 1970s and today, touching on issues like unemployment and social change. How do those themes resonate with you as a performer?
I think young people in today’s society are struggling with finding meaning and belonging in life. We are so influenced by social media that the play really encourages us to search for deeper meaning, both in life and within ourselves.
There are differences in the way people go out now. In the 70s, people would work labouring jobs and save up all week to go on a soul weekender. It wasn’t about drinking or trying to pull; it was about expression and connection to the music.
I think that is something missing from the way we express ourselves now, and it’s definitely something the three characters find in Do I Love You?
You’re also the founder of The Godber Theatre Foundation. Does being involved in supporting emerging artists influence the way you approach projects like this one?
I will always champion northern creatives, particularly those from Hull, and this is what the Foundation supports.
This industry can be brutal, and I think it’s so important that if you have more experience than another creative, even just a little, you shouldn’t be a gatekeeper. Pass things down to people entering the industry, because it’s so tough.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Do I Love You?
If you’re looking for a great night out and a story full of heart and soul, don’t even think about it, just do it.
You won’t regret it, and you’ll leave the theatre feeling elated, playing Northern Soul music the whole journey home. Keep the Faith!
