Teeth ‘N’ Smiles review: Self Esteem is the British female rock star we never had

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A star rating of 3 out of 5.

When people think about 1960s rock and roll, they often picture a glamorous, Hollywood-style lifestyle. It’s easy to imagine the parties, drugs, and fast living as if captured in a polished photoshoot. That’s why it’s so striking to see a different, more raw portrayal – a grittier, messier version that feels distinctly British, smelling of stale cigars and dominated by shades of brown.

David Hare’s play, Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, captures a specific moment in time – 1975. It was a period when the hopeful spirit of classic rock was giving way to the rebellious energy of punk. Hare describes it as a shift in focus, from broad discussions about social change and equality to more personal conversations about love and life.

The story starts with a true event: when The Rolling Stones, hugely popular at the time, played a ball at Oxford University. This sparked a fascinating question: what happens when the often cynical and chaotic world of rock and roll clashes with the refined atmosphere of a prestigious university?

We’re introduced to the popular band Maggie Frisby and the Skins, performing three sets at the Jesus College May Ball at Cambridge University. It’s a night where everything feels like it’s falling apart, especially for Maggie.

Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known as Self Esteem, completely captivates the audience from the start. She plays Maggie, a character grappling with heartbreak, a tough time, and the feeling of never quite reaching her potential, and it’s truly mesmerizing. She commands the stage with a powerful energy, reminiscent of rock icons like Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks, making you wonder about all the talented female artists who didn’t get their due. Every time she performs, she brings an incredible energy to the stage, and her vocals are simply outstanding – I’ll be discussing those in more detail later.

Jojo Macari stood out as the character Peyote, bringing a mix of humor and sadness to the role. His vibrant and eye-catching costumes helped him command attention throughout the show. Macari and the other band members had a lively and energetic connection, creating a fun and dynamic onstage presence.

I always found Michael Fox’s Arthur to be captivating on stage. As the band’s songwriter, he really embodied a certain type of ’60s idealist – one who was clearly well-off and intellectual. Honestly, it came across as wonderfully, and I suspect deliberately, annoying – in the best way, of course!

The show faltered when it tried to combine the raw, chaotic energy of the band’s lifestyle with idealistic, philosophical ideas. This resulted in awkward dialogue and characters rambling on about profound topics that didn’t advance the story, seeming more like the play was trying to impress itself. I found the pacing uneven, particularly in the second act, where I wished there had been more music and more focus on Rebecca Lucy Taylor instead of lengthy speeches.

Despite any initial imperfections, the performance truly came alive when the music began, creating a captivating and energetic atmosphere. The songs, originally penned by Nick and Tony Bicât, were reimagined with fresh music and lyrics by Taylor, and the result was outstanding. The sound was remarkably genuine, with the singers expertly capturing the signature, slightly rough vocals of iconic bands like The Who, Fleetwood Mac, and The Rolling Stones. The highlight of the show for me was the hope that these songs will be recorded on an album – I’m confident most listeners wouldn’t be able to distinguish them from the originals.

You can catch the show ‘Teeth ‘N’ Smiles’ at the Duke of York’s Theatre through June 2026. Tickets are currently on sale at ATG Tickets.

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Authors

Olivia Garrett

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2026-03-26 16:07