Review: Who Do They Think They Are?

📍 Greenwich Theatre Studio

🗓️ 20th June 2026

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Written and produced by Liz Tait, Who Do They Think They Are? follows four middle-aged college friends as they reunite for a dance workshop.

The Monday Night Dance Club reunion is doomed before it has even begun. With attendees dropping out and budget cuts forcing a change of plans, what was meant to be a larger reunion ends up being just four women, with one of them taking on the responsibility of teaching the routine.

Before the play even begins, Marion is already on stage preparing for the gathering. She fusses over food and drinks, while a photo frame and camera stand are already in place ahead of the reunion. It's a simple but effective way of setting the scene as the audience take their seats.

As each character enters, we gradually learn more about who they are, where life has taken them, and what has happened since they last met. What unfolds is a complicated and messy exploration of friendship, ageing and loss. The play shines a light on the realities of growing older, dealing with bereavement and finding your place in a world that often overlooks middle-aged women. 

The cast all bring their characters to life well. These women couldn't be more different, and that's what makes watching them together so engaging.

Marion (played by Kate Peltzer Dunn) is played with the right mix of chaos and naivety, and much of the play's humour comes from her attempts to keep everything together as her plans fall apart around her. It's clear that she remembers their friendship much more positively than the others do.

Pippa (played by Helen Rogers) provides plenty of drama, arriving with an air of superiority that immediately creates friction within the group. However, beneath the persona of her perfect life, we also get glimpses of a more vulnerable side. Her choreography also adds another dimension to the piece.

Sisters Kim (played by Sophie Dearlove) and Sarah (played by Sally Best) couldn't be more different. Kim is outspoken and direct, not holding back what she thinks, while Sarah is quieter and noticeably more anxious - unaware of what the girls had planned, she reluctantly stays.

It's clear from the beginning that there's more to Sarah's story than she's willing to share, and the gradual revelation of that story adds another layer of tension between the pair.

Interactions between these four women get warmer as the play progresses, culminating in a really lovely final scene that is uplifting and heartwarming – and of course includes some Spice Girls nostalgia.

The plot itself is engaging, with plenty of humour and drama to keep the audience invested throughout. The setting works well, creating an intimate environment where old tensions, memories and unresolved issues can surface.

That said, there are moments where the play feels overloaded with information. Each woman has experienced significant life changes since the group's last meeting, and while that depth adds context and complexity, it can sometimes feel like a lot to absorb at once. 

I also found myself wanting the production to lean further into some of its comedic moments to create a stronger balance with the drama. 

The concept behind Who Do They Think They Are? is a strong one, and the play does a good job of addressing the challenges that come with ageing and reconnecting with old friends. However, I think it would benefit from a tighter structure to help the story flow more smoothly. While the scene changes  don't disrupt the momentum, the overall pacing feels a little stop-start at times.

Despite those issues, Who Do They Think They Are? is an engaging look at friendship, loss and growing older. The story doesn't always flow as smoothly as it could, but the warmth between the characters and the strength of the performances make it an enjoyable watch.