We sat down with Natasha Cottriall to chat about (God Save My) Northern Soul, a dark comedy about love, loss and Northern soul music, at Park Theatre from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 20 September 2025.

The story follows Nicole as she tries to come to terms with her new ‘adult’ life with the help of her strait-laced catholic Gran, chain smoking best mate Sally and flamboyant Father Smithe – all whilst clinging on to the end of her teenage years and desperately trying to lose her virginity! The play features an underscore of Northern Soul Music.

To book for (God Save My) Northern Soul at the Park Theatre, visit: https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/god-save-my-northern-soul/. Box Office: 020 7870 6876

What inspired you to explore themes of grief, identity, and coming-of-age through the lens of Northern Soul music in this debut solo play?

I was interested to look at  what happens when a person’s anchor is taken from them when they are still struggling to come to terms with who they are as a person. In this particular lens we follow Nicole who is mixed race in a predominantly white town, which comes with its own internal and external challenges. The work is based on my personal experience and I know all these factors have  shaped me into who I am today.

Northern soul music is a cornerstone of the play because it is a huge part of not only my culture but also Wigan culture still to this day. I went to a Northern Soul event the other night in fact! Listening to the records helps Nicole to stay connected with a huge part of her that is lost. I’m sure we all have songs that remind us of certain people or of a time. 

Nicole’s journey is raw, funny, and deeply human — how much of her story is drawn from your own experiences or observations growing up?  

It’s a semi autobiographical piece so lots of the show and the characters in it come from things that happened and people I know. But of course this is drama! So some of the action is embellished to serve the story. As a writer my main inspiration comes from listening to people and making notes. Family parties in Wigan are a writer’s dream. 

Why do you think Northern Soul is resonating with a new generation right now, and how does the music shape the emotional landscape of the play?

I was chatting with some people recently at a Northern Soul event and we were discussing this. It’s a culture. You don’t need to know anyone, you can just turn up and feel the music and move. It makes you feel free and alive. We don’t always get the chance to dance like that so much anymore. That’s how my Mum also used to describe going to all nighters at the Wigan Casino to me. It’s an escape. Pure joy. Which is something we could definitely use right now. The thing about Northern Soul music is it’s mostly really upbeat so often when Nicole chooses to play something it’s to avoid leaning into those moments of realising the gravity of what has happened. 

.As both the writer and performer, how do you balance vulnerability and control in telling such a personal, character-driven story onstage?

Great question! And one that I’m possibly still working out. I think what’s important is that the story onstage is Nicole’s story. Though based on mine I have to create that slight distance. I think this also stops it from becoming too indulgent. Also there are lots of characters to play, it’s like a ride I guess. I just get on and come out the other side!

The play weaves comedy into complex themes like loss and racism — how do you use humour as a tool to invite audiences into difficult conversations?

Humour is so important to me. I think that was part of the inspiration for writing in the first place. I was fascinated by the fact that this huge trauma was happening in my life yet around me things could still be hilarious. I think humour can have a way of making people feel at ease. No one wants to be lectured. But it’s not to gloss over them either. Things exist often in that grey area which can be both hard hitting and funny.

What does it mean to you to premiere this work at Park Theatre, and how does the intimacy of the Park90 space enhance the storytelling?

I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve worked there twice before but never in the Park 90. The space should feel intimate as the set up is Nicole’s house. I want to feel like you could be in there with her and the priest eating her Gran’s homemade  pastries. I love that theatre. They have a great sense of community and have always been incredible supporters of my work.