2 hours ago
4
Taylor plays Maggie Frisby, lead singer of fictional band The Skins – a role first performed by Dame Helen Mirren at the Royal Court 50 years ago and originally based off of Janis Joplin. The play unfolds over a single night in 1969 as the band prepare for three shows at a Cambridge University ball, charting their collapse from youthful countercultural defiance into disillusionment.
Teeth ‘n’ Smiles features original songs by composing duo Nick and Tony Bicât alongside new compositions, including Taylor’s contribution. “Writing Maggie’s song was a vital part of the process,” Taylor said. “I like to think Maggie would be a big Self Esteem fan. While she spends the play performing songs written by men, here, for the first time she has her voice, uncompromised.”
In a review of the play, Ticketmaster UK wrote, "Taylor’s performance as a floundering frontwoman [is] entirely convincing, her immense vocal talent evident even as she comes apart." The Guardian concluded their review by saying, "come for the play and stay for the astounding music."
The single arrives a day after The Skins performed a surprise rooftop set at the Duke of York’s Theatre, stopping traffic. The play runs until 6 June 2026, after which Taylor returns to live duties as Self Esteem for summer shows including Cardiff Castle, Brighton Pride, and dates with Florence & The Machine and Pulp.
Taylor received an Ivor Novello Visionary Award and a nomination for Best Artist at the 2026 BRIT Awards. Last year she published her debut book, A Complicated Woman, and co-curated the London Literature Festival. Her stage credits include a run as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club opposite Jake Shears, and a regular role in the Sky series Smothered. A deluxe edition of her 2025 album A Complicated Woman, featuring stripped-back reworkings of three tracks, is available via Polydor Records.
English (US) · 