Self Esteem releases new song for West End play Teeth ‘N’ Smiles

By Georgia Bates, Press Association

Alternative singer Self Esteem has released a song for the revival of David Hare’s Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, a West End play she is starring in.

The artist, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, stars as Maggie Frisby, the character first played by Helen Mirren at the Royal Court theatre in London 50 years ago.

Set in 1969, the play follows The Skins – a failing fictional rock band – as it prepares for three shows at a Cambridge University ball.

On Friday, Taylor released Maggie’s Song for the revival of the play and said writing it was a “vital part of the process of Teeth ‘N’ Smiles”.

The 39-year-old added: “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.

“It was wonderful to experience that feeling again through the character.”

The play features original songs from Nick and Tony Bicat, alongside a number of new compositions, including Maggie’s Song, written by Taylor for the revival.

Teeth ‘N’ Smiles, written by Hare in 1975, will run at the Duke of York’s theatre in London until June 6.

Taylor began her career as one half of the indie duo Slow Club, and featured on The Strangle Of Anna by The Moonlandingz, before launching her solo career under the stage name Self Esteem in 2017.

She has previously secured roles in the West End, including Sally Bowles in a production of Cabaret in 2023.