Keep On Keepin’ On is a soulful, heartfelt, and hilariously chaotic tale of love, family, and survival set to the beat of Northern Soul.
Eugene and Maxine’s teenage romance first ignited on the dance floor, but life has spun them in and out of each other’s arms ever since. Now, Eugene spends his weekends DJing—still living for the music—while struggling all week to keep his Northern Soul-themed discount home improvement and white goods emporium from going under. He’s juggling a failing business, a restless Polish girlfriend, a daughter on the brink of disowning him, and even his dog seems ready to bail.
Just when he thinks things couldn’t possibly get worse, Maxine reappears with one more request —one that will change everything. Their son has just gotten out of jail, and he needs Eugene’s help. Cue Storm Liam!
A laugh-out-loud, soul-rich, cash-poor story of a dysfunctional Northern Soul family just trying to keep it together on a run-down northern high street.
Content Warning: Contains flashing lights and amplified sound.
Age Guidance: 14+
IN THE MEDIA.
An interview with Mick Martin
In Conversation with Mick Martin
Review
Keep On Keepin’ On: Revitalising the High Street with Northern Soul
Life in a Northern (Soul) Town is brought to life in new play
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK.
“What a play! ABSOLUTELY fantastic. So funny. Not laughed so much in a long time. So well written, cast and production were superb, not to be missed!”
“As a northern soul fan, the music and the references were really interesting. On top of that the social challenges it brought up with modern day England - it did it in a non-cheesy. It was outstanding. I wish TV was this good.”
“To be honest it made me cry on occasion. I loved the dancing, the humour of it. What a brilliant show that you must come and see. It was so heartwarming.”
“This was a wonderful show, packed with meaning, fun and moves. Best thing I’ve seen for years! Congratulations. Everyone with soul, northern or southern, should get a ticket.”
VENUES & DATES.
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON closed its first tour on 1st June 2025 following performances in Crewe, Blackburn and Blackpool.
Thank you to everyone who supported the play.
KTF.
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON
Written by Mick Martin
Presented By Northern Soul Productions
CAST
Eugene: Neil Bell
Maxine: Caroline Chesworth
Krystyna: Laura Bayston
Liam: Ashley Luke Lloyd
Siobhan: Christine Walsh
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer & Director: Mick Martin
Producer: Alex O’Toole
Production Manager: Jude Wright
Set Design: Sascha Gilmore, Kirsty Barlow & students at Crewe University Technical College
Set Production: Tom Mills & students at Crewe University Technical College
Scenic Artist: Lena Kennard
Projection Design: Gareth Hudson
Costume Design: Kirsty Barlow
Sound Design: Charlotte Barber & Dave Searle
Lighting Design: Jude Wright
Technician: Dave Searle
PR: Mobius Industries
Trailer: Kevin Furber and Rowena Baldwin
Graphics: Trisha McGrath
Photography: Peter Robinson & Garry Cook
ORDER THE PLAYTEXT.
KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON
THE PLAYTEXT
£7.50
Plus £3.95 post & packaging
Published by Methuen Drama. Features the full script by Mick Martin and an Introduction by the creators of the inaugural tour.
Own a piece of the story…
SKILLS WORKSHOPS.
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT
Keep On Keepin’ On isn’t just a theatre production, it’s a catalyst for real dialogue, change and development about our town centres and the role of arts and culture in reinvigorating our high streets. We include a programme of free skills support workshops and events for artists and businesses in each of our tour locations.
