When we met studying drama, we made a vow that we would write and perform a comedy together… some time very soon… once we had a bit of financial security… and had found somewhere to live…
That was 1995.
Cut to 2026 and our youthful little dream is finally coming true. ‘How to be the Perfect Couple’ is born!
“It’s about two renowned marriage experts who are delivering a lecture on how to have the perfect relationship, while their own is coming apart at the seams. In fairness, it’s a play we couldn’t have written 30 years ago,” says Katie, who now teaches presentation skills, so is more than comfortable delivering a lecture.
“It can get quite meta playing a married couple,” Jon chuckles, “we often had to reassure our sons that we were rehearsing not arguing. Which was true at least some of the time.”
So has it been the dream we imagined?
“Honestly, it’s been amazing. The reception after the Leeds show was incredible. It’s so easy to let your dreams slip by. Bit insidious really. But it’s definitely been worth it. There’s a bit in the play where the characters talk about the importance of common goals for couples. Having said that, it’s not all been plain sailing!” says Katie, looking sideways at her husband.
“Thankfully the play required a lot of research about improving your marriage, so a lot of that came in quite handy!” smiles Jon.
Directed by the brilliant Karl Hansen, ‘How to be the Perfect Couple’ is touring in 2026 and 2027. Check ‘Our Play’ section for tour dates and tickets!
(@perfectcoupleplay on Insta)