Kiss Me Like You Mean It

by Chris Chibnall

Three A.M. on a hot midsummer’s night in Manchester. A party taking place in a shabby Victorian terrace house. In the back garden Tony and Ruth meet, thanks to a stolen can of beer. On the floor above, Don and Edie are having a party of their own. As the night progresses, love is definitely in the air – but then so is the smell of cheap lager. And even cheaper aftershave. Kiss Me Like You Mean It was shortlisted for the Meyer-Whitworth Award, and has subsequently been produced in various venues around the world, including a successful three month run in Paris in 2004.

Genres: Plays

99 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Con James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangely nostalgic. Always feels like my parents telling me about their memories.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first this play seemed like it was going to be one of those fun but rather forgettable coupling-comedies where we watch two people come together. but with the addition of two other characters and as the play progressed, the depth of what was occurring with the younger couple became clear (I figured out what was happening with the older couple immediately). While the play is rather sad, what permeates it is a hopefulness and an affirmation of life and love and what it means to make the best of both.

My first instinct is to say that this play is small and slight, but it is sticking with me.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting section from Ruth in Act One which could be cut together into a monologue.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

well that was depressing

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread 2/27/25: I think I was overly generous first time round - more like a 3-star play.

Wanted to read something by Chibnall after seeing his excellent work on the TV series 'Broadchurch'. This early play certainly didn't disappoint - terrific dialogue, intriguing characters, funny and poignant. Probably isn't done too often, due to the set requirements, but should be - 2 great roles for older actors to boot!