An electrifying and intimate story of forbidden love.

‍‘I’m a monster. You can’t marry me’

Jay and Paul are both serving life sentences for homophobic murders. Incredibly, they fall in love and seek permission to marry.

Inspired by real-life events, Kiss Marry Kill is a provocative new play that reimagines the first same-sex wedding in a UK prison.

Take a seat and prepare for the action to take place in front, above and around you - in signature Dante or Die style. With live music from rapper Lady Lykez, the production envelops audiences in the private spaces and conversations of a world rarely seen.

Kiss Marry Kill zeroes in on the limits of our compassion, challenging our assumptions and preconceptions around sexuality, and the criminal justice system.

Content warning: Discussion and descriptions of homophobic hate crimes. There are also scenes of a sexual nature, nudity, violence and strong language. 

Age guidance: 16+

19th April - Post Show Discussion

After this performance there will be a 20 minute Q&A with members of the cast, creative team and criminal justice specialists from Bent Bars (a letter-writing charity for LGBTQ+ people in prison) and Ian Feis-Bryce, to discuss the making of the show and its themes. Free to attend with a ticket to this night's performance.

23rd April - Gala Night

A special performance to learn more about Dante or Die's work. You will be welcomed with a drinks reception and introduction to Dante or Die, before watching the performance, followed by a post-show chat with the company and special guest Peter McGraith who is one half of the first gay couple to marry in the UK.

25 April - Audio Described Performance

Audience members who would like to use this will be offered headphones with audio description. A Touch Tour will be led by the SM team 1 hour before the performance, at 6.30pm.

Access: Please note this production uses unconventional seating. If you have special requirements please contact the Box Office on info@stonenest.org. Wheelchair users (with essential companions free of charge) are welcome - please contact the Box Office in order to book a wheelchair position + companion ticket. All performances are captioned using handheld devices. An audio described performance with touch tour is available on Thurs 25th April, please contact Box Office to book.

Co-production credits:

Kiss Marry Kill is funded by International Music and Art Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund, Cockayne Grants for the Arts, PRS Foundation & Arts Council England.

Kiss Marry Kill is commissioned by The Lowry, South Street Reading & Ideas Test, with support from Norwich Theatre Royal & Stone Nest. The project was seed funded by IGNITE - York Theatre Royal with thanks to the National Theatre.

Dante or Die is supported by Garfield Weston Foundation and The John Ellerman Foundation.

Written by Daphna Attias, James Baldwin and Terry O’Donovan

Direction: Daphna Attias and Terry O’Donovan

Dramaturg: Lisa Goldman

Set and Costume Design: Sophie Neil

Lighting Design: Joshua Gadsby

Composers and Sound Designers: Yaniv Fridel and Ofer (OJ) Shabi, 

Lyrics and Song Writing: Lady Lykez

Movement Direction: Ayse Tashkiran

Additional Sound Design: Ben Kelly

Recorded at Soho Sonic Studios