Kiss Marry Kill by Dante or Die

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. 

From the makers of "I Do" (Malmaison Hotel), "Take On Me" (South Reading Leisure Centre) and "Handle With Care" (Lok 'n' Store).

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+
Running time: 90 mins (no interval) approx.

Access: Please note this production uses unconventional seating.  If you have special requirements please contact the Box Office on Boxoffice@reading.gov.uk. Wheelchair users (with essential companions free of charge) are welcome - please choose a "wheelchair position" ticket. All performances are captioned using handheld devices.

Show schedule:
Tuesday 30th April - Friday 3rd May, 7.30pm
Saturday 4th May, 2pm & 6pm
* There will be a Q&A with members of the creative team after the Wednesday night performance.

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 / University of Reading Film, Theatre & Television Dept. & 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
Dramaturgy: Lisa Goldman
Set and Costume Design: Sophie Neil
Lighting Design: Josh Gadsby
Composers and Sound Designers: Yaniv Fridel (Soho Sonic) and Ofer (OJ) Shabi
Lyrics and Song Writing: Lady Lykez
Movement Direction: Ayse Tashkiran