Today we are speaking to Steph who is debuting the play How To Date at The Bridge House Theatre and The Brockley Jack Theatre in London as part of SE Fest 25 between the 9th – 11th September . Today we find out all about it.
Hello! Tell us about yourself ?
Hi! I’m Steph, I’m a writer and actor, I grew up in Oxfordshire and moved to London on my own at nineteen to pursue a career in performing. I’ve lived in London for five years now and I’m so excited to be working on my own production. My family are Glaswegian and very sarcastic, which is definitely felt in my writing. I like to write about my life experiences and base characters off people I meet. I’m also a personal trainer, when I’m not on stage or behind my laptop, I’ll be in the gym!
Tell us a bit about the show How To Date
How to Date is a dark comedy play inspired by experiences I went through as a teenager. It centres around two housemates Clarissa and Emily as they try to find partners and figure out their future paths. The play covers themes of friendship, mental health, coping mechanisms, safety on dating apps and trauma. How To Date debuted at Collective Fringe back in January 2025. It was picked to be one of four main house performances, and was very well received with sold out shows and standing ovations each night.
Since the fringe, Stephanie has been developing the script with a mentor and dramaturgy support. She has developed the characters further and added new scenes to expand on particular storylines. The new version of the script has not been shown before and will be showing at The Brockley Jack Studio on the 9th and 10th September and The Bridge House Theatre on the 11th September as part of SE Fest 25.
How are rehearsals going?
Rehearsals are going well! It’s sometimes difficult because as the show dates get closer it can be a dooming feeling if the show doesn’t feel ready yet, but it always somehow pulls through!
What can you tell us about the stage set?
The set for this production is very minimal, I really love it when a set isn’t over complicated. Just a few props for each scene and furniture for the girl’s flat, you’ll be surprised how much you can show through lighting!
Tell us a little bit about the rest of the cast
The rest of the cast were sourced through open casting and an audition process. Two of the cast members are the same cast from our shows at Collective Fringe, and our lead actor for Clarissa has been sourced through a last minute change we had to make! All of the cast work so well together and it’s nice that we’re all friends in real life.
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
The most challenging thing so far has been learning not to be hard on myself. As an actor and writer I often critique my own work, but I’ve been trying to get out of the ‘perfectionist’ mindset and focus on putting on the best show that I can.
The best thing about touring the show?
The best thing about touring the show has been being able to bring it to a variety of audiences in different parts of London, this is such an important story to tell and the wider audiences we can reach the better! It’s also been really beneficial getting experience and learning how to make a show transferrable, particularly the set and lighting plans.
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
One of the best highlights since doing the show was when I was offered an interview on BBC Radio London to talk about the show, this was so exciting I got to go into the BBC Broadcasting House! Another highlight was the standing ovation we got after the first night, I had no idea how the shows were going to be received and to see that the audience enjoyed it that much was a real win for me, especially when sharing a story that is so personal.
What is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
The best reaction we’ve had from an audience member so far was after one of the one liner jokes. A cast member’s Dad turned to the audience and said ‘that’s the best line yet!’.
If people want to follow you on social media, where can they find you?
They can follow the play’s Instagram here: @howtodateplay And my instagram here: @stephmcneil
Finally in three words why should people come to your show?
People should come to see it because it’s impactful, relatable and hilarious!
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