Review by Andrew Sugden. 

 Hull Truck Theatre 30th April. 

 What better place to see John Godber’s Teechers than Hull Truck Theatre, a play that the travelling company premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 1987, before returning home to Hull Truck later that year. 

 Now forty years later, well… It’s like a home coming. 

The John Godber Company’s production is newly rewritten by Godber himself and produced by Elizabeth Godber, to reflect post pandemic times, and modern themes. 

 Creatively directed by Jane Thornton, the stage opens with three students, performing before the school and teachers. It’s a play-within-a-play featuring Salty, played by Levy Payne, Gail played by Jo Patmore and Hobby, played by Sophie Suddaby, who use their BTEC Drama Performance to recount their final term at Whitewall Academy. 

 The opening scene has the three students on stage, setting out their performance in a narration explaining to the audience, their intent. The students are doing a play to recap the school year, and it's also a way to thank Miss Nixon, their drama teacher. 

The trio's lively performances use rapid role-swapping and props to create a vibrant school scene, giving a humorous and often poignant peek into their everyday experiences.

 They jump into so many different characters, like grumpy teachers, overworked staff, mean classmates, and exhausted caretakers. The show is a crazy mix of impressions, tons of energy, and pure stage magic. 

Sophie Suddaby seamlessly transitioned from her role as Miss Nixon, the new drama teacher, to Hobby, a student in her final year, her conversations with the audience evoking memories, whether as student or teacher. 

Levy Payne's portrayal of Salty was impeccable, characterized by his roguish and eccentric charm, and shoulder shrug... "in-it." 

Jo Patmore was my standout performer, captivating the audience with her powerful stage presence, not only as Gail, but also captivating the audience with her effortless transitions between characters, all so individually different. A truly impressive performance. 

Graham Kirk’s stage setting was sparse, even minimalist, but the music and dance throughout transformed and moved the action seamlessly between scenes, and the exuberant acting drew the audience in, provoking their collaboration and imagination. 

The three actors twisting through and sharing the roles of teachers, pupils, school bullies, head teacher and others... moves the action flawlessly... bringing out all the fun, jokes, and wit... but underneath, the darker issues of thwarted aspiration, and inequality of opportunity seep through.

 As Salty, Gail and Hobby exit from state education, Miss Nixon’s own journey becomes clear. She’s leaving for the private school nearby. 

 It was a poignant ending as each student said goodbye to Miss Nixon, a feeling of betrayal, a flood of hope. I was drawn in by the pleas, tearful, my emotions rising, the hopefulness draining, leaving betrayal and loss. 

Then Hobby stepped forward with a long soliloquy, and my empathy drained. I felt too much a political telling.

 I was obviously wrong. The Hull audience roared their approval, shouting and clapping. A fully emotional collective expression, the three actors joined applauding the audience in response.

 It’s a narrow walk through the exit corridor from the auditorium into the reception area. I heard many conversations as I was squashed through, voices gleeful, full of hope, elevated laughter, agreement about inequality of education. Sharing experiences. Thrilled by the witty, funny poignant theatre they had just experienced. 

Teechers is touring Yorkshire and it's a must-see for theatre fans. It's witty, energetic, and heartfelt! It's a good reminder that fantastic theatre can tackle big issues and at the same time, be a fun night out.

Tour dates 2026. 

 BOLTON Octagon Theatre 5th - 16th May Get Tickets

 BRADFORD St George’s Hall 21st - 22nd May Get Tickets

 LINCOLN New Theatre Royal 24th - 25th May Get Tickets

 HARROGATE Harrogate Theatre 27th - 30th May Get Tickets

 READING Reading Rep 2nd - 13th June Get Tickets 

 BATH Theatre Royal Bath 28th July - 1st August Get Tickets