This October The John Godber Company returns to the New Vic with hilarious state-of-the-nation comedy Perfect Pitch, an early 2000s triumph that’s been brought right up-to-date for 2024. In the play audiences will witness campers and caravanners clash in this classic modern comedy set on an eroding coastline, with an impressive all-northern cast.
When teacher Matt borrows his parent’s caravan for a week on the Yorkshire coast with partner Rose, they expect four days of hill running and a total de-stress. But with a tribute band musical festival taking place nearby, Grant and Steph’s pop-up tent is an unwelcome addition to their ‘perfect pitch’.
Writer and Director John Godber said: “I can’t wait to bring Perfect Pitch to the New Vic. This rewrite takes into account twenty-five more years of my personal caravaning experiences and puts added pressure on the central characters since they are using their parents’ van. Pitching up alongside are a young couple who are madly deeply in love. Caravan sites are a great location to capture all kinds of trends and attitudes which are current in the UK post-COVID and a fantastic opportunity to bring unlikely neighbours together.”
Cast
The cast of Perfect Pitch includes Laura Jennifer Banks, member of the Godber Theatre Foundation, making her professional debut; Tom Gallagher (Hansel and Gretel, Junction Goole, Innit, The Lowry); John Godber Company regular Frazer Hammill, last seen on the New Vic stage in the hit Bouncers in 2023; and Annie Kirkman, known to New Vic audiences for her performances in Ladies Day and Ladies Down Under over the past few years.
How much are the tickets for Perfect Pitch?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £10 to £31.50. Age Guidance 14+ (This performance contains haze, strong language and sexual references).
How do I book tickets to watch Perfect Pitch?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
Perfect Pitch will open at the New Vic Theatre on Tuesday, 29 October and will run until Saturday, 2 November 2024 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm (on 31/10 and 02/11).
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Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £2.20 charge on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.
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About John Godber Company
The John Godber Company was established in 2011 with the purpose of allowing the playwright John Godber to continue expressing himself through the dramatic form. After having seen how the board of a theatre can destabilise a company John and his playwright/director/actor wife, Jane, decided to create their own company in order to keep control of their work.
As Artistic Director Godber had steered Hull Truck from bankruptcy in 1984 to the West End, an international reputation and finally a purpose built £15million theatre which he helped design and raise the money for, which opened in 2010. Shortly after the new theatre had opened the then Artistic Director, Gareth Tudor Price, was made redundant, and Godber, in a gesture of support to his long time friend and artistic colleague, left Hull Truck, after a relationship of twenty six years.
The John Godber Company, which has a base in East Yorkshire has a number of production outlet opportunities; often producing national tours out of Theatre Royal Wakefield, and partner-productions at Hull New Theatre and  East Riding Theatre amongst others. The John Godber Company believes in putting the artist at the centre of the theatrical creative process.
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Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Ian Hodgson
