
The John Godber Company make a much-anticipated return to the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme with their newest play Sunny Side Up this October
Sunny Side Up is the hilarious and moving account of a struggling Yorkshire coast B&B and the people who run it. Join down to earth proprietors Barney, Cath and Tina as they share their stories of awkward clients, snooty relatives and eggs over easy, in this seaside feel-good rollercoaster that digs into what ‘staycations’ are all about. If you’re thinking of holidaying at home this year why not book into the Sunny Side boarding House soon?
Written, directed and starring John Godber with Jane Thornton, from the West End hit Scary Bikers, Sunny Side Up is Godber’s latest play, told in his signature style, which blends authenticity and pathos as he addresses the problems of levelling up, leaving home and never forgetting where you come from.
Set in fictional Sunnyside – named the worst seaside town in the country – join down to earth proprietors Barney, Cath and Tina as they share their stories of awkward clients, snooty relatives and eggs over easy, in this seaside feel-good rollercoaster which digs into what our ‘staycations’ are all about.
Here’s the Sunny Side Up Tour Trailer
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced at £17.50-£26.50 (Concessions £2 Off). A transaction fee of £1.00 per ticket applies when booking online. Under 16s go for free.
How do I book tickets to watch Giselle?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office (E-tickets will be emailed), by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here. The show contains adult themes, recommended age 14 +.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
Sunny Side Up will be performed in the round from Tuesday, 26 October to Saturday, 30 October 2021 at 7.30pm daily with a matinee show at 2.14pm on Saturday. There are also socially-distanced performances on Wednesday, 27 October at 7.30pm and Saturday, 30 October at 2.15pm for those who would feel more comfortable with some extra space during their visit.
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
About The 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.
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, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Things to note:Â
The New Vic welcomes all customers and is committed to providing access to the arts for all, which includes:
- Free parking close to the theatre entrance for Blue Badge holders (reserve a space with the box office)
- Limited parking for customers, a small parking fee for £1.50
- Automatic doors and level access into the foyer, ramped access to the auditorium on the ground floor and lift access to the first floor
- Wheelchair spaces on both the ground and first floor
- Disabled toilets
- An induction loop system (not available for amplified performances and an infrared-assisted hearing system)
- Baby-changing facilities
- Assistance dogs are welcome and water will be provided (if you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, let the box office know when booking)
- Sign language-interpreted, audio-described, captioned, relaxed and schools’ performances are available for some performances
Covid Procedures:
Do I have to wear a mask on my visit
They ask customers to wear a mask if they are visiting, with the exception of visitors who will be dining in the cafe. Children under 11 are not required to wear face covering.
What precautions are in place in the building? Are there any guidelines I need to follow?
- On arrival to the theatre, please use their main entrance to access the building. You’ll see they have implemented a one-way system. There is signage in place to let you know where to go next if you’re heading to Box Office, please join the queuing system and one of their friendly team will call you to the counter when they are available.
- If you have access requirements, please feel free to use the automatic doors to enter the building, ensuring no-one is exiting at that time.
- Yes. Their toilets are available for use. Limited to 3 customers at a time.
- Yes. The lift will be available for customers to use to access the first floor.
Do I need to book a table for the Cafe?
Please pre-book a table in advance if you are planning to have pre-food/drinks or drinks after the show.
Can I pay by cash?
No. In order to minimise surfaces touched by staff and customers, at the current time they will only be accepting payments by card. This applies to all purchases made at Box Office, the Cafe and their shop.

You may want to read this:
Review: Classic Ballet Giselle at The New Vic in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Review: Astley’s Astounding Adventures at the New Vic Theatre
Review: The Wind In The Willows at the New Vic Theatre
Photo credit: New Vic Theatre/Elizabeth Godber
