[Ad-gifted] When trying to find out a bit more about Black Tie Ball, by the well known playwright John Godber at the New Vic Theatre, I went to their website and had a quick look at their ‘Book Tickets’ section – it was near to SOLD OUT! So, if this is anything to go by, it looks as though you’ll be in for a treat when we review the latest John Godber Company comedy.
Black Tie Ball is set around an evening from the arrival of the guests at seven, to when everyone departs before midnight. It is a comedy written around the idea of people watching the goings on of an evening such as this, the disparities between the classes and what it feels like in hospitality to be understaffed on busy nights!
If you love “fly on the wall” plays, then be sure to read our latest review.
What I thought of Black Tie Ball
This is the show that would suit the lovers of sitcoms from around the mid-90s. It’s a fly on the wall perspective of a night in a busy grand five star hotel.
On the night, the hotel has several events taking place, all being looked after by four hospitality workers who are quite clearly underpaid and overworked!
The satire takes place around the obvious class divide of the guests to the workers. On the surface you are gives the impression that the workers are uneducated and simple but as the play delves further into the character’s personalities and social situations, they become far more complex and all our initial first impressions change as the play goes on.
The evening overall was good fun, however, I would say the comedy is aimed at the older generation, with Ronnie (played by William Ilkley) very much channeling his own version of a Victor Melldrew character (from the 90s sitcom One Foot in the Grave). Another stand out character for me was Duncan, played Dylan Allcock, who managed to give him a multi layered personality.
Considering there were only ever four people playing the main hotel staff characters, plus, once in a while, they would each play a number of other hotel guests/events entertainers, they perfectly filled the stage in the round of the New Vic Theatre.
I feel John Godber writes his plays in a way that’s simple to understand, yet they are deeply thought provoking, covering complicated social issues that he manages to tell in a way that always gets a laugh.
Cast
Dylan Allcock – Duncan
Jade Farnill – Joy
William Ilkley – Ronnie
Levi Payne – Lewis
Creative
John Godber & Neil Sissons Director
John Godber Writer
Graham Kirk Designer
Joshua Cartmell Costume Designer
Sarah Follon Company Stage Manager
Elizabeth Godber Producer
Dylan Allcock Musical Director
Amy Ashwell & Aleesha Neill Production Assistants
How much are the tickets for Black Tie Ball?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £15 to £44.
Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Under 16s Go Free
Under 26s Go Free
How do I book tickets to watch Black Tie Ball?
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?
Black Tie Ball will run until Saturday, 11 October 2025 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm on 11/105.
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 £2.50 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.
About the 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. John and his playwright/director/actor wife, Jane Thornton, decided to create their own company in order to keep control of their work.
The John Godber Company, which has a base in East Yorkshire, often produces 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.
Review by: Lex Ward
You may also want to read this:
Review: The Grand Babylon Hotel at the New Vic, Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Review: John Godber Company’s Perfect Pitch at New Vic Theatre
Review: Happy Jack by John Godber Company at The New Vic Theatre
Review: Do I Love You? at the New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/John Godber Company
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
16 comments
This sounds like a great show. I love satire comedy because it makes you laugh, but it also makes you think.
Agree, it is more of an intelligent sort of comedy which makes you ponder
Wonderful review! I love how you captured both the humor and heart of the performance. It feels like I was right there in the audience. Sounds like an absolute must-see for theatre lovers.
Yes a must see indeed for John Godber fans and New Vic is a superb theatre as well
I want to watch this show, I wish I could. This made me feel the vibe of being on the cruise.
Hope you managed to watch the show Marie
This sounds like my kind of pay, I do love people watching and do love a good comedy so it is a win win. I will look for it coming around my way
Glad to hear that Samantha
I would love to watch the show. I was sold when you mentioned it is close to 90s sitcoms…These were the best.
Agree, you can’t get any better than 90s comedy
This sounds like such a fun play. I do love a good comedy!!! I used to love One Foot in the Grave so I am sure I would love the character Ronnie!
I bet you would enjoy watching Black Tie Ball Melanie
Satirical comedy is the best in my opinion. Sounds like a truly entertaining show.
It certainly was and we had a great evening out
What an interesting performance. Calling back to the 90s is clever and I like the idea of it revolving around the staff and their class divide.
Agree, and such a talented set of cast as well