Review: Sunny Side Up at  New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme*

Sunny Side Up written and directed by John Godber (Bouncers, Gym and Tonic, Scary Bikers), sees the much-anticipated return of The John Godber Company to the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in Staffordshire.

Set in fictional Sunnyside – named the worst seaside town in the country – the audience join down to earth proprietors Barney, Cath and Tina in the here and now, as they balance months of being closed due to the pandemic against the busy season which begins as restrictions lift. They are all too aware that they and their regular visitors will meet ‘staycationers’ in the next few months who will never visit Sunnyside again, as soon as they can return abroad. The tension begins as Sunny Side Hotel gets a cancellation and Tina decides to invite her estranged, University Professor, brother Graham and his wife Sue to stay.

Familiar themes from Godber’s other works – class differences, social mobility and the life experiences of different generations – form the backbone of ‘Sunny Side Up’. The all too real plight of towns and people who are at risk of being ‘left behind’ are also brought to the fore. However, what could have been a down-beat production, full of pathos but with a moralising tone is energised by political sparks, realistic character portrayals and moments of genuine humour.

John Godber, wife Jane and daughter Martha take all roles in the production and the staging is minimal, allowing their performances to shine. Uncomfortable, but realistic, interactions between husband and wife, Graham and Sue, provide some of the play’s biggest laughs as the couple struggle with spending time together, away from their home comforts and outside of their upper-middle-class bubble.

Martha is particularly strong as forthright Kelly, a regular visitor to the karaoke bar on the front, under the arches where the homeless meet and to Sunnyside Hotel “because it’s all I can afford”.

She provides a counter-argument to Graham’s pride in himself for having achieved in his life, despite his background, and encourages the audience to think for themselves.

Sunny Side Up could have brashly attacked some of the political issues and the inequalities which exists within society and have been exacerbated by the pandemic and other world events of the last few years. However, the audience may have left feeling resentful and powerless. Instead, it raises questions through an insightful, funny and moving account of our relationships with the homes and families we were born to, and those we create. Although initially frustrating, this approach leaves the audience questioning the status quo, but also looking for the sunny side, whatever their own situation.

Note: Sunny Side Up contains adult themes and offensive language and has a recommended audience age of 14 +.

When is the next show and how can I purchase tickets?

Sunny Side Up will be performed at the New Vic Theatre tonight, tomorrow, Friday 29 October at 7.30pm and on Saturday 30 October at 2.25pm and 7.30pm.

The performances on Wednesday 27th and the matinee show on Saturday are socially-distanced, with fewer people in the audience, great for those who would feel more comfortable with some extra space during their visit.

The show then continues its run at Hull Truck Theatre, Monday 1st to Saturday 6th November.

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 Sunny Side Up?

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 +.

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. 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. John and his actor/playwright/director wife Jane Thornton went on to create their own company, which often produces national tours out of Theatre Royal Wakefield and believes in putting the artist at the centre of the theatrical creative process.

John, Jane and daughter Martha all star in Sunny Side Up and daughter Elizabeth Godber is Company Stage Manager.

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: 

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.

Review by Sharon Corbally

You may want to read this:

Review: Season’s Greetings at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Review: Handbagged at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Review: Two at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Photo credit: New Vic Theatre/Ant Robling