Review: John Godber Company’s Teechers at New Vic Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] I had the privilege of watching John Godber Company’s Teechers at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme last night and I can tell you it was sharply funny, fast-paced and too close to reality throwing a spotlight on the British education system.

Originally written by John Godber in 1987, this modern classic British play has since been updated for the post-Covid era, and still resonates with fresh relevance, reminding us that the struggles, triumphs and sheer chaos of school life haven’t really changed much over the decades.

At its heart Teechers is a play-within-a-play featuring three students, Salty, Gail and Hobby who use their BTEC Drama Performance to recount their final term at Whitewall Academy in the form of a show for the audience, complete with narration. As they fling themselves into a dizzying array of roles from cynical teachers, stressed staff to bossy classmates and beleaguered caretakers, the production becomes a whirlwind of impersonations, high energy and sheer theatrical invention.

What did I think of Teechers?

I did not know what to expect when I arrived at the New Vic for the opening night of Teechers, but after years of watching various plays there I knew it will be something unique and thought-provoking.

The talented cast for Teechers is led by Jo Patmore as Gail, Levi Payne as Salty and Sophie Suddaby as Hobby. Each actor is tasked with the Herculean effort of portraying a multitude of characters.  It could have been easily twenty characters between them in classic Teechers fashion.  They range from the cool kid, school bully, underpaid teachers, overworked caretaker, headmistress and more.

With no costume change but just the odd prop to differentiate each characters, the cast managed pull it off though their change of persona, facial expression, vocal dexterity and demeanor.  And they rose to the challenge with gusto and conviction with their razor-sharp timing and their flair for switching between different personalities.

Suddaby switched flawlessly from being Miss Nixon, the new Drama teacher to Hobby and her narrating rekindled memories of us being back in school either as a student or teacher. Payne acted the role of Salty to perfection with his cheeky and quirky demeanor while my favourite was Patmore who brought stage presence and lit the stage on fire with her presence by playing Gail. Her ability to move from one character to another seamlessly had the audience in awe. The music and dance break between each scene was a lovely welcome and I could hear the audience humming to the music.

If you work in a school or are a teacher yourself, you would be able to relate to the issues brought about by the play from lack of funding, good teachers leaving for private school as well as the cutting back on the Arts Education. And it does hit home quite close.

For me, the play had me laughing and reminiscing about my school days and at the same time questioning about the current predicament of our British schools and who is to be blamed.

So for anyone who loves live theatre, expect sharp wit, unabashed energy and genuine heart as Teechers at the New Vic is an absolute must-see. It’s a reminder that great theatre can shed light on real-world issues while giving you a great night out.

Cast of Teechers

Jo Patmore Gail

Sophie Suddaby Hobby

Levi Payne Salty

Hannah Christina Understudy

Creatives

Directed by Jane Thornton

Written by John Godber

Producer Elizabeth Godber

Company Stage Manager Sarah Follon

Set Design and Production Management Graham Kirk

How much are the tickets for Teechers ?

Tickets are on sale now, priced from £15 to £42.  Please note: The performance contains some string language and theatrical haze.

How do I book tickets to watch Teechers ?

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 will Teecher be running for and what are the timings?

Teechers will be running until Saturday, 7 February 2026 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm (on Thursday and Saturday).  The performance is approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, including one 20 minute interval.

Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?

New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG

The theatre has a car park, with a £2.50 charge on show days from 6pm. 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 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.

You may also want to read this:

The Hound of the Baskervilles heads to New Vic Theatre

Review : A Matter of Life and Death at The New Vic Theatre

Review: Alan Ayckbourn’s Constant Companions at New Vic Theatre

Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Ian Hodgson

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.