Our Verdict: 5/5 STARS
Did you go to a posh private school, or the local comprehensive on the other side of town? Did you thrive in a highly academic environment, or did you risk humiliation from the class bullies if you dared to express an interest in learning?
Teechers, written by John Godber in the mid-1980s, lays bare the contrasting educational options available in two very different schools by telling the story of a new drama teacher.
Three gobby school leavers – Salty, Hobby and Gail – perform a play within a play. Jeff Nixon ignites the kids’ passion for drama, winning them over during two terms of otherwise unrelenting battles against a failing system, disillusioned teachers and disaffected children.
Mr Nixon is young, idealistic and a strong believer in equal opportunities. But in the Whitewall High School war-zone, he has to contend with disciplinarian Deputy Head Derek Basford, eccentric drama-loving Head Mrs Parry, obstructive drama-hating caretaker Doug and school oik and bully-in-chief Bobby ‘Oggy’ Moxon.
We’re also introduced to sexy whistle-twirling PE teacher Jackie Prime, fancied equally by Mr Nixon and Oggy; Maureen Whitham, a hopeless teacher desperate to leave Whitewall; always running Simon ‘Piggy’ Patterson; Pete Saxon, a tattooed oaf of a boy; and a host of other brilliantly observed characters.
On a sparse stage, with just a blackboard, a couple of desks, chairs and a hat stand, three actors amazingly perform all the roles, in a blur of brilliantly choreographed action, asking for the audience to use our imagination as they morph from one character to another, across the generations and sexes.
Disillusioned by the daily challenges of life at Whitewall, Mr Nixon applies for a job at high-achieving St. George’s, with its top quality drama facilities and hungry-to-learn children. Will he stay and try to battle the system, or will he forget his principles and take the soft option….
Produced by Nick Wyschna and Charlotte Bateup of the always innovative Guildford Fringe Theatre Company, directed by Harry Blumenau and performed in the intimate setting of the Back Room of the Star Inn Guildford, this is a terrific production of Teechers. Kudos to Lauren James Ray (Gail), Sam Stay (Salty) and Elle Banstead-Salim (Hobby) for their acting brilliance and energy, and to the 1980s for the nostalgic soundtrack.
You have until September 29 to see this, otherwise, Oggy will be round to see you…
Details
Venue: The Star Inn, Guildford
Price: £18.50
Upcoming Shows & Times:
Wednesday 19 September – Saturday 29 September
Tuesday – Saturday @ 8 pm and Sunday @ 5 pm
Tickets: guildfordfringe.com
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