Teechers – The Forum Theatre

Before I set off to watch this show this evening, I was trying to remember previous occasions when I had seen NK put on this play by John Godber (who is one of the authors who they seem to visit on a regular basis, having seen “Bouncers and Shakers” a number of times also) and if my memory is correct, I think this is the third time I have seen it in the past 8 years or so. Previous casts have utilised more adult actors, but this production is much more realistic in that all the cast are still in their teens so are genuinely playing characters of their own age.

Teechers is actually a play within a play, which the students perform for their teachers, taking on twenty or so different roles throughout the show. The stage setting is very basic, consisting of a noticeboard, blackboard, a couple of posters and three desks and chairs. Jack Findlow plays the part of Ian Salt (Salty), a classical laid-back teenager who hasn’t got a clue what he wants to do with his life when he leaves school (which will be upon him more quickly than he realises). Megan Voss plays the character of Lilian Hobson (Hobby), a girl who is disillusioned with her friends but doesn’t know which way to turn. The part of Gail Saunders is played by Olivia Barton (sorry, I can’t get my head around “Liv”!), the bossy but enthusiastic member of the trio.

As I have mentioned, the three cast members take on numerous roles including the new drama teacher, Mr. Nixon, an idealistic teacher who tries (and generally succeeds) to ignite their passion for the stage who believes that all children (whether at their own Whitewall High School or the better regarded St. Georges across town) should be treated equally; the headmistress, Mrs Parry; the deputy head teacher Mr Basford, who hates children, a feeling which is reciprocated by the students themselves; the school bully, Oggy Moxon, who frightens both teachers and pupils alike; the desperate to leave English teacher Miss Whitham; the sports teacher Miss Prime; and the grumpy and bossy caretaker Doug, who seems to dislike everybody whether teacher or student.

One disappointment for me was that there were only 60 or so people in the audience. The show ends its short run this Friday evening and there are still tickets available. The cast delivered the script at 90 mph but didn’t sacrifice any clarity of diction and all the speeches were delivered perfectly clearly. The content was practically word perfect and when the occasional slip up occurred there was some brilliant improvisation to bring the script back on line. There was a good bit of infectious comedy throughout the performance which transferred to the watching audience. When I have watched this previously I don’t remember it being so uproariously funny, which is a credit to all the cast members.

In summary, I have to say that this was an outstanding performance from a young cast who can only go on to bigger and better things in the future. One person commented to me that they are stars of the future; I would disagree, in spite of their relatively tender years, I think they are stars of the present! It was a privilege to watch these young actors who I have known since they were very young and have now developed into brilliant performers in their own right. Well done to all involved.

Reviewer: David S Clarke

Reviewed: 13th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: