Teechers – Theatr Clwyd

The John Godber Company bring an updated, post covid version of the classic Teechers to the Weston Theatr at Theatr Clwyd. The script has been updated after John Godber spoke to teachers post covid and realised how much things have changed in the state system, where drama, art and music have a much lower status now compared to the other subjects, and how some educators are leaving the state system and being seduced by the private system which offer more in the drama, arts and music subjects.

The set looks simple but very effective, with parquet looking flooring to mark out the set area, school tables and chairs, a set of lockers and a variety of other pieces and costumes around the set that are used throughout the play, all designed by Graham Kirk.

The cast are made up of three actors who play a huge variety of characters, switching between them with ease, a swap of a hat, a scarf or a jacket, while taking on a whole new demeanour to bring these characters to life.

Directed by Jane Thornton, we are invited to the B Tech student’s exam to showcase their work where we see the impact their drama teacher, Ms Nixon has had on them and how she has changed their lives, on what the system has done to them and how it’s forced the drama teacher to look outside of the state system and towards the private system.

Sophie Suddaby plays Hobby, Levi Payne plays Salty and Jo Patmore plays Gail. The talent the these three have is incredible, taking us on this journey with them, changing characters at speed to keep the story flowing, moving set pieces during scenes or with a choreographed piece of dancing to make the scene changes a little more exciting. From multiple students to various teachers and a site premises manager, you could believe there are more than three actors in this show and this just shows how excellent they are and how important drama, art and music is, as without these subjects in schools, we wouldn’t have these incredible actors to entertain us and bring these stories to life.

There was a huge range of audience members this evening from students to people who will have left the education system many many years ago but we all felt the same about this show, with a standing ovation and a little emotional to see how these students were feeling after probably being let down by the system one more time.

Teechers is running at Theatr Clwyd until Saturday 28^th March with tickets available at www.theatrclwyd.com

Reviewer: Damian Riverol

Reviewed: 24^th March 2026

North West End UK Rating: