Teechers

A very warm welcome from NODA to one of our newest companies: the recently formed That’s The Badger Productions. That’s The Badger kicked off their inaugural season with Teechers by John Godber. Probably my favourite John Godber play, Teechers tells the story of three teenaged school failures who finally find some interest in school when it is almost too late. Their journey through the final year at school is documented through their leavers’ production with Salty, Hobby and Gail playing all of the parts.

Jamie Rogers, Ceri Owen and Lucy Boniface brought energy and commitment to the stage, changing characters in an instant and with the minimum of costume change. There were some delightful highlights and the interactions with the audience in this theatrical configuration worked really well. The actors really made use of their intimate audience. The blackboard and the desks were used very cleverly and the chairs had choreography of their very own, although I was delighted that the synchronised lifting and banging didn’t extend into Act Two to provide the audience with some variety.

This is a fast-paced piece with many scenes and the transitions were particularly well handled. Indeed, the physicality of all three actors was great but outstanding was Lucy, as Gail, Miss Prime and Doug. The changing accents were also very well maintained by her. Her facial contortions were amazing. Ceri gave us a fantastic Mrs Parry and Mr Basford, but Hobby herself felt less well defined. Jamie had some stand out moments especially as Mr Dean whose teeth seemed to have a life of their own. His introduction to the audience (bollox) was especially enjoyable.

But it was when the three actors worked together as a team that the magic on stage really happened- the fight, the car ride, the E.T. section and the Ninja scene linger long in the memory after the final bows. There were some very inventive new ideas in the production and the Oggie rap was very clever, but for me this took away the deeply sinister nature of Oggie and made him into too much of a joke character. However, the actors really brought the poignancy to the final scene when the young people realise it is too late, their school years have failed them and there is no going back. They are now to be sent out into a difficult adult world thoroughly unprepared for life. John Godber was a drama teacher himself for many years and he has gifted us this strong political and social message, which seems even more relevant in 2026 than it was when the play was written in 1987.

A really excellent programme provided us with background information about the play, the writer, the company and the actors. Many congratulations to Rick Hyland for inventive and creative direction and congratulations to the team at Ilkley Playhouse for technical and other support. Lighting and sound were spot on. But most of all congratulations to That’s the Badger. This is a company which I am sure will go on to great things. Two musicals are planned for the near future which I am sure will be a great success. It was an honour to be a small part of your debut.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.