Teechers (Tour – Salford)

John Godber‘s Teechers was written in 1987 but due to the fact most of us have met many of his affectionately drawn characters, it remains an absolute hoot.

As a teacher, myself –  I laughed non stop as each situation is spot on, particularly scenes in smoke-filled staffrooms and the bear pit, often referred to as a playground!

We follow a new Drama teacher, full of ideas and willing to try and turn any waif or stray around, as the stuffing is knocked out of him. Other memorable characters include a Head of Drama, who feels the whole world is a stage and a nervous wall flower who can often be found clutching a copy of the TES, crying.

These classic comic creations are bought to life by a terrific trio of actors who remain game for two frenetic hours. The undoubted star of the show is Claire Eden who can change roles by just pulling a face. She is a very fine actress and I look forward to seeing her on stage in the future.

Peter McMillan is also wonderful as the fresh faced tutor with great intentions and a variety of other equally well delivered turns. Zoe Lister proves, like Rupert Hill that there is life after soap, perhaps best known for her role as Zoe Carpenter in Hollyoaks, she earns her stage stripes.

The only minor flaw are the references to typing pools and smoking at work that jar with the X Factor and James Blunt mentions.

Fortunately though, this does not stop Teechers from being bloody funny and top of the class.