Y10 Drama Students’ Lessons from “Teechers”
As part of their GCSE Drama performances, Y10 students brought John Godber’s play ‘Teechers’ to the Drama Studio stage for one night only. This play within a play follows the lives of 3 drama students (Hobby, Salty and Gail) as they create and stage a play they’ve written at the end of Y11 about their experiences in school. The central character is the school’s idealistic, but very talented, new drama teacher who believes that all children should be treated equally, regardless of their background. In writing and staging the play, the students gradually realise how much of a positive influence their drama teacher has had on them – but sadly this comes too late for the teacher who after a challenging year at the school decides to move on. With simple sets, and just 3 actors playing all the different parts in the original version, this comedy play was first staged in 1987 at the Edinburgh Festival.
Writing of our own students depiction of this play, Head of Malton School’s Performance and Creative Faculty, Jo Harmon writes:
“It was decades ago that I first saw John Godber’s ‘Teechers’, performed by the incredibly talented cast of Craig Charles, Deborah Leighton, and Louisa Ruthven. I was captivated by the actors’ remarkable skill in bringing a host of characters to life so effortlessly. On Thursday evening, I experienced a similar sense of awe and pride as our Year 10 GCSE Drama students presented their scripted plays to an enthusiastic audience of parents and peers.
The performances were not only engaging but showcased the students’ growing confidence and talent. We were also treated to further pieces from the suggested works: ‘Shakers’, again by John Godber, ‘Invisible Friends’ by Alan Ayckbourn and Dennis Potter’s ‘Blue Remembered Hills’, exploring the dynamics within groups, which added depth and variety to the evening.
Our actors were wonderfully supported by their peers pursuing technical pathways, who managed the sound, lighting, costumes, and set design with incredible skill and creativity. Their contributions were showcased beautifully, with some exceptional design work proudly displayed at the front.
These performance evenings play such an important role in nurturing our students’ confidence and preparing them for their Year 11 examined performances. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the drama team for their tireless dedication to raising the bar for our performers. A special thank you also goes to Mrs. Coulbeck and Mrs. Coates for their invaluable efforts behind the scenes. Together, you’ve created an evening to remember and a stepping stone for our students’ future success.”
