Review: Full marks for excellence for Rotorua Little Theatre's latest production

Rachael Bell as Gail, Liz Carrington as Hobby and Ian Stabler as Salty in the upcoming Teechers show. Photo / Willi Werner.

‘Teechers’ written by John Godber and directed by Steve Fisher plays at The Shambles Theatre from Wednesday October 24 to Saturday November 3 . Tickets available from the Theatre Box Office.

Three desks, three chairs, three actors ... and a multitude of different characters get full marks for excellence at the opening night of Rotorua Little Theatre's production of John Godber's play Teechers.

Teechers is a fast-paced, entertaining comedy set in 'Whitewall Comprehensive School' somewhere in the UK which takes a somewhat jaundiced look at the schooling system.

Three school leavers: Salty (Ian Stabler), Hobby (Liz Carrington) and Gail (Rachael Bell) are putting on a farewell performance for their Drama teacher, Mr. Nixon (Niko) who has resigned from the inferior Whitewall School to teach at the nearby, superior St George's much to the sorrow of these three students who are desperate for him to stay.

In their 'play-within-play' the three students take on multiple roles as different students and staff.

The superb acting skills of the trio of actors take the audience from laughter to tears as they evoke the diversity of contemporary school life.

The smooth transitions between characters showcase their work as a team.

However, beneath the satiric comedy and the slapstick, there are some poignant messages about education that will resonate with the audience.

The director, Steve Fisher, and the three actors are to be commended in bringing this play to dynamic life on stage.

Their performances are not only highly skilled, but they convey very relevant messages about modern education and the "haves" versus the "have-nots."

- Reviewed by Margaret Stokes