Teechers at New Wolsey

Chileya Mwampulo, Isaac Franklin, Eloise Richardson

Review by Russell Cook from Suffolk Village Info.

Three hugely talented actors make up the cast of ‘Teachers’, John Godber’s play at the New Wolsey Theatre, and they are a tour de force to be reckoned with. They are comical, whimsical, outrageous and enormously energetic throughout this pulsating production.

Their language cuts a bit deep in places but it is totally relevant to the multitude of scenes the trio portray. This comedy has a punchy political message about the state of our country’s education system.

Gail, Hobby and Salty, portrayed with amazing talent by Chileya Mwampulo, Eloise Richardson and Isaac Franklin, are presenting their hilarious end-of-term play, one that tells the tale of their new drama teacher’s progress at their chaotic school.

After two terms of rowdy students, downtrodden colleagues and a system on the brink, will this idealistic teacher be swayed by the calmer waters of a nearby private school?

The three of them take on over 20 different roles with only the props of a classroom to hand.

Each had a plethora of uniquely devised roles up their sleeves, differentiating clearly as they portrayed each student and teacher represented throughout the text to their utmost dexterity. They range from the school bully to the overworked and grumpy caretaker, and from the bossy headmistress to the single-minded teacher.

You then have all the comedy moments dotted throughout the production - non more laughable than the students’ pre-Christmas disco tonic of spring onions washed down with ample quantities of cider … aaaaahhh!!!

The leading characters may be outspoken and problematic at times but they also have an endearing quality, and as a spectator you can’t help but ultimately root for their success.

Despite ‘Teechers’ being a comedy play, there is an underlying social commentary that can not go unnoticed. Dotted throughout the audience at Friday night’s performance where a host of teachers and students who undoubtedly related to much of the show - telling by their reactions.

It’s one not to be missed.

Teechers is at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich until 2 October.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE

Also showing at Haverhill Arts Centre on 9 October 2025. Click HERE for details.

Also showing at Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge on 10 October 2025. Click HERE for details.

Also showing at The Quay Theatre, Sudbury on 23 October 2025. Click HERE for details.