From Classroom to Centre Stage: RGS Teechers [STET] to Perform for Charity

Next month, the Drama Department will take to the stage to perform in John Godber’s ‘Teechers’. The performance will involve three members of the Drama Department’s teaching staff, with Director of Drama, Mrs Jilly Witcomb, Teacher of Drama, Mr Jak Garrity and Performing Arts Assistant, Miss Frances Broadbent, all taking to the stage in this charity performance.

‘Teechers’ is fast-paced, funny, and thought-provoking. It is a high-energy play that takes the audience inside the chaotic world of a struggling high school. Told through the eyes of three students—Salty, Gail, and Hobby—the play follows their experiences with the inspiring new drama teacher, Mr Nixon. Through a series of rapid-fire scenes and hilarious impersonations of staff and students, the trio exposes the challenges of the education system, social inequality, and the power of the arts to transform lives. Will Mr Nixon stay and make a difference, or will he move on to greener pastures? With its sharp wit and dynamic storytelling, ‘Teechers’ is both a comedic satire and a heartfelt tribute to teachers who truly care.

Following the success of last year’s charity production of ‘Two’, ‘Teechers’ will raise funds for Betel UK, Diabetes UK and Young Epilepsy. All proceeds from this performance will be donated to the charities.

Diabetes UK began as the Diabetic Association in 1934, founded by novelist HG Wells and Dr RD Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes. Today, the charity is committed to tackling diabetes every day—changing policies and attitudes through powerful campaigns, transforming lives through pioneering research, and relentlessly pursuing a cure. With their vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm, and with rising numbers affected, their fight is more urgent than ever.

Betel UK is an independent Christian charity that helps restore broken lives through work, well-being, and worship, supporting men, women, and families affected by drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness. Part of Betel International, which started in 1985 in Madrid, Spain, Betel UK’s recovery model combines residential living with charitable businesses to help people heal and rebuild. Since its inception, over 200,000 homeless and socially disadvantaged individuals across Europe and the UK have received support. Children and young people with epilepsy have a right to be heard, and the charity Young Epilepsy stands with them. Childhood epilepsy can be frightening, isolating and often a misunderstood condition.  The charity works with children and young people with epilepsy to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected. They campaign for children’s rights and deliver health services and research that improve diagnosis and treatments. They support children and young people throughout school, college, and university, providing information, friendly advice, and practical help for living everyday life.

The cast were thrilled to receive a personal message of support from the playwright himself, John Godber, wishing everyone the best of luck! John said, “Big thumbs up and huge success with ‘Teechers’ from Jane and John Godber and William Ilkley. We wish you every success and hope that you really enjoy playing all those characters.”

Mrs Jilly Witcomb comments: “After last year’s charity performance, I am thrilled to return with ‘Teechers’—a fast-paced, hilarious challenge that we hope you enjoy as much as we have! Thank you for supporting us and helping raise money for three charities close to our hearts”.

 Mr Jak Garrity comments: “It was a joy to return to the stage in last year’s staff production of ‘Two’, and this year’s ‘Teechers’ has been an exciting challenge—especially portraying Mr Nixon, whose journey from state to independent education mirrors my own. Thank you for supporting our chosen charities; we hope you enjoy the show!”

Miss Frances Broadbent comments: “I am thrilled to be performing in my twelfth RGS production as part of this year’s staff charity performance of Teechers. I joined RGS in Year Eight and fell in love with Drama, later studying Acting at the University of Central Lancashire, where I also recorded The Dick Kerr Girls audiobook trilogy. Revisiting ‘Teechers’—a play I performed at A Level—has been a joy, and I am proud to be supporting such meaningful charities through this production.”

‘Teechers’ will be performed in the RGS Performing Arts Centre for three nights, from Wednesday 7 May 2024 until Friday 9 May 2025.  Please do come and support a great cause, enjoy a night of laughter and, for our pupils, see your teachers as you have never seen them before!

Tickets are now on sale. To purchase your ticket, please do so online here.