John Godber was the Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre for 25 years from 1984. Now he has reimagined his play Teechers for the school leavers of 2022 as part of Hull Truck Theatre’s 50th anniversary programme. To celebrate John’s achievements and legacy, Hull Truck Theatre are honouring his work by naming the current ‘Stage 2 Studio’ after him – the Godber Studio.
The announcement and reveal of the new signage will be made on Tuesday 24 May at 7pm, on opening night of Teechers Leavers ’22, a co-production between Hull Truck Theatre and John Godber Company, directed by Mark Babych.
From a broad variety of visiting shows to community workshops, youth theatre to Act III over 55s performances, children’s great adventures to film screenings, the Godber Studio will cater for an exciting, diverse programme. With 135 seats, a retractable seating bank, Dolby surround sound and a full lighting rig, the Godber Studio is an accessible and versatile space accommodating drama, comedy, music and first-outing opportunities for new and emerging artists and writing. Teechers Leavers ‘22 speaks out about the need to teach Drama in schools. The Godber Studio provides a space where children can experience theatre and be inspired to create their own drama, reconnecting the values that John Godber has expressed through his work.
Professor John Godber OBE, writer, said: “I’m humbled that a theatre space in Hull bears my name. Coming to Hull in 1984 changed my life, and I hope that the work that goes on and in The Godber Studio can do the same for other emerging playwrights from the region.”
Mark Babych, artistic director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: “As part of our 50th birthday celebrations, we wanted to acknowledge the huge role that John played in the history of the company in celebration of his prolific 26 years with the company and huge contribution to theatre. The Godber Studio will continue to be a home for a diverse range of contemporary work, creative learning, and talent development where the next generation of theatre makers can cut their teeth and continuing the company’s long held commitment to growing people and ideas.”
“Our Grow Season is now upon us and continues in the Godber Studio throughout May to August 2022, four months of new and contemporary theatre, supporting emerging artists, reconnecting John’s legacy around new writing and championing new voices.
“Our Youth Theatre Classes are already helping Juniors & Seniors to develop the confidence and skills needed to make and perform theatre, as well as our new free Young Creators scheme for 14- to 18-year olds where members work together to make exciting contemporary theatre that is drawn from the ideas and opinions of the young people themselves, producing and performing in new plays that they have created from scratch taking the role of performers, writers, directors and other creative roles. Opportunities like these provide a place to not only create work using imagination and with encouragement, but a place to have fun and make friends too.”