Recess Duty

This is a show that I wish I could shout “Go and see it now! It is brilliant!”. Unfortunately, it has very deservedly sold out, so I will be crossing my fingers that somewhere, somehow, Recess Duty gets a return season.

Set in a Year 5 classroom, in times without the students, during Term 4, we meet three Year 5 teachers, organised and efficient but jaded Ms. Cogan (a wonderfully abrupt Maree Cole), an almost too relaxed Mr. Beckett (Tadhg Lawrence sounding fabulous using his natural Irish accent) and free spirited Miss Jones (a cutely chaotic Hannah Anderson), as well as keen but uncertain Prac Teacher Miss Brown (author Amy Fortnum seemingly reliving past trauma - with panache).

This show, obviously written and developed with classroom experience, had a clearly 'mostly teacher' crowd giggling, groaning and sighing with recognition, and this gorgeously funny yet often poignant story unfolded. The ensemble cast work together with the familiarity of a long-term teaching team, and as actors have exquisite comic timing and teamwork.

I am loathe to give too much away, as my inner Miss Jones is busy planning my own Primary School’s staff outing to a future performance. Excellent theatre - with special appeal to this reviewer facing a PrePrimary class next Monday week.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Simon Shup