Iconic Hull Nightclub Inspires New Drama, SPIDERS

This frank, gritty and explosive drama explores the lives of two Hull teens, Meg and Gabi, who have big plans for the future. Every Saturday night, the girls head to their favourite Hull Nightclub, Spiders. Amongst the sticky floors, Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters and toasted crumpets, lies a coming-of-age story navigating the complex highs and lows of friendship – from loyalty and love, through to fear and heartbreak. Directed by Tom Saunders, the play explores themes of friendship and coercive control against a backdrop of an iconic Hull Institution.

Tom Saunders, Associate Director at Hull Truck Theatre and Director of SPIDERS, said:

“At Hull Truck Theatre, we’re committed to championing new writers and bringing their work to life, particularly stories with a strong local connection. We’re delighted to be working with Martha Godber, who is a brilliant talent, to present our first contemporary drama in the Godber Studio since 2019. Whether Spiders Nightclub is a familiar Hull landmark to you or you simply enjoy a gritty drama, I warmly encourage you to see the show.”

Martha Godber, who in addition to writing the show is playing the part of Meg. She is Hull-born and bred and the founder of The Godber Theatre Foundation.  Martha trained at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and her acclaimed solo show Jesse North is Broken premiered at York Theatre Royal earlier this year. It later transferred to the Pleasance Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it received multiple five-star reviews. SPIDERS is her debut play, which premiered initially as a rehearsed reading at the Bush Theatre, London in 2024.

Starring alongside Martha is Chloe McDonald, a Belfast born actor who also graduated from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Playing the role of Gabi, Chloe’s theatre credits include An Unprecedented Birth (Hull Truck Theatre), This Is The Life (John Godber Company), Do I Love You? (John Godber Company) and Lights on/Lights Off (Shakespeare North Playhouse).

Martha Godber, Writer of SPIDERS, said:

“Spiders Nightclub such an iconic place - I really don’t think there is anywhere else like it. I’ve had so many memorable nights there, and I really wanted to celebrate that through this piece of work. Having the show premiere in my home city is incredible because where I’m from informs my writing so profoundly. It really feels like a full circle, pinch me moment.

“At its heart, SPIDERS is a coming-of-age story about female friendship and the intensity of those relationships when you’re young. I wanted to celebrate young Northern women in all their messiness, humour and complexity, and hopefully create characters that resonate with people. I hope audiences find the play funny, relatable, sparky and exciting, but also feel the depth of what these two young women are navigating.”

Spiders Nightclub is a renowned alternative music venue situated on Cleveland Street, Hull. Established in 1979, the club is well known by locals for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse music scene and has been run by the same people since it first opened. Celebrated for its affordable and creative drinks menu and its casual approach to dress code, the club continues to open each Saturday night from 9.30pm to 2am and is a much-loved unique and lively venue in the city.

The creative team working on the project also includes the talents of Hull-based Caitlin Clark as LX Designer and Danni Skerrit as Sound Designer. 

Tickets for SPIDERS are now on sale, priced at £15 each (£2. Off Concessions available). The show is also included as part of Hull Truck Theatre’s wider Drama Deal, where savings of up to 25% can be made. Both Relaxed and BSL performances are available as part of the theatre’s access offer and both late-night performances (9pm) and matinee performances (2pm) are also available. The show is recommended for ages 14+. To find out more, please visit: www.hulltruck.co.uk/whats-on/drama/spiders/