Former Wyke student Martha Godber is bringing her play Spiders, written by Martha herself, to Hull Truck Theatre in the new year. Due to popular demand, the run has been extended and will now take place from Thursday 28 January to Saturday 13 February.
The news comes at a poignant time for Hull's cultural scene, following the announcement of the immediate closure of the city's iconic alternative nightclub, Spiders. The venue has provided inspiration for Martha's powerful coming-of-age drama, making the play's return especially significant for audiences across Hull and East Yorkshire.
After completing her studies at Wyke, Martha progressed to the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA),graduating with First Class Honours and receiving the Lady Olivier Award for Best Acting Performance in 2018.
Since graduating, Martha has built an impressive career across theatre, television, radio and film. Audiences may recognise her from appearances in BBC Doctors (2023) and The Full Monty (2023). Alongside her acting work, she is an Associate Creative with the John Godber Company and continues to develop new work as a writer and filmmaker.
In 2024, Spiders premiered at London's renowned BushTheatre, earning widespread praise for its authentic portrayal offriendship, identity and growing up in Hull. She has since continued to expand her creative portfolio, completing a screenwriting course at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, developing her first feature film and releasing her self-produced, written and directed short film, Right Here inHull.
Martha is also committed to supporting future generations of creative talent through the Godber Theatre Foundation CIC, an initiative dedicated to helping young people from Hull and East Yorkshire access opportunities within the performing arts and creative industries.
Set against the backdrop of Hull's beloved Spiders nightclub, the play follows lifelong friends Meg and Gabi, whose once-unbreakable friendship is tested as adulthood, family pressures and new relationships begin to pull them in different directions. Honest, gritty and deeply moving, Spiders explores loyalty, love, heartbreak and the courage needed to face change.
The production is a powerful celebration of Hull's culture, communities and young people, and serves as another example of the incredible achievements of Wyke alumni making their mark on the creative industries.
Limited tickets remain for this extended run of Spiders at Hull Truck Theatre. Audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets and further information are available at:
https://www.hulltruck.co.uk/whats-on/drama/spiders/
