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Lessons from Teacher x

 
Susanne Crosby Review by Susanne Crosby 2 Published: 26 May 2026 The Lantern @ ACT Show Dates: 25 May 2026-27 May 2026

Cam is a school teacher looking for love, but also Crystal, who is a ‘cam girl’ - an online erotic model and occasional dominatrix for money. It’s clear this is a choice: Crystal offers Cam empowerment, making her something Cam is unwilling to give up. Barbara Smith is an interesting performer, drawing attention with a strong stage presence.

some interesting aspects to the story

The overarching story is, however, predictable, even if the final scene feels unlikely. There are some interesting aspects to the narrative: Cam’s need for Crystal, and the increasingly frequent shifts between the two personas. This backstory piques interest. However, there are issues, including an overuse of modern references, which risks alienating parts of the audience; an elaborate set featuring huge red chess pieces that suggest symbolism but feel disconnected from the narrative; and periods where Smith spends time behind a screen, leaving the audience looking at an empty stage, or on the floor, affecting sightlines.

Smith handles accents well, but some of the characters within the multi-rolling story would benefit from further development and physicality, which would improve their authenticity. A mid-show line prompt underscores the need for more rehearsal. The production would also benefit from more focused work on the script and staging.

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The Blurb:

Cam is a hopeless romantic, a secondary school teacher falling for a handsome stranger. Crystal is an online model, punishing men for money. One has pupils, the other only fans. But they share a shameful secret... Barbara Smith (EastEnders) brings 15 unique characters to life in a gripping new play from Erin De Frias and Dorsetborn. Lessons from Teacher is a gripping new play about love, suspicion, and the warring roles we play in adult life. Who do you trust to see the real you? “A fun and contemporary take on women’s sexuality, with questions on desire, male attention and sex’s part in the everyday” - Theatre 503 Age recommendation: 14+