Lessons from Teacher x by Erin De Frais begins its new tour in The Sherling Studio at Poole Lighthouse on 15th April 2026. The solo production starring Barbara Smith of (EastEnders) fame takes on the role of a teacher, Camilla, who has recently moved down from London.
Cam/Crystal share their secrets with the audience openly. Smith‘s delivery changes the mood in a heartbeat. There’s the old-fashioned romantic Cam who is searching for the Notting Hill, Hugh Grant character against Crystal, whose “only fans” online persona is looking for a darker thrill.
Director Rohan Gotobed blends the naughty and nice side of the character in a fast-paced insight into the secret online world of adult pleasure.
Smith delivers the solo performance predominantly on an oversized chess board painted red and white, created by set designer Layla Bradbeer. Echoing the moves that Cam makes throughout her story as she navigates her new job, old job, and unfamiliar surroundings.
Lessons from Teacher x are a reviewers nightmare theatre production. The play is full of spoiler alerts and twists and turns. Even outlining the basics, you have to be careful that you don’t accidently overstep the boundary.
I think that the longer Smith plays this role it will become a far more polished and intense performance, similar to the only fans persona. Lessons from Teacher x is certainly a play worth trying to catch if it comes to a theatre near you.
For more information about Dorset Born Theatre, Lessons from Teacher x tour dates, and future productions at The Poole Lighthouse, please use the links below.
Four Stars.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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