One of Hull’s best-known nightspots is to provide the backdrop for a new drama coming to Hull Truck Theatre next year.
Spiders, written by and starring Hull-born Martha Godber, is inspired by the city’s iconic alternative nightclub and will run in the Godber Studio from Thursday, January 28, to Saturday, February 13, 2027.
The gritty coming-of-age drama follows Hull teenagers Meg and Gabi, who have big plans for their futures and spend every Saturday night at Spiders.
Amid the sticky floors, Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters and toasted crumpets, their story explores the highs and lows of friendship, from loyalty and love to fear, heartbreak and coercive control.
The production is directed by Hull Truck Theatre associate director Tom Saunders.
He 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, who plays Meg, trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and is the founder of the Godber Theatre Foundation. Her acclaimed solo show Jesse North is Broken premiered at York Theatre Royal earlier this year before transferring to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Spiders is her debut play and was first presented as a rehearsed reading at the Bush Theatre in London in 2024.
Martha said: “Spiders Nightclub is 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.”
Starring alongside Martha as Gabi is Belfast-born Chloe McDonald, whose theatre credits include An Unprecedented Birth at Hull Truck Theatre and This Is the Life and Do I Love You? with the John Godber Company.
Spiders, in Cleveland Street, opened in 1979 and has become one of Hull’s best-known alternative music venues, famed for its distinctive drinks, relaxed dress code and Saturday nights.
Tickets for Spiders are £15, with concessions available. Relaxed and BSL performances are included in the run, alongside matinee and late-night performances. The show is recommended for ages 14 and over.
