The world premiere of the stage adaptation of Our Friends in the North is now running at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle, marking the 30-year anniversary of the original BBC series.
The production, adapted by Peter Flannery from his own work, focuses on two main episodes from the original series, spanning the years 1979 and 1984. The show is a collaboration between the Theatre Royal, Live Theatre, and Eastlake Productions, with Jack McNamara directing.
A Familiar Story, A New Format
The original TV series, which aired in 1996, followed the lives of Nicky, Mary, Tosker, and Geordie over three decades from 1964 to 1995. It made household names of its stars, including Christopher Ecclestone, Gina McKee, Mark Strong, and Daniel Craig.
Flannery originally created a stage version for the RSC 15 years before the TV series aired. For this new production, he has helped reshape the story for both old fans and newcomers.
The cast includes Jack Robertson as Tosker, Sam Neale as Mary, Scott Turnbull as Geordie, and Ryan Nolan as Nicky. Trevor Fox, who appeared in the original TV series, plays a narrator-like character, and Chris Connel takes on the role of local MP Eddie.
Powerful Drama and Local Resonance
The storyline covers not only the characters' turbulent personal lives but also the Thatcher years, Miners' Strike scenes, and claims of political and police corruption. The performances keep audiences riveted throughout.
The staging uses industrial greys and muted colours, with a big screen backdrop that pulsates with colour in club scenes and displays election posters and placard slogans during rallies and strikes. An image of the Tyne Bridge appears at both the start and close of the show.
The production runs at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle until Saturday, October 24, with limited ticket availability.
