Live Theatre, Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theatre Royal have announced the cast for the new stage adaptation of Peter Flannery’s BBC drama Our Friends in the North (1979–84). This marks the first major co-production between the three organisations, combing new writing expertise, independent producing and large-scale theatre production.
Our Friends in the North (1979–84) is adapted for the stage by original writer Peter Flanney and the show will be directed by Jack McNamara, Live Theatre’s Artistic Director. The TV show followed four friends from Newcastle across three decades of post-war Britain and became one of the defining British TV drama of its era. The play, rather than retelling the full sweep of the original series, will focus on two defining years in the story – 1979 and 1983 – using them as a lens to explore how political and social change is experience in ordinary lives.
Ryan Nolan plays Nicky, an ambitious and idealistic would-be politician drawn into the realities of power. Scott Turnbull is Geordie, a former soldier whose life becomes increasingly shaped by his involvement in Newcastle’s criminal underworld. Jack Robertson stars as Tosker, a self-made entrepreneur whose fortunes shift with the changing economic landscape of the 1980s. Sam Neale will play Mary, whose loyalty and resilience are tested as the lives of her friends move in different directions.
Also joining the cast are performers from across the North East. Ensemble members include Meena Al-Nawrasy, Chris Connel, Jane Holman, Leo James, Cooper McDonough, Jude Nelson and Robert Punchard.
Our Friends in the North (1979–84) opens at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Thursday 15th October 2026 and runs until Saturday 24th October 2026. Tickets are on sale now.
