Peter Flannery Adapts Our Friends in the North for Newcastle Stage
Peter Flannery has transformed two episodes from his 1990s BBC series Our Friends in the North into a theatrical production named Our Friends in the North – The Thatcher Years. Scheduled to premiere at Newcastle's Theatre Royal on 15 October, the performance will continue until 24 October. The narrative examines the effects of Margaret Thatcher's leadership from 1979 through the 1984 miners' strike on the lives of characters Nicky, Mary, Geordie, and Tosker. Flannery shared his concern that themes of corruption and poverty still resonate today. The cast features Ryan Nolan as Nicky, Scott Turnbull as Geordie, Sam Neale as Mary, and Jack Robertson as Tosker. Flannery aspires for the play to embark on a national tour.
Key facts
- Peter Flannery adapted two episodes from the original nine-part TV series into a stage play.
- The play is titled Our Friends in the North – The Thatcher Years.
- It will open at Newcastle's Theatre Royal on 15 October and run until 24 October.
- The play covers the years between Margaret Thatcher becoming prime minister in 1979 and the miners' strike of 1984.
- The original TV series launched the careers of Daniel Craig, Christopher Eccleston, Gina McKee, and Mark Strong.
- The new cast includes Ryan Nolan as Nicky, Scott Turnbull as Geordie, Sam Neale as Mary, and Jack Robertson as Tosker.
- Flannery had hoped the themes of corruption and poverty would become irrelevant, but they remain pertinent.
- The play addresses issues such as inadequate social housing, mistrust of the police, and mass unemployment.
Entities
Artists
- Peter Flannery
- Daniel Craig
- Christopher Eccleston
- Gina McKee
- Mark Strong
- Ryan Nolan
- Scott Turnbull
- Sam Neale
- Jack Robertson
- Margaret Thatcher
Institutions
- BBC
- Theatre Royal
- BBC North East
- BBC Sounds
- Radio Newcastle
Locations
- Jarrow
- Newcastle
- Stockton
- Whitley Bay
- North East
- United Kingdom