Our Friends in the North cast provided by the production
Full cast announced Our Friends in the North (1979–84)A new stage adaptation of Peter Flannery’s landmark BBC drama is playing at Newcastle Theater Royal from 15 to 24 October.
In the first major co-production between Live Theatre, Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theater Royal, Ryan Nolan will play Nicky, Scott Turnbull will play Geordie, Jack Robertson will play Tosker and Sam Neill will play Mary.
Directed by Live Theater artistic director Jack McNamara and adapted by McNamara and original screenwriter Peter Flannery, the production focuses on two key years in the story – 1979 and 1984 – rather than adapting the entire nine-episode television series.
Joining the main cast are Mina Al-Nawrasi, Chris Connell, Jane Holman, Leo James, Cooper McDonough, Jude Nelson and Robert Punchard to form the ensemble.
Originally broadcast in 1996. Our friends in the North followed four friends from Newcastle over three decades of post-war Britain, winning widespread acclaim for its exploration of politics, friendship and social change. The original television cast included Daniel Craig, Christopher Eccleston, Gina McKee and Mark Strong.
This new adaptation begins in 1979, as Britain enters a new political era: Nicky becomes embroiled in Westminster politics, Tosker embarks on a life-changing romance, and Geordie becomes increasingly involved in the Newcastle underworld. By 1984, amid a miners’ strike, the friends face mounting personal and political pressures that test their loyalties and relationships.
McNamara explained: “We opened the doors to this casting process and saw hundreds of people from across the region. The quality was stunning and is a testament to the acting talent that is in the North East. I am grateful to every person who came through the door or sent in tapes and I know many new connections will be made as a result.”
“We have a truly amazing cast, from some of our most famous actors to members of Youth Theater Live. This will be an ensemble to die for and I can’t wait to see them take to the stage at Newcastle Theater Royal and bring home this iconic story.”