Cast confirmed for Our Friends in the North stage adaptation

The full cast has been announced for Our Friends in the North (1979 – 84), the new stage adaptation of Peter Flannery’s landmark BBC drama, which runs at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 15 to 24 October.

In the first major co-production between Live Theatre, Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theatre Royal, Ryan Nolan will play Nicky, Scott Turnbull takes on Geordie, Jack Robertson plays Tosker and Sam Neale will portray Mary.

Directed by Live Theatre artistic director Jack McNamara and adapted by McNamara with the original writer Peter Flannery, the production focuses on two pivotal years in the story – 1979 and 1984 – rather than adapting the full nine-part television series.

Joining the principal cast are Meena Al-Nawrasy, Chris Connel, Jane Holman, Leo James, Cooper McDonough, Jude Nelson and Robert Punchard, forming the ensemble.

Originally broadcast in 1996, Our Friends in the North followed four Newcastle friends across three decades of post-war Britain, earning 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, with Nicky drawn into Westminster politics, Tosker embarking on a life-changing romance and Geordie becoming increasingly involved in Newcastle’s criminal underworld. By 1984, against the backdrop of the miners’ strike, the friends face mounting personal and political pressures that test their loyalties and relationships.

McNamara explained: “We opened the doors on this casting process and saw hundreds of people from across the region. The quality was staggering and is testament to the acting talent that is out there in the North East. I am grateful to every single person who came through the door or sent tapes, and I know a lot of new connections will be made as a result.

“The cast we have is truly exciting, ranging from some of our most established actors through to a member of Live’s Youth Theatre. It will be an ensemble to die for, and I cannot wait for them to take to Newcastle Theatre Royal’s stage and bring this iconic story home.”