Football fever kicks off at Newcastle Theatre Royal

A Laurels Theatre, Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theatre Royal co-production in association with Live Theatre

Following sell-out runs at Laurels Theatre in Whitely Bay and Live Theatre, the smash-hit North East tale of two Geordie lads desperate to get their hands on a pair of converted Newcastle United season tickets has been promoted to the city’s premier stage.

Gerry & Sewell, Oliver award-winning Jamie Eastlake’s adaptation based on Jonathan Tulloch’s novel The Season Ticket and the cult Geordie film Purely Belter kicks off a week-long run at Newcastle Theatre Royal (Wed 2 – Sat 5 Oct 2024).

The football-fanatic production enjoyed two sell-out runs at Laurels Theatre in 2022 before becoming the first full production to transfer to the stage at Live Theatre in November 2023 where the tale of two down-and-out fans who’ll do anything to see their beloved Toon enthralled audiences during an 11-night residency.

For the winning team of writer/director Jamie Eastlake and cast members Dean Logan and Jack Robertson who will be reprising their roles as the wayward Gerry and Sewell, the opportunity to take to the stage at the iconic Grey Street venue is a dream come true and is set to be their biggest professional gig to date.

Jamie Eastlake said; “Opportunities don’t come much bigger and better than this; the chance to recreate the story of Gerry & Sewell – a true Tyneside tale – on stage at one of the leading theatres not only in the North East region, but the country, is something which only comes along once in a lifetime.”

He added: “The reaction to the lads’ story has been unbelievable and following the success of Gerry & Sewell during its previous runs, we can’t wait to share their tale once again and turn Newcastle Theatre Royal into a sea of black and white.”

Gerry & Sewell follows the fortunes of two Gateshead lads who have nothing but a dream of securing season tickets to follow their beloved Newcastle United. But after years of living in austerity and seeing their football club shelled out by a cockney bloke who sells sports tat, life is a struggle. Until they decide they’re getting those season tickets. And now they’ve got their mission, nowt is gonna stand in their way. Whey, apart from maybe a few radgie charvers, the social and the odd madcap scrap merchant.

Casting auditions are set to take place in the coming weeks and Wor Flags will once again be bringing the spirit of St James’ Park with a vibrant rainbow of black and white.

Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal said: “Our region is rich in storytelling and ensuring that these local narratives are represented in our programme and performed on our stage is incredibly important. We are delighted that we have the opportunity to work creatively alongside Jamie and the team to showcase this fabulous tale which is deeply rooted in the North East.”

She added: “Earlier this year, we announced our first co-production in more than a decade and hot on the heelsof Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), we’re thrilled that we will can now further supporting amazing local talent the region has to offer and grow and nurture cultural creativity in the North East.”

Gerry & Sewell plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Wed 2 – Sat 5 Oct 2024.

Tickets are on sale to the general public from Mon 1 Jul at 10am and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 0191 232 7010.