Revival of "Our Friends in the North" Takes the Stage in Newcastle

The acclaimed British television series "Our Friends in the North," originally aired in the late 1990s, is set to return in a stage adaptation at Newcastle's Theatre Royal in October 2026. Written by Peter Flannery, the series is renowned for its exploration of political decline, social decay, and the disillusionment of idealism. Flannery noted that the themes remain relevant today, stating, “The world I wrote about has not changed; it is still as bent and corrupt today as it was then.”

The Guardian

"Our Friends in the North" began as a stage play during Flannery's tenure as a writer-in-residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company. It took 15 years to transition to television, costing £8 million—a significant investment for the time. The series garnered immediate acclaim, being recognized as one of the best British TV dramas, with The Guardian ranking it third after "The Sopranos" and "Brideshead Revisited." The narrative follows four characters from youth to middle age, reflecting the socio-political landscape of the UK.

The Guardian

The adaptation is co-produced by Live Theatre, known for its commitment to new writing, and features artistic director Jack McNamara, who approached Flannery with the idea. Flannery expressed initial caution but was ultimately impressed by McNamara's enthusiasm and vision. The production aims to condense two episodes from the later Thatcher years into a single play, avoiding an overly ambitious format that could dilute the original's impact.

The Guardian

Flannery has expressed concern regarding the current state of the Labour Party, lamenting that a return to an authentic socialist government seems increasingly distant. He remarked, “People cannot remember what a socialist government was like.” In contrast, McNamara, who grew up during the original airing of the series, views the ongoing political discourse as a historical constant, suggesting that the concerns about political parties have persisted for decades. He stated, “There’s so much political uncertainty at the moment but it’s not new.”

The Guardian

While Flannery remains cautious about the legacy of the series, he acknowledges the potential for the stage adaptation to resonate with younger audiences. Jacqui Kell, co-CEO of Live Theatre, emphasized the importance of bringing the story to a new generation, noting that the themes are still relevant and recognizable today.

The Guardian

• “The world I wrote about has not changed, it is still as bent and corrupt today as it was then.” — Peter Flannery, Writer

The Guardian

• “We can bring it to a different age group because the themes are so current, younger people will be able to recognise them.” — Jacqui Kell, Co-CEO of Live Theatre

The Guardian

• “There’s so much political uncertainty at the moment but it’s not new.” — Jack McNamara, Artistic Director

The Guardian

The revival of "Our Friends in the North" promises to engage audiences with its timeless themes, reflecting both the past and present political landscape of the UK.

The Guardian