Classic TV Drama 'Our Friends' Hits Newcastle Stage

Peter Flannery's seminal television series, 'Our Friends in the North,' lauded as one of Britain's greatest dramas, is set for a stage adaptation in Newcastle. The production, scheduled for October, will reimagine two episodes from the Thatcher years, exploring themes of political decline, sleaze, and social decay.

Writer Peter Flannery expressed that the series' original themes of corruption and disillusionment remain strikingly relevant today, lamenting that little has changed in society since its initial airing 30 years ago. He has opted not to explore the later lives of the characters, focusing instead on the core narrative of the chosen episodes.

The adaptation is a collaborative effort between Live Theatre, Theatre Royal Newcastle, and Eastlake Productions. Live Theatre's artistic director, Jack McNamara, initiated the project, driven by enthusiasm for bringing the series to a new audience. The play will be staged at the historic Theatre Royal.

Originally a stage play in Flannery's twenties, 'Our Friends in the North' took 15 years to reach television, becoming an immediate critical and audience success. Its inclusion in the BFI's list of the best British TV of the last century highlights its enduring impact.