Peter Flannery's 'Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years' returns to Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Peter Flannery's play 'Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years' is set to premiere at Theatre Royal, Newcastle, focusing on the 1980s.
In Brief
- •Peter Flannery's play 'Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years' is set to premiere at Theatre Royal, Newcastle, focusing on the 1980s.
- •The play features the four characters from Flannery's original 1982 RSC production: lawyer-councillor Mary, drifting philanderer Tosker, photo-journalist Nicky, and petty criminal Geordie.
- •The production is part of a series of adaptations of Flannery's work, including a 1996 BBC Two version and a 2022 Radio 4 adaptation.
- •The play explores the characters' lives during the 1979-1985 period, focusing on the sixth and seventh episodes of the original TV series.
Why It Matters
Peter Flannery's 'Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years' offers a unique perspective on the 1980s, highlighting the political and social changes of the era. The play's return to the stage provides an opportunity for audiences to engage with a classic piece of drama that has been adapted across multiple formats. This production is significant for its exploration of the characters' lives during a pivotal period in British history, offering insights into the political and social dynamics of the time.
Key Details
- Original Production Year
- 1982
- BBC Two Version Year
- 1996
- Radio 4 Adaptation Year
- 2022
- Theatre Royal Premiere Year
- 2026
- Focus Period
- 1979-1985
Context & Background
The play is part of a series of adaptations of Peter Flannery's 'Our Friends in the North', which has been adapted for the stage, television, and radio. The original production was a 1982 RSC world premiere, and the subsequent adaptations have explored the characters' lives during different historical periods.
Original Reporting & Sources
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