Shuggy Boats: A cornucopia of local talent is set to hit the stage of Live Theatre in a brand new comedy play written by BAFTA winning filmmaker Jacquie Lawrence

Shuggy Boats, starring Dave Johns (I, Daniel Blake, Fisherman’s Friends, 23 Walks), Natalie Ann Jamieson (Emmerdale, Vera), Alicya Eyo (Bad Girls, Emmerdale), Phillipa Wilson (Where The Heart Is) and Libby Davison (The Bill) runs from Friday 6 to Sunday 21 March 2026.

The new comedy features screened performances by Denise Welch, Charlie Hardwick and Si King, adding a special dimension to this ensemble production. 

The talented line-up also includes Phillipa Wilson, Benjamin Storey, Soroosh Lavasani and Barbara Heslop.

The story kicks off when Maeve, a human dynamo who shines brighter than her fuchsia lipstick, reveals a huge secret at her birthday party in front of her television quiz obsessed husband, cocky son, recently bereaved sister and workaholic niece.

Her family is thrown into panic as Maeve’s actions force them to make changes they didn’t know needed changing, but when Maeve meets the charismatic Fingers, newly released from prison, then the lipstick really hits the fan.

What follows is a shuggy boat ride full of chaos, comedy and celebration, as the action veers between the disparate worlds of “Provvy Women’, Mastermind addicts and Tynemouth Pride.

Writer, Jacquie Lawrence says: “Shuggy Boats is infused with characters and scenarios from my early life in Newcastle. As an expat Geordie, it’s emotional to come home to tell the story I’ve always wanted to tell and see it come to life with such a stellar cast and inspired creatives”.

Director, Fiona MacPherson says: "Every family has its fault lines but this one has craters. As events unfold we see, through comedy and pathos, how they come back together …differently. Working alongside a wonderful ensemble of theatre makers, it's been a joy to develop Shuggys Boats, bringing all these big characters together to create such a dynamic story"

Dave Johns returns as actor on stage for the first time in over 20 years! He says: “Shuggy Boats for me means summers on Whitley Bay beach, donkey rides, candy floss and stolen kisses. I’m thrilled to be part of this heartfelt, funny and very human play”.

Natalie Ann Jamieson fresh from her iconic stint on Emmerdale says: “I’m so excited to be back at Live!, Being a part of the youth theatre is among my fondest memories from my teenage years. Appearing in this play, which will mean so much to so many, is fantastic”.

Denise Welch, who appears onscreen, says : “Although I’m not appearing in real life, it’s smashing to be part of a play that celebrates people choosing to live the lives they were always told they couldn’t, or even shouldn’t, live!

Shuggy Boats swings onto the Live Theatre stage from Friday 6 to Saturday 21 March 2026. To find out more and book tickets go to live.org.uk.