Our Friends in the North - Open Auditions

Live Theatre, Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theatre Royal are delighted to be bringing BAFTA-winning BBC drama and cultural landmark Our Friends in the North back to the city where it began in a new co-production for stage, directed by Jack McNamara, adapted by original writer Peter Flannery and Live Theatre’s Artistic Director, Jack McNamara. 

Marking 30 years since the series became a defining British drama, this adaptation revisits four Newcastle friends – Tosker, Geordie, Nicky and Mary – who come of age during the Thatcher years, a period of seismic political and social change, testing their friendships, ambitions and relationships. 

We are keen to meet the brilliant artists working in and hailing from our region, as we cast this proudly local drama. Over four days we are hosting Open Audition slots at Live Theatre and Theatre Royal. 

Audition Dates: 

Tue 12 May 2026 

Thur 14 May 2026 

Mon 18  May 2026 

Tues 19 May 2026 

Deadline for applications is Wed 6 May at 12pm (Noon). 

We anticipate high demand and so we respectfully cannot accommodate in person auditions outside of the advertised dates and times. We will however welcome self-tapes, which should arrive with us no later than Tue 19 May 2026. 

Audition pieces (both in person or via self-tape) will be sides from the show. On receiving your in-person slot, you will be sent sides. If you are unsuccessful in getting an in-person slot, you will be sent sides to record your self-tape. Self-tapes can be shared via WeTransfer and sent to creative@live.org.uk 

In the application form linked below, you’ll have the chance to provide us with more details about you, your credits and experience and any additional information, skills or access requirements in your application. Please note that whilst we welcome applicants who do not currently have agent representation, this is a casting for professional actors. 

All parts will also take part in the ensemble and will involve some multi-rolling. Ensemble characters will each have very specific roles (not just anonymous ensemble). 

Genders stated are linked to characters identities only. We are happy to welcome nonbinary, trans or gender fluid actors for any part. 

North East accents for all unless stated otherwise. 

Mary, 30-45, F      

Sharp, political, lawyer. Leading character. Holding many worlds together. 

Tosker, 30-45, M 

Ageing dad. Good comedy. Used to be a dynamo. Now a bit of a mess. 

Geordie, 30-45, M 

Live wire. Dodgy but lovable. Rock star energy. Self-destructive. Tragic figure. 

Nicky, 30 –45, M 

Optimist, former anarchist now with a haircut. Wants to change the world. Doesn’t quite manage. 

Anthony, 18-25, M 

18 in act one and early twenties in act two. An angry edge to him. Tough kid who grows up during the show. 

Bernie, 16-25, F 

Goes from school child to university. Smart and sharp. Versatile to play ensemble parts. 

Felix, 55-70, M 

Older dad, whose world is starting to fall apart to dementia. Still a fire in his belly. 

Florie, 50-70, F 

Older mam, strong, not easily phased. Weight of the world on her shoulders. But she’s fine with that. 

Claudia, 30-45, F 

Tory – posh Southern accent. Strong communicator. Brutal. 

Ensemble 1, 25-35, F 

Versatile, will play journalists, Elaine, Miner’s wife and more. 

Ensemble 2, 25 –40, M 

Versatile, will play Eddie, Journalists, and more 

Ensemble 3, 35 –45, M 

Versatile, will play Colin, Met Copper. Journalists, and more. 

Southern accent (not necessarily native North East) 

Our Friends in the North Rehearsal and Performance Dates

Mon 14 September 2026 - Sat 24 October 2026

We are excited to see a wide range of performers at auditions and actively encourage people of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds to apply. All roles will be cast with openness to diverse interpretations. 

Deadline for applications is Wed 6 May at 12pm (Noon).

Please note: This production will be staged at Newcastle Theatre Royal.