Live Theatre brings Our Friends in the North home for its 30th anniversary

On Broad Chare, just off the Quayside, Live Theatre has spent decades proving that great stories can start in the North East. It is one of the only venues in England outside London dedicated exclusively to new work, and The Guardian has called it "one of the most fertile crucibles of new writing".

This October the theatre was behind one of the region's most anticipated productions. Our Friends in the North, the BAFTA-winning BBC drama that followed four Newcastle friends across three decades, returned to the city where it began in a new stage adaptation by its original writer, Peter Flannery. Creatively conceived by Live Theatre and directed by Jack McNamara, Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years ran at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 15 to 24 October, marking 30 years since the series became one of the defining British television dramas of its era.

The production focused on Tosker, Geordie, Nicky and Mary coming of age in Newcastle during the Thatcher years, a time of seismic political and social change. It was presented by Live Theatre with Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Live Theatre's mission is to unearth the rich and unexpected narratives of the region, nurture creativity, and be a space that unites people. Its Quayside home includes a characterful main theatre, an adaptable studio, writing and rehearsal rooms, a bar and the Live Tales creative writing centre, which runs free story-writing workshops for primary school classes in Newcastle. The theatre is also known for an innovative business model, managing properties and enterprises nearby to channel investment into artists and new work.

Families have a festive treat to look forward to. Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas? returns from 19 to 31 December, flying back "due to Poop-ular demand", hosted by two real-life kittiwakes and sprinkled with ideas from local schoolchildren. One audience member described it as "as enjoyable for adults as it is for children". Tickets are £17 for adults and £12 for children.

Looking further ahead, Rory Mullarkey's The Most Famous Tree In The World arrives in May 2027.

The full programme, and details of becoming a Friend of Live Theatre, are on the Live Theatre website.