Back of the net: Gerry & Sewell scores extra time at the Theatre Royal
The football-framed story of two lads from the wrong side of the Metro tracks and their beloved Newcastle United will be back next season to bathe the venue in black and white once more
It took Newcastle Theatre Royal by storm in 2024 and Gerry & Sewell has been given a return fixture on the historic Grey Street stage in 2026, with writer-director Jamie Eastlake promising it’ll be “bigger, belter, and more black-and-white than ever”.
The hit stage adaptation of Jonathan Tulloch’s novel The Season Ticket, which also inspired the cult Geordie film Purely Belter, tells the story of two Gateshead lads - Gerry and Sewell - on a mission to secure season tickets for their beloved Newcastle United.
With nothing but each other, their wits, and a dream of standing in St James’ Park, they navigate a world of radgie charvers, the social, and madcap scrap merchants in a tale that’s as much about hope, friendship and resilience as it is about football.
“The reaction to the lads’ story has been unbelievable,” said Jamie. “We can’t wait to return to Newcastle Theatre Royal to turn the auditorium into a sea of black and white, and to share Gerry and Sewell’s story once again.
“This one’s for the Toon. And for anyone who's ever chased something that matters.”
The show’s journey to the Theatre Royal stage has been a remarkable one. It began with two sell-out runs at Laurels Theatre - the Whitley Bay fringe venue Jamie co-founded - in 2022, followed by a sell out stint at Live Theatre the following year.
The move to the city’s biggest stage in 2024 marked a huge step up – one that Eastlake says “proved the appetite for bold, locally-rooted stories is massive.”
Founding cast members Dean Logan and Jack Robertson (respectively) as Gerry and Sewell and Becky Clayburn in the multi-role energy of Tyneside have all signed on for the return leg.
As has Erin Mullen who joined the production for its Theatre Royal debut and will reprise her powerful role as Gerry’s runaway sister, Bridget McCarten.
News on the roles of Gerry’s mam and dad (played in 2024 by Michelle Heaton and Bill Ward) will be announced in the coming weeks.
But we can confirm that live music, puppet dogs, and the stirring spectacle of Wor Flags filling the theatre with black-and-white pride will be present and correct.
Jamie added: “I’ve been blown away by how much the show has caught the imagination of people. One of the best things was seeing how many audience members last time were visiting the Theatre Royal for the very first time. That’s exactly what I want – theatre that welcomes new audiences and shows them it’s a place for them.”
For those who saw the 2024 run, Jamie insists it’s worth coming back. “We’re not just repeating the same show - there’ll be new characters, cameo appearances, and an even bigger production. If you loved it before, you’re going to love it even more this time.”
Marianne Locatori, chief executive at Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “Our region is rich in storytelling and creativity, we’re proud to bring this incredible local production back to our stage, performed by a phenomenal cast of North East talent.
“Gerry & Sewell is the kind of theatre that resonates deeply; productions like this remind us that theatre can be authentic, accessible, heartfelt and inclusive, whilst giving voice to experiences and communities that are too often underrepresented on our stages.”
As well as preparing for Gerry and Sewell's return, Jamie is also looking forward to seeing another of his plays on a Newcastle stage.
One of the main shows in Live Theatre’s Autumn season, Big Ange will premiere at the venue from November 6-22 and follows a no-nonsense dinner lady who unexpectedly ends up leading the resistance against the far right.
Meanwhile, the return of Gerry & Sewell is expected to be one of the hot Tyneside tickets of 2026.
“It’s a love letter to Newcastle, to friendship, and to the mad, beautiful obsession that is football in this city,” said Jamie. “I can’t wait to see that Theatre Royal crowd again - old fans, new fans, and everyone in between – all making it something special.”
Gerry & Sewell runs at Newcastle Theatre Royal from June 9 to 13, 2026. Tickets are available at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the box office on 0191 232 7010. Priority booking opens on August with general sale available from August 21.