Cast announced for Champion at Live Theatre
Ishy Din's 'punchy' family drama is coming to the stage next month
A trio of North East actors, ‘bursting with soul’ have been cast in Ishy Din’s upcoming family drama, set to premiere at Live Theatre in Newcastle in February.
Christina Berriman Dawson (The Odyssey, Rattlesnake, The Hunt for Raoul Moat), Jack Robertson (Gerry and Sewell, Metroland Comedy) and newcomer, Daniel Zareie have all signed on for Champion - a play set during iconic boxer Muhammad Ali’s now legendary visit to the North East in 1977.
Exploring the profound ripple effect that such a major event has on a mixed race family in South Shields, audiences will be introduced to brothers Azeem (Zareie) and Billy (Robertson) and their mother Sheila (Berriman Dawson).
Ishy Din said: “When Live Theatre approached me to write a play for its main stage my mind immediately went to Mohammed Ali’s 1977 visit to South Shields. It was the only place I could see this story being told and I hope I honour not only the great man himself, but the South Shields community that embraced him.
“It’s such a privilege to be working with these three amazing actors and to be doing so at Live Theatre, with its rich and illustrious history of telling local stories that have an impact on a wider world.”
Director, Jack McNamara added: “Ishy’s play is so rich and meaty that we needed actors bursting with soul to play it. I was blown away by these three and am particularly excited given that I have not worked with them before.
“Nothing better than starting the new year with new faces. I am also honoured that this will be Daniel Zareie’s professional debut. I am sure it will be the start of a long career.”
Champion will open the 2025 season at Live Theatre on Febrary 13 and will run until March 8. For tickets, visit the website or call the box office on 0191 232 1232.