As part of it’s upcoming season, Northern Stage will present a vital new adaptation of Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake from 26 May-10 June 2023 before touring.

I, Daniel Blake exposes the reality behind the cost-of-living crisis headlines and has been adapted for stage by actor and comedian Dave Johns who won the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards and Best Newcomer at the EMPIRE Awards for his role in the film, Ken Loach said, “This story is more relevant now than ever. And who better to put it on stage than Dave Johns, the original Daniel Blake?”

Dave Johns said: “I was thrilled to be asked to adapt Paul Laverty’s screenplay. But I didn’t just want to put the film on stage, I wanted to update the story for 2022, making it contemporary and exploring more of single mum Katie’s journey and the family unit she forms with Daniel. To show the kindness, compassion, humour, and hope that can help us through the toughest of times. Sadly, during my research it was disheartening to find not much had changed at all since the film's release. The story is still as relevant as it was in 2016; maybe even more so now with the cost-of-living crisis making it even harder for those who are already struggling to find a way out of poverty. Daniel and Katie’s story could be anyone’s.”

Designed by Rhys Jarman, with movement direction by Martin Hylton, I, Daniel Blake is a co-production between Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, Oldham Coliseum, English Touring Theatre, and tiny dragon Productions, in association with Cardboard Citizens who make theatre for social change with and for homeless people, and will tour after its Newcastle premiere; dates to be announced in the New Year.

The season also features a new play by award-winning poet and playwright Hannah Lavery. Protest, which plays from 27 April-6 May before touring, explores what it takes to make a difference, the power of friendship and the importance of believing in your own voice. Directed by Northern Stage Artistic Director Natalie Ibu, three girls prepare to stand up for what they believe in, determined to make a change despite the prejudices they face and the looming environmental crisis.  

Looking forward to NEXT Christmas, feisty, fun, joyful and with some baddies you’ll love to hate, a new production of Sally Cookson’s Olivier award-nominated Cinderella: A Fairytale will play from 2 December 2023 - 6 January 2024, and is a glorious girl-powered adventure co-directed by Katy Weir and Jake Smith.

Tickets go on general sale from 24 November, with pre-sale tickets available to Northern Stage members from 17 November and supporters from 21 November.  For full season information, please click here.