Love It If We Beat Them: 90's set political drama launches Newcastle theatre's 50th anniversary
A story of political drama, set against Newcastle United's infamous 1996 Premier League season under Kevin Keegan, is the first play to open Live Theatre's 50th anniversary celebrations
Last updated 28th Feb 2023
A story of political drama, set against Newcastle United's infamous 1996 Premier League season under Kevin Keegan, is the first play to open Live Theatre's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Live is celebrating half a century of bringing theatre to the North East with Love It If We Beat Them - exploring a time of significant change in the identity of the North East - which is still reflected today.
Set against the backdrop of the infamous Premier League season when Newcastle United almost won under the management of Kevin Keegan and Tony Blair’s New Labour were gathering pace.
Directed by Bex Bowsher, Rob Ward’s play is brought to life by David Nellist, Jessica Johnson, Dean Bone and Eve Tucker.
The show is described with "hope is in the air but loyalties are tested and tensions reach fever pitch as the winning team will be decided in an explosive head-to-head challenge."
Writer Rob Ward said:
“This play is a celebration of Newcastle; the people, the history and, of course, the football team. It’s about passion, hope and desire. This play is for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned theatre goer or have never set foot in an auditorium before.
"I’m hugely honoured that Love It If We Beat Them is launching Live’s 50th anniversary season.”
Rob continued, telling us why he was so keen to use football to bring the story to life:
"I think sport's got a natural theatricality to it, and I think it's a nice way for people who might not usually go to the theatre to come on down, and I'm a big believed in that.
"And when I was thinking about the politics, the North East, the Labour party - mid nineties - Oh hang on a minute! It's got to be Kevin Keegan! It's got to be Love it if we beat them!"
He goes on to say he's delighted to be working in the region;
"I've always loved Newcastle United because it's that passionate fan base, traditional - historic - football club.
"They've had hard times so it's lovely to see them doing so well!
"And being here in Newcastle - and there's a couple of real passionate Newcastle fans in the cast - so it's just lovely to be around."
Bex Bowsher, Director and RTYDS Assistant Director (Live Theatre and Northern Stage) added:
“I am excited to be bringing this play to Live Theatre's stage. It's a privilege to be asked to direct the opening play for Live's fiftieth birthday.
"Love it If We Beat them perfectly combines the truthful telling of North East stories, that Live is renowned for, with ambitious visions for the region’s future.
"It is not often that a play can perfectly capture a moment in history that holds significance in today’s world whilst also giving hope for a warmer future.”
You can find out more about Love It If We Beat Them via the Live Theatre Website and Social Media.