Preview: SIDES at Newcastle People’s Theatre

Fresh Northern Voices Take the Stage with “SIDES” at the People’s Theatre

SIDES 

Studio Theatre at Newcastle People’s Theatre 

Monday 5 - Saturday 10 May 2025

New comedy-drama “SIDES,” winner of the prestigious People’s Play Award, premieres next week at the People’s Theatre in Heaton.

There’s something special cooking at Uncle Del’s sandwich shop — and it’s not just the paninis. “SIDES,” a new play by Bolton-based writer Alex Joynes, blends humour and heart in a slice-of-life workplace comedy that explores what it means to move on, fit in, and find your place between the bread of everyday life.

Set in a modest sandwich shop on the edge of Bolton, SIDES introduces us to Terry, who's about to clock out for good; Charlie, ready to step up and take the reins; and Beth, caught somewhere in the middle. As the handover unfolds, so do questions of purpose, identity, and how many prawns really belong in a sandwich.

Joynes, who cut his teeth in the Liverpool Everyman Young Writers Programme and now works at the Bolton Octagon, brings a sharp ear for dialogue and a warm, comedic touch to his debut full-length play. “I’ve always loved stories set in workplaces,” he says, “especially how people’s attitudes to work reveal who they really are.”

The People’s Play Award — dedicated to spotlighting new Northern voices — has a strong track record, with previous winners including Canoeing for Beginners’ Mike Yeaman and Oscar-winner Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy). With SIDES, Joynes joins an impressive alumni list and marks himself as one to watch.

Catch SIDES in the Studio Theatre at the People’s Theatre from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 May. Tickets are just £16/£13.50 and available now via peoplestheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 0191 265 5020.

SIDES is served up nightly at 7.30pm. Don’t miss this charming new comedy that proves even the smallest workplace can serve up the biggest stories.