News: From Whitley Bay to the West End: Gerry & Sewell's Extraordinary Journey

 

From Whitley Bay to the West End: Gerry & Sewell's Extraordinary Journey

Aldwych Theatre, London

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 24 January 2026

Newcastle Theatre Royal 

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 June 2026

In what can only be described as one of the most remarkable theatrical journeys in recent North East theatre history, Gerry & Sewell is set to make its West End debut at London's prestigious Aldwych Theatre this January. For a show that began life in a 60-seat pub theatre in Whitley Bay just three years ago, this transfer represents not just a production milestone, but a powerful statement about regional storytelling and the universal appeal of authentic North East voices.

A Story of Underdogs, Dreams and Black-and-White Passion

Based on Jonathan Tulloch's novel The Season Ticket and the cult Geordie film Purely Belter, Gerry & Sewell tells the story of two Gateshead lads with nothing but a burning dream: to secure season tickets to follow their beloved Newcastle United. Set against a backdrop of austerity and unemployment, the pair embark on a mission filled with scrapes, schemes and the fierce friendship that defines working-class life in the North East.

It's a simple premise with profound resonance. After years of struggle and watching their football club sold to a "cockney bloke who sells sports tat," Gerry and Sewell decide they're getting those season tickets. And once they've got their mission, nowt is gonna stand in their way.

The production combines live music, puppet dogs, the magic of Wor Flags, and even the odd star cameo to create a wild, funny and heartfelt tribute to black-and-white dreams. It's both a love letter to Newcastle and a universal story of perseverance, loyalty and hope that transcends regional boundaries.

An Extraordinary Theatrical Journey

The show's trajectory mirrors the underdog story at its heart. Gerry & Sewell premiered in 2022 at Laurels, a 60-seat pub theatre in Whitley Bay, where it played to sold-out audiences and earned critical acclaim. Such was its popularity that it returned for a second engagement later that same year.

In 2023, the production transferred to Newcastle's Live Theatre, where it captivated audiences during an 11-night residency. The following year saw promotion to the city's premier stage when Gerry & Sewell became Newcastle Theatre Royal's second co-production of 2024. The iconic Grey Street venue was transformed into a sea of black and white as the show played to packed houses during its week-long run in October.

Now, just over three years since its humble beginnings, Gerry & Sewell is heading to London's West End for a two-week run at the Aldwych Theatre on the corner of Drury Lane. The venue, considered a mainstay of the West End, was most recently home to TINA – The Tina Turner Musical and will host Elf The Musical over the festive season before welcoming the Geordie tale in January.

The Creative Vision

Written and directed by Olivier Award-winner Jamie Eastlake, the production is a co-production between Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theatre Royal. Eastlake's vision has remained consistent throughout the show's evolution: to tell a story of ordinary people chasing extraordinary dreams.

"The story of Gerry and Sewell is all about chasing a dream, overcoming adversity, being the little guys trying to be someone," Eastlake explains. "The fact that this show started in a little 60-seater pub theatre in North Tyneside and now is transferring to the West End feels like everything at its core is being mirrored. Young people from the North. From nowt. Their stories deserve to be told. Everywhere."

The production also marks a rare collaboration between the producers and Newcastle United Football Club, who have been working closely with the creative team to ensure an authentic celebration of the Toon spirit.

The Cast

Making their West End debuts are original cast members Dean Logan, Jack Robertson and Becky Clayburn, who have been with the production since its earliest days. They're joined by Erin Mullen, who came on board for the run at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Further casting is yet to be announced.

The fact that these North East performers are making their West End debuts with this production adds another layer of significance to the transfer. They are, in many ways, embodying the same journey as their characters – proving that with determination and talent, anything is possible.

A Statement About Regional Theatre

Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, emphasizes the broader significance of this transfer: "The North East region is rich in storytelling and having had the opportunity to work with Jamie and the Eastlake Productions team to present this fabulous tale on our own stage, we are delighted to be part of the next chapter of Gerry & Sewell. It is incredibly important that regional stories are told on a national stage by regional voices. Gerry & Sewell makes a bold statement about what can be achieved in partnership and celebrates North East creative talent and the ambition and spirit that make regional theatre a vital component of the UK's creative landscape."

This sentiment feels particularly resonant in an era when regional voices are increasingly recognized as essential to British theatre's vitality. Gerry & Sewell demonstrates that stories rooted in specific communities can speak to universal experiences, and that the passion and authenticity of regional productions deserve the biggest stages.

Looking Ahead: Return to Newcastle

Such is the demand for the show that Gerry & Sewell will return to Newcastle Theatre Royal for a second run in June 2026, opening on June 9th – a date made famous in the legendary Geordie folk song, The Blaydon Races. This homecoming, scheduled after the West End run, promises to be a triumphant celebration for North East audiences who have supported the show from its inception.

The Journey

Gerry & Sewell's journey from a Whitley Bay pub theatre to the West End is more than just a feel-good story about theatrical success. It represents a validation of regional storytelling, a testament to the power of authentic voices, and proof that with vision, talent and determination, geographical boundaries need not limit artistic ambition.

The production arrives in the West End at a time when Newcastle United themselves have been making headlines, adding an extra layer of timeliness to a story about Toon passion and working-class perseverance. For London audiences, it offers a window into North East culture, humor and heart. For those who've followed the show since its earliest days, it's a moment of well-deserved pride.

Whether you're a Toon Army member, a theatre lover, or simply someone who appreciates stories about ordinary people achieving extraordinary things, Gerry & Sewell promises to deliver laughter, tears and a powerful reminder that dreams are worth chasing – no matter where you're from or how impossible they might seem.

Tickets:

London Run: Gerry & Sewell plays at the Aldwych Theatre from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 24 January 2026. Tickets available from Friday 14 November at ticketing.nederlander.co.uk/tickets/series/gerryandsewell

Newcastle Return: Gerry & Sewell returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 June 2026. Tickets available at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by calling 0191 232 7010.