A CaroleW Productions and Gala Durham Co-Production
A Moving Tale of Love, Loss…and Football
Written by Jeff Brown
Directed by Olivia Millar
A touching and humorous tale of two young people, struggling to survive against the odds in their very different lives. This poignant, heartwarming and sensitive love story is set against the darker side of professional football and life on the economic edge.
Vicky is a single mum, overwhelmed by everyday pressures, while Adi – the local team’s new signing – is struggling to find his place, on and off the pitch. Seemingly worlds apart, the pair discover they have more in common than they might at first have imagined.
This highly-acclaimed play is written by former BBC TV Look North presenter Jeff Brown, an award-winning sports reporter who has covered football in the North East for almost 40 years.
The Bench is Jeff’s second play and is touring the North East and Cumbria in May and June 2025 with support from Show Racism the Red Card.
“The Bench is about contrasts, love and loss, and poverty and wealth” Sunderland Echo
“At times very funny and others extremely moving” The Northern Echo
“You do not have to be a football fan to enjoy this play.” The British Theatre Guide
Age guidance: 14+
Running time: approx. two hours (including interval)
A post-show Q&A with Jeff Brown will follow the matinee performance on Saturday 24 May.
Tickets
£22 (£20 concession), £18 Gala Members
