Preview: The Fifteen Streets at Newcastle People’s Theatre

A school teacher and a docker!

What will they say when this gets about….?

The Fifteen Streets

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015

Newcastle People’s Theatre are delighted to present Rob Bettinson’s adaptation of the Catherine Cookson favourite The Fifteen Streets.

In early 20^th century Jarrow, life for the O’Brien family is one of bitter struggle for survival in a world of unemployment and grinding poverty. Eldest son and dockworker John O’Brien (Craig Fairbairn – pictured, top left) strives for a better life: one that almost seems within his grasp when he meets a beautiful young school teacher. But the social and religious mores of Edwardian Tyneside forbid such a match.

Adapted for the stage from Catherine Cookson’s best-selling novel, this gripping drama evokes the lives and loves of a bygone age. Both heart-warming and tear-jerking, The Fifteen Streets sees its romantic love story play out against a vivid backdrop of social deprivation and class divides.

The O’Brien family. Photo: Paula Smart.

Often dismissed as a “popular” novelist, Cookson’s writing also has a hard-hitting undercurrent that refuses to shy away from the grim realities of the time, presenting a challenging and seldom-recognised agenda which anticipated the work of more “highbrow” contemporary writers.

We at the People’s are thrilled to present this powerful regional classic by the late Dame Catherine - an old friend and benefactor of ours.

Ever a champion of both emerging and established talent, we’re also pleased to include in the cast our long-standing member Pat Dunn, who played Grandma in the hit BBC TV comedy series Hebburn. 

Tickets

The Fifteen Streets adapted by Rob Bettinson, from the novel by Catherine Cookson

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2015, 7.30pm

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

Tickets:  £13.50 (Concessions £11)
Box Office:  0191 265 5020 www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

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