Gerry and Sewell, Live Theatre Newcastle Review

Written by Stacy

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

A purely belta adventure is the tagline to Gerry and Sewell, and I must say, it certainly was an adventure and a half. Based on Jonathan Tulloch's The Season Ticket, this adaptation by Jamie Eastlake has grit and heart in equal measure.

The year is around 2019, the place is Gateshead, and Gerry and Sewell are on hard times - but one thing never wanes and that's their love for Newcastle United, despite Mike f*cking Ashley. The pair resemble Steinbeck's George and Lenny, from size and build to brains and brawn. Gerry, is short, quick on his feet and the self-believing mastermind behind their missions. Sewell, big and stocky, a gentle hunk of a man, slow on his feet and not too sharp up top. With a penchant for a chicken nugget, Easter eggs, his Granda, and his newfound pet pal, the hound. Together, they're a lovable pair of rogues who refuse the school system and try and make it on their own in the world instead. Their love of Newcastle United fuels their daily grind, with sights set on securing season tickets to light the way. Their choices may not be above board or the law, but you can't help but love this pair and cross your fingers that they succeed. However, life always has a way of getting in the way and weaving through the money-making missions is tension, drama, substance abuse, sexual abuse, and all-around heartache.

Eastlake's writing oscillates between the poetic rhythms chanted by the narrator, to the rich melody of the dialogue, to create a wonderful piece that is both artistic and raw combined, yet highly entertaining and humorous. The piece is energetic, fast-paced with perfect accents of stillness that hit hard. It is clear Eastlake had a clear vision for his piece, and this translated well as a whole. The direction was complimented by a captivating set design that pulled the audience straight into the mood of the piece by creating what felt like an abandoned area of Wallsend's metro station, complete with full-scale metro. As the actors weaved between the discarded rubbish and train seats, with choreographed precision, the drama unfolded, and I was hooked.

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Dean Logan's Gerry is energetic in a youthful fashion that sees his character bounce from crazy hair brained ideas to heart-rending emotional outpours. This character certainly has the biggest emotive trajectory of the piece, and Logan rose to the occasion. There's beauty to be found in simplicity, and I found that his most powerful moments came from the dramatic stillness injected throughout. Jack Robertson's, Sewell, was endearing and charming, with a presence on stage that held a captivating quality of instant likability. Sewell was graced with the comic relief of the piece, and Robertson took that mantle and ran strong to deliver first-class comedy. Last but certainly not least, Becky Clayburn, in the role of Tyneside (and every other character under the sun), was simply outstanding. From her opening note to the final bow, she never once dropped a beat. Changing character at the flick of a switch, this multi-talented actress brought her A game to the piece and created pure magic on that stage.

Gerry and Sewell is comedy gold, with an underlying edge of dramatic realness. I can categorically say that I'm not a football fan, but that's not a prerequisite for this show because at its core lies heart and hope for a better tomorrow.

At Live Theatre Newcastle until 18 November.