Meet the full cast of Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years

Twelve actors. Twelve voices. One defining story. 

Live Theatre, Eastlake Productions and Newcastle Theatre Royal are delighted to announce the full cast for Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years, bringing together an outstanding company of performers from across the North East for this landmark new stage adaptation. 

Joining previously announced cast members Ryan Nolan, Scott Turnbull, Jack Robertson and Sam Neale are Meena Al-Nawrasy, Chris Connel, Trevor Fox, Jane Holman, Leo James, Cooper McDonough, Jude Nelson and Robert Punchard. 

Bringing together established performers and emerging talent, the 12-strong ensemble reflects the wealth of acting talent across the region. The cast’s experience spans stage, screen and radio, with credits including some of the UK’s leading theatres alongside film and television productions. 

The company also celebrates the North East’s commitment to developing homegrown talent. Ryan Nolan, Meena Al-Nawrasy and Jude Nelson all trained through our acclaimed Project A actor training programme, while Leo James and Robert Punchard are former Live Theatre’s Youth Theatre members, demonstrating the important role both organisations continue to play in nurturing the region’s next generation of performers. 

Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years brings together a cast with deep connections to the North East to tell one of the region’s most celebrated stories – exploring friendship, ambition, politics and identity during one of the most turbulent decades in modern British history. 

Our Friends in the North: The Thatcher Years is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thursday 15 to Saturday 24 October 2026. Tickets are available here or via the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.