⚽️ And we're off! Rehearsals for #TheBenchPlay kicked off at Gala Durham this week. The cast are round the table, the script’s in play, and the team are ready to bring this heart-warming production to venues across the N.E. & Cumbria this Spring. 🎭 Don't miss out!

🎟️ carolewproductions.com/the-bench

🎄✨ As Christmas approaches, we want to say a HUGE thank you for supporting theatre made with heart in the N.E. of England this year.

In 2025 we’re excited to hit the road with #TheBenchPlay by Jeff Brown, plus some other special projects.

We wish you all a happy & healthy Christmas & New Year! 🎅

🎭 We’re proud to be working with Gala Durham, @srtrcengland.bsky.social & N.E. Combined Authority on #TheBenchPlay. Together we’ve created FREE educational resources to help schools explore the play’s themes.

🎓 Resources: theredcardhub.org/the_bench
🎟️ Tour info: www.carolewproductions.com/the-bench

🎤 Nearly 40 years covering news & sport in the North East & Cumbria, Jeff Brown has seen it all. ⚽

In this #NUFCMatters chat, he reflects on the stories that shaped his career — and his new play, The Bench.

🎭 Tour starts Thursday 22 May at Gala Durham
📽️ Watch: youtu.be/l24fJRZBB5g

#TheBenchPlay

⚽ “A couple of hours of anyone’s time well spent – and no football match guarantees that.”
– Dave Whetstone, Cultured North East

#TheBenchPlay by Jeff Brown is hitting hearts & funny bones. Now in Durham, then on tour!

🎟️ carolewproductions.com/the-bench

www.culturednortheast.co.uk/p/review-the...

🎭 #TheBenchPlay, written by Jeff Brown, is a poignant, heartwarming and sensitive love story about two young people struggling to survive against the odds.

Dave Whetstone at Cultured: North East explains why it's one to watch:

www.culturednortheast.co.uk/p/new-fixtur...

Did #TheBenchPlay move you? 💛
Our bold, funny & heartfelt play – co-produced with Gala Durham – is a tale of love, belonging & resilience that stole hearts across the N.E.

Show your support by entering The Bench for Performance of the Year at NE Culture Awards! necultureawards.com/northeastcul...

🎥 Playwright Jeff Brown chats with Frances from #ThePFCTrust about how their support – along with Plastic Processing Company – helped take #TheBenchPlay and its anti-racism message across the North East & Cumbria.

PFC Trust champions people and projects making a difference. 💛

Heading to Live Theatre this weekend? Don’t miss the chance to meet playwright Jeff Brown and pick up a copy of #TheBenchPlay, which also includes his other play, Cornered.

You'll also have the opportunity to connect with the team from #ShowRacismTheRedCard, who are proudly supporting the tour.

⚽️ “The Bench strikes gold by showing us that we are often more similar to others than we'd first imagine.” — NARC

#TheBenchPlay weaves humour, heart, and social insight into a powerful story of unlikely connection, with standout performances and direction.

📖 Read: narcmagazine.com/stage-review...

🎭 “A Delight to Watch”

Critics are loving #TheBenchPlay by Jeff Brown - a moving, funny, and heartfelt production now touring the North East & Cumbria. Don’t miss it!

✨ “An excellent performance of a superbly written play.” – British Theatre Guide

🔗 www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/the-...

🎭 The Bench opened last night at Gala Durham — and the audience LOVED it!

💬 “Amazing piece of theatre”
💬 “It’s not just football, it's about life”
💬 “Funny, charming, smart"
💬 "Really, really funny"

🎟️ Touring across the NE & Cumbria now
🔗 carolewproductions.com/the-bench

#TheBenchPlay #JeffBrown

🎬 WATCH NOW: The Official Trailer for The Bench

Go behind the scenes of #TheBenchPlay and hear from writer Jeff Brown, director Olivia Millar-Ross, and the incredible cast as they talk about this moving and funny play about love, loss and football.

🎟️ Tickets: www.carolewproductions.com/the-bench

✨ Exciting News! #TheBenchPlay by Jeff Brown is heading to theatre & community spaces across the N.E & Cumbria from 22 May to 21 June 2025.

This CaroleW Productions & Gala Durham co-production is a moving tale of love, loss…& football. Don't miss it! ✨

🎟️ www.carolewproductions.com/the-bench