By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN? Thursday 15 January 2026, runs through 24 January 2026 (review ticket) RUNTIME: 120 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Non-league Macclesfield beat FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 5 days ago and Gerry & Sewell is the giant-killing theatrical equivalent.

• Read on for reasons including how Gerry & Sewell is about the everyday hopes and dreams that every one of us needs to keep going, pet

The play originally started in Laurels Whitley Bay, a 60-seater pub theatre venue which has just been nominated for The Stage Awards Fringe Theatre of The Year.

Based on Jonathan Tulloch’s novel The Season Ticket, which became the cult film Purely Belter, Olivier Award-winner Jamie Eastlake’s new adaptation arrives in the West End for a limited run after sell-out performances across the North East.

The titular Gerry and Sewell live in Gateshead, have nothing and want only a season ticket each to their beloved football club.

It stars original cast members Dean Logan, Jack Robertson and Becky Clayburn as Gerry, Sewell and Brabin, alongside Erin Mullen as Bridget.

The first thing to mention is the terrific opening number where hooligans in balaclavas dance onstage as the audience are given giant flags to wave, recreating some of the atmosphere, tension and excitement of attending a football match.

We meet Gerry’s family including his estranged and abusive father played by Bill Fellows who will be familiar from a range of TV roles including Smoggie Queens, Coronation Street, Downton Abbey and Broadchurch.

His presence ensures Gerry’s sisters Bridget and Claire, playing a talented singer-songwriter, want to flee their roots while their brother is happy to pursue madcap schemes with his best friend rather than employment.

Robertson as Sewell is especially strong and we loved his crooning solo number which is a fine example of where this dark comedy leaps into fantasy with funny covers when things threaten to get especially dark.

Writer/director Jamie Eastlake explains in the programme that representation of marginalised groups has been at the centre of theatre conversations and there’s no reason why these north east voices bemoaning a lack of government support shouldn’t be heard.

Geordie hero Alan Shearer even makes the recorded pre-show etiquette announcement before a cast member dressed as Cheryl Cole twerks across the stage.

Howay the lads! Gerry & Sewell is about the everyday hopes and dreams that every one of us needs to keep going, pet.

• Main pictures via Facebook courtesy Gerry And Sewell Tickets
• Have you seen Gerry And Sewell before and what did you think of it? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
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