New play to celebrate famous year Muhammad Ali and the Queen came to South Shields

A new play inspired by arguably the greatest year in South Tyneside's history is seeking people from the borough to be a part of it.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jan 2018, 08:00 BST
Updated 13th Jan 2018, 13:50 BST
Muhammad Ali in South Shields in 1977.Muhammad Ali in South Shields in 1977.
Muhammad Ali in South Shields in 1977.

The Day Muhammad Ali Came to South Shields will take to the stage at The Customs House, in Mill Dam, South Shields, in March.

Legendary world heavyweight boxing champion Ali’s visit to the town in 1977 will provide the backdrop to the musical, as well as the visit of Her Majesty the Queen the same year.

The Queen visits South Shields in 1977.The Queen visits South Shields in 1977.
The Queen visits South Shields in 1977.
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The play will be directed by Jamie Brown, who also directed award-winning Geordie The Musical, and the musical director is Andrew Clarence.

Jamie said: “I’m delighted to be directing at The Customs House again.

“After the critical success of Geordie the Musical, I suppose expectation will be high, but it’s a fascinating story, with some great characters. 

“To have members of the community telling the story of one of the most extraordinary episodes in its history is an ideal marriage, and with cultural, socio-political themes that are as relevant now as they were during the 1970s, the show is by no means simply a shallow trip down memory lane.

The play will be directed by Jamie Brown.The play will be directed by Jamie Brown.
The play will be directed by Jamie Brown.

“I’m very excited to get started.”

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The story is told from the point of view of teenager Joe Kelly, who can’t believe his luck when his sporting hero comes to his hometown.

Auditions are being held at The Customs House tomorrow, and interested parties should email a CV and headshot to [email protected].

The Day Muhammad Ali Came to South Shields runs at The Customs House from Tuesday, March 6, to Saturday, March 10, with performances at 7.30pm and a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets, priced from £7, are available from 0191 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk.

Related topics:Muhammad AliSouth ShieldsQueenSouth Tyneside