The Tyne and Wear Metro is the backdrop for an electrifying new stage play which takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through friendship, lost youth and people watching.
Dogs on the Metro is a gripping portrait of young lives which is running at Live Theatre in Newcastle until 17 May.
The iconic Metro carriage has been brought to life on the Live Theatre stage as part of the production, featuring actual and handrails from a Metro train. The stage itself has been made to look like a Metro station platform.
Extra authenticity has been added through recorded announcements from the Metro public address system, used station signage, and the familiar door tones from the current train fleet.
The story follows friends Jen and Dean over a series of days, months and years as they travel back and forth on the Metro system.
As the carriage moves on they navigate their way through the tunnels of memory and perception to come to terms with a pivotal event that changes everything.
Sarah McCourt, Head of Communications and Marketing at Nexus, said: “It’s great to see Metro providing such inspiration for the performing arts.
“Metro is part of everyday life in our region and we’re delighted that it’s being brought to life on the stage at Live Theatre.
“This promises to be a fantastic production, with an electrifying story. It demonstrates just how our Metro system is part of the social fabric of life in Tyne and Wear.”
Artistic Director of Live Theatre, Jack McNamara said: "The Metro and theatre have always had a lot in common. You sit relatively still in one place while the world shoots past around you, a roll call of amazing characters popping in and out. We are so excited that Emilie’s breathtaking play takes place in this iconic environment. And we are very grateful to all of the Nexus team for supporting us so warmly in this new theatrical venture."
A stellar cast has been announced for Dogs on the Metro. Bringing North East Playwriting Award winner Emilie Robson’s drama to life are Sarah Balfour (Dead Canny) and Dean Logan (Gerry & Sewell).
The role of Jen is played by Sarah. Sarah is originally from South Shields and trained at ALRA South. Her credits include: Dead Canny (DAVE/UKTV), Slow Horses (Apple TV), Christmas Crackers (Live Theatre), Mary Stuart (West End) and PICA (BBC Radio 4).
Wallsend born Dean takes on the role of Dean. Dean, a former member of Live Youth Theatre, has worked as a professional actor on stage, TV, and radio since he was 16. His credits include: Gerry & Sewell (Theatre Royal Newcastle, Live Theatre and Laurels), A Christmas Carol (NTC tour), Coronation Street (ITV), Doctors (BBC) and Homefront (BBC Radio 4).
Dogs On The Metro is a journey through friendship, lost youth and the joys of people watching and runs at Live Theatre from Thursday 1 May to Saturday 17 May.
Information and tickets can be found at https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/dogs-on-metro