The Bench

A touching and humorous tale of two young people struggling to survive against the odds in their very different lives.

This poignant, heartwarming and sensitive love story is set against the darker side of professional football and life on the economic edge.

Vicky is a single mum, overwhelmed by everyday pressures, while Adi - the local team's new signing - is struggling to find his place, on and off the pitch.

Seemingly worlds apart, the pair meet by chance on a park bench and discover they have more in common than they might at first have imagined.

This is the work of former BBC TV Look North presenter Jeff Brown, an award-winning reporter who has covered news and sport in the North East for almost 40 years.

'The Bench' is Jeff’s second play, and is now embarking on a long-awaited regional tour.

Show Racism the Red Card supports the North East & Cumbria tour of The Bench.

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Duration: Approx. 2 hours, including interval

Suitability: 14+

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Reviews

• “The obvious enjoyment of the full house was shown by frequent bursts of laughter and complete silence in the serious sections, topped off with a standing ovation. You donothavetobea football fan to follow or enjoy this play, which may open your eyes to some aspects of the game, apart from it being an endearing story.” The British Theatre Guide

• “Jeff, who has been watching and covering football for 40 years, knows the game far better than most and weaves in his knowledge – and love – of the game throughout the play.“ The Northern Echo

• The Bench is about contrasts, love and loss, and poverty and wealth. It’s also about a society that appears to value someone playing a sport more than a struggling mother and carer.” Sunderland Echo