The award-winning production that exposes the stark reality behind the cost-of-living crisis headlines will return to Northern Stage before embarking on a UK tour in Spring 2026.
The production is an adaptation of Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or and BAFTA award-winning film and was written by actor and comedian Dave Johns, who won the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards and Best Newcomer at the EMPIRE Awards for his role in the film.
Ahead of its initial premiere Ken Loach said, “This story is more relevant now than ever. And who better to put it on stage than Dave Johns, the original Daniel Blake?”
Originally a co-production between Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, Oldham Coliseum, English Touring Theatre and tiny dragon Productions, in association with Cardboard Citizens, the revival will be produced by Northern Stage in association with Leeds Playhouse.
Mark Calvert (I, Daniel Blake, A Christmas Carol, Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune) will return as Director. An open call will be held to find an Assistant Director. Details to follow.
Mark said:
“The story of I, Daniel Blake remains as necessary as ever. Whilst working on the original production I regularly visited the Newcastle food banks and witnessed first-hand the extraordinary work of their teams. The food bank teams, predominately made up of volunteers are true embodiment of community spirit and resilience. Their energy and commitment are a powerful force for change, especially for those most under-served by our society.
After fourteen years of government policies that deepened hardship and division, we find ourselves still grappling with their legacy. I feel that there was a hope in our country, when our current government came to power, for a new era of progress and compassion, but instead, many communities continue to feel the weight of austerity. This production stands as a testament to the need for realignment—a call to keep telling these stories until our country truly supports its most vulnerable, rather than protecting the privileged few and demonizing those in need.”
David Nellist will reprise his award-winning (Best Performing Artist at the 2023 North East Culture Awards) role as Daniel. Originally from Wallsend in Newcastle, he appeared as Mike Stamford in Sherlock on BBC ONE with Benedict Cumberbatch as well as Stonehouse opposite Matthew Macfadyen on ITV. His theatre credits include West End productions Billy Elliott, War Horse, The Pitmen Painters and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, as well as the Olivier Award nominated Animal Farm (Leeds Playhouse and Stratford East in association with Nottingham Playhouse). Closer to home, his credits also include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Not Too Tame, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Northern Stage) and Close the Coalhouse Door (Northern Stage).
Kema Sikazwe (also known as Kema Kay) will reprise his role as China, a role he also played in the film after being spotted by Ken Loach on a visit to Newcastle. The actor, rapper and singer wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed Shine at Live Theatre – a show about his experience of moving to Newcastle aged three.
The rest of the cast include North East actor Jessica Johnson (ITV’s I Fought the Law; Vera; The Hunt for Raoul Moat; and Northern Stage’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), Janine Leigh who appeared alongside Joanne Froggatt in Channel 4 film In Our Name, Micky Cochrane (Billy Elliot the Musical, Curve), and former Northern Stage Young Company member Jodie Wild.
“I look forward to working again with the incredible original cast, who absolutely knew the weight of the story they were telling. This cast took the story to their hearts and time and time again stood in front of audiences honouring the work of the Ken Loach film but also honouring the stories of the countless people we met who are living a life exactly like Daniel Blake,” said Mark Calvert.
The original production won Excellence in Touring at the 2023 UK Theatre Awards. At the 2023 North East Culture Awards Dave Johns took home the Best Writer award, and David Nellist was named Best Performing Artist.
Following the run at Northern Stage, I, Daniel Blake will embark on a national tour, stopping at Citizens Theatre Glasgow, The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, HOME Manchester and Leeds Playhouse
