a heart-warming story of people uniting in the face of adversity
British Theatre Guide
A defiant howl of protest
The Stage
...raw, relevant and heartbreaking.
Theatre and Tonic
Fiercely political and demonstrates how people are worn down when the odds are stacked against them.
Fairy Powered Productions
Price
- From £23.00
- View All
Length
- TBC
Content Warnings
Adult language
Presented By
- Northern Stage in association with Leeds Playhouse
Adapted by Dave Johns from the film directed by Ken Loach, written by Paul Laverty, and produced by Rebecca O’Brien for Sixteen Films
Dan is a carpenter. A Geordie through and through. Just on the mend after a heart attack.
Katie has just arrived from London. Finally got a council house for her and the kids. A fresh start.
I, Daniel Blake is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens when the political system is stacked against you. With 14.3 million* people living in poverty in the UK, this is not fiction. It is reality.
A touching and vital story of how people come together in the face of adversity and how sometimes creating a family to support you just isn’t enough. The show is adapted for stage by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in the award winning 2016 film.
*Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2025 Poverty Report.
I, Daniel Blake Community Conversation
Wednesday 15 April, 4.15pm
Audience members are invited to a post-show panel discussion exploring the realities behind the story. We will be joined by Ally Mackenzie, Poverty Truth Mentor from the Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission and local contributors connected to the Commission, alongside Joanna Young, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice.
The conversation will reflect on how the production resonates with people's lived experiences, local challenges, and the systems that shape people’s lives. This is an opportunity to deepen your understanding, share perspectives, and consider what meaningful change might look like in our own communities.
This free event is open to all seeing I, Daniel Blake and it can be added to your basket whilst booking your ticket.
Director
Mark Calvert
Cast
David Nellist as Daniel, Kema Sikazwe as China, Janine Leigh, Micky Cochrane, Jodie Wild, Jessica Johnson as Katie
Image Gallery
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
Recommended age, 12+ due to adult language.
Originally produced by Northern Stage, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, ETT, Oldham Coliseum and Tiny Dragon Productions, in association with Cardboard Citizens, followed by a national tour co-produced by Tiny Dragon Productions and ETT, in association with Northern Stage.
