Gerry & Sewell Review: a transfer that uses football as its heartbeat

Photography Credit: Von Fox Promotions

15 January 2026 I 19:00 I Aldwych Theatre, London

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite

Gerry & Sewell are back in toon (well, the West End's Aldwych Theatre) following sell-out runs across the North East. From opening scenes, the play transports you straight to Gateshead, carrying with it the swaggering, unmistakable energy of Newcastle. Based on Jonathan Tulloch's The Season Ticket and inspired by cult film Purely Belter, this stage adaptation by Olivier Award-winner Jamie Eastlake explores friendship, family and ambition through the journey of securing a St James' Park season ticket. It balances sharp humour, emotional depth and devastating moments with remarkable confidence.

The experience begins with an immersive pre-show, Newcastle flags dotted across the auditorium as audiences are encouraged to wave them and film the opening. The atmosphere is raucous and electric, likened to a Newcastle United match rather than a traditional theatre setting.

Photography Credit: Von Fox Promotions

We are then introduced to the central duo Gerry and Sewell, played superbly by Dean Logan and Jack Robertson. Robertson is particularly a standout, providing comic relief to Gerry's struggles while frequently breaking the fourth wall in a way that never disrupts the story. Together, the pair shine to bring warmth, raw emotion and believable chemistry to their portrayal of two best friends, bound by deep loyalty and care for one another.

What begins as a humorous mission to secure the mythical Newcastle United season ticket soon unfolds into an intricate, sometimes darker examination of class and survival in the North East. Gerry's family play a crucial role in expanding this world. His mam and sister are portrayed by Emmerdale legends Kathryn Dow Blyton and Chelsea Halfpenny, who powerfully convey the pressures of Gerry's life and anxieties to strive for something more. Learning of another sister who fled her abusive father, a weighted narrative can be heart-breaking and empathetic.

There is also a standout performance from Rusty the Dog, shining under Georgia Hill's endearing puppetry design. Rusty quickly becomes a loyal, constant presence that the audience grows attached to, Sewell joking that he is like "the Peruvian bear down the road". It may feel strange to become emotionally invested in a puppet, however Rusty's life-like quality reinforces the ability to connect with unconditional support, the ensemble adding further mounting pressure as the play develops.

Photography Credit: Meg Jepson

Despite an enjoyable and rowdy production, Eastlake's writing is uneven at times, leaving the audiences uncertain of what is happening. It can be difficult to see where the story is heading, or how the character's actions are important in their ultimate goal. The season ticket plot can be superficial, where it's importance could be emphasised given the seriousness of Gerry's home life. It raises the question whether his money should be spent on family rather than a football match, although we see the beautiful game as a symbol for escapism.

Ultimately, Gerry & Sewell is a transfer that uses football as its heartbeat, where its actual power lies in everything that pulses around it. The pursuit of a season ticket becomes a metaphor for bigger dream, the desire to belong and the freedom of limitations. While Newcastle United looms large throughout, the story doesn't require you to be a football fan to feel its impact. It leaves you uplifted and reflective, intensely specific to the North East yet universally resonate. At the Aldwych Theatre until the 24th January, expect a wonderful night out for theatre and football fans alike!

Tickets & Info: https://nederlander.co.uk/aldwych/shows/gerry-and-sewell/