The Bench at The Customs House
A Moving Tale of Love, Loss and Football
Written by Jeff Brown
Directed by Olivia Millar-Ross

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.

“The Bench is about contrasts, love and loss, and poverty and wealth” Sunderland Echo
“At times very funny and others extremely moving” The Northern Echo
“You do not have to be a football fan to enjoy this play.” The British Theatre Guide

Duration of show (from 7.30pm): Approx. 2 hours, including an interval. The meet and greet information will be shared with attendees once tickets have been purchased.

These tickets are subsidised by The Cultural Spring, through funding we have received from Postcode Community Trust, raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This opportunity is for residents living in South Tyneside and Sunderland.