A new stage production rooted deeply in the realities of life in Middlesbrough is scheduled to reach North East audiences early next year. Created by local lifestyle content creator and aspiring actor Sophie Ashcroft, the play-titled Roots-draws heavy inspiration from her own upbringing, family stories, and the distinct cultural landscape of Teesside.
Originally conceptualized as a television pitch while Ashcroft was studying drama in Manchester, the project shifted toward live theatre after she witnessed the thriving play scene in the North West. Following a successful debut at the Kings Arms in Salford in April 2026, Ashcroft knew she had to bring the production home to her native town.
A Gritty Portrayal of Teesside Life
Comparing the emotional tone and social realism of Roots to hit television dramas like Shameless and Top Boy, Ashcroft designed the narrative to reflect both the hardships and the tight-knit community spirit found in Middlesbrough. The storyline primarily follows siblings Mia and Daniel as they navigate the pressures of their environment, highlighting Daniel’s harrowing descent into crime and violence.
Despite touching on heavy themes such as youth violence, family trauma, and the harsher economic realities of the region, the production balances its darker moments with sharp comedy and heartfelt warmth. Ashcroft has emphasized that nearly everything in the script stems from true-to-life experiences, often captured while listening to her mother and her friends share stories.
“You’re really taken on a journey with them, but around them you’ve got the family, and all these different, brilliant, wacky characters that are just crazy and so chaotic,” Ashcroft explained. She hopes the play pushes back against regional neglect and negativity by showcasing how communities genuinely rally together during hard times.
Casting Local Talent for the North East Run
As preparations ramp up for its upcoming North East run-with hopes of staging the production at Middlesbrough’s Little Theatre Club-casting efforts are currently underway. Ashcroft has expanded the original script, adding roughly 20 minutes of running time specifically tailored for its Teesside homecoming.
While initial summer auditions yielded a modest response, a renewed public appeal launched in early October 2026 resulted in an overwhelming wave of more than 60 applications from actors of all ages. The Middlesbrough production will be directed by Jessica Robson, founder of the North East talent agency Tidal Talent.
With strong community backing, authentic storytelling, and local talent filling out the roster, Roots aims to offer a raw, relatable mirror to the triumphs and struggles of everyday life on Teesside.
