Love It If We Beat Them

Love It If We Beat Them is a timely new political drama from writer Rob Ward, about New Labour's rise to power in 1996, its effect on the North East of England, and Newcastle United's fight for success in the Premier League.

What is power without principle?
What are principles without power?

It's Spring 1996: Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United are riding high in the Premier League and Tony Blair's New Labour are gathering pace. Hope is in the air and victory seems within reach. Len, a long term traditional Labour left activist, has decided to run as a candidate for local Labour MP, but the arrival of Victoria as front runner throws a spanner in the works. With loyalties tested and tensions reaching fever pitch, the winning team will be decided in an explosive head-to-head challenge.

Love It If We Beat Them is a new political drama from writer Rob Ward that explores a time of significant change in the identity of North East communities and perfectly captures a moment in recent history that defines who we are today. A knockout play about Labour, love, and the beautiful game.

This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Newcastle's Live Theatre, in March 2023.