"Shuggy Boats" Tyneside Boxes

"Shuggy Boats," written by Jacquie Lawrence, is set in 2021 in the coastal town of Tynemouth and centers around Maeve, who reveals a long-held secret at her 60th birthday party. The play explores family relationships and the impact of Maeve's revelation that she is a lesbian. The Live Theatre production, directed by Fiona MacPherson, stars Phillippa Wilson as Maeve, Dave Johns as her husband Jocka, and Natalie Ann Jamieson as her niece Carolyn. The cast also features Libby Davison, Benjamin Storey, and Alicya Eyo. Local celebrities Denise Welch, Si King, and Charlie Hardwick make cameo appearances via Zoom calls as Maeve's friends. The play runs at Live Theatre in Newcastle until March 21, 2026.