Watch Our Friends in the North

Our Friends in the North is a powerful and sweeping epic drama that premiered back in 1996 on the BBC. The show consists of 9 episodes, each spanning a decade from the 1960s to the 1990s. The series follows four friends from Newcastle as they navigate their way through the changing political and social landscape of Britain over 30 years.

The main characters are Nicky, Mary, Geordie, and Tosker. Nicky is a radical student and journalist who becomes a community activist and a Labour Party campaigner. Mary is Nicky's childhood sweetheart who becomes an actress in London, while Geordie is the charismatic Neighbourhood Youth Officer who grows up to become a Labour MP. Tosker is a small-time hustler who becomes a successful businessman.

The show's script is written by Peter Flannery, who based the story on his own experiences of growing up in Newcastle during the 1960s and 1970s. The plot is heavily influenced by real events and political figures, such as Margaret Thatcher's rise to power, the miners' strike of 1984-85, and the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic in Britain.

The show features a stellar cast of British actors, including Christopher Eccleston as Nicky, Mark Strong as Tosker, and Gina McKee as Mary. Their performances are nuanced and powerful, and they bring their characters to life with great authenticity and depth.

The cinematography is also a standout feature of the show. The use of the North East landscape and the contrast between the gritty urban streets and the rural countryside help to create a sense of the time and place. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a range of music from the 1960s to the 1990s that reflects the changing social and cultural landscape over the years.

One of the key themes of the show is the impact of politics on personal lives. The characters' lives are shaped by the decisions of politicians at a national and local level, and they are often caught up in the conflicts and struggles that result from political change. The show highlights the real-life experiences of working-class people in Britain, and how they were affected by the policies of successive governments.

Another important theme is the power of friendship. Despite the ups and downs of their lives and their political outlooks, the four main characters remain loyal to one another throughout the years. The show explores the complexities of their relationships, and how they are tested by the events they face.

Overall, Our Friends in the North is a landmark British drama of the 1990s that still resonates today. Its themes of politics, friendship, and personal struggles are universal, and its superb cast and production values make it a must-watch for anyone interested in British drama.

Our Friends in the North is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between January 15, 1996 and on BritBox