EMMERSON & WARD AND LIVE THEATRE PRESENT'

LOVE IT IF WE BEAT THEM by Rob Ward

"A smartly written drama about football, family and politics, with strong performances and stunning design" 4**** The Stage

“Ward’s script is smart, witty and timely... the play sizzles with tension ” The Guardian

A knockout play about Labour, Love and the Beautiful Game.

Set against the backdrop of the infamous Premier League season when Newcastle United, almost won under the management of Kevin Keegan. It explores the questions: What is power without principle? And 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 hard left activist, has decided to run as a candidate for local Labour MP, but the arrival of Victoria from Manchester as New Labour’s 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 that explores a time of significant change in the identity of the North East communities and perfectly captures a moment in recent history that defines who we are today. Originally premiered at LIVE Theatre Newcastle in March 2023.

Contains strong language and themes of child loss. Recommended age 14+.