Theatre lovers should take note: Shuggy Boats is a new stage comedy penned by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Jacquie Lawrence and produced by the queer-led company Jackdaw Media. The production, staged at the iconic Live Theatre, mixes sharp humour with heartfelt family drama and celebrates community voices.
This production showcases a lineup of notable performers and creative talent. With limited performances remaining and strong demand for tickets, now is the moment to secure seats. The show has been promoted in conjunction with community partners and is part of a broader push to foreground stories by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people.
What the play explores
Shuggy Boats follows the irrepressible Maeve, a character whose exuberant personality is as vivid as her lipstick. At a birthday gathering she makes a revelation that jolts her television-quiz-obsessed husband, a self-assured son, a sister mourning a recent loss and a niece consumed by work. The secret triggers a cascade of reactions that force the family to confront choices and assumptions they had been quietly living with.
Characters and tone
The narrative shifts between comic misunderstandings and tender confrontation. When Maeve encounters the magnetic figure known as Fingers, the domestic equilibrium is further destabilised and the story accelerates into situations that are at once chaotic and celebratory. The piece navigates different scenes—from groups like the Provvy Women to the obsessive trivia culture of Mastermind fans and the colourful atmosphere of Tynemouth Pride—each offering both contrast and connection to Maeve’s journey.
The creative team and cast
The play is written by Jacquie Lawrence, whose screen work has previously earned BAFTA recognition. It is presented by Jackdaw Media, a female-fronted production company whose credits include films such as Gateways Grind and Life Of Riley. On stage, the production brings together accomplished performers including Dave Johns (known for I, Daniel Blake and Fisherman’s Friends), Natalie Ann Jamieson (Emmerdale, Vera), Alicya Eyo (Bad Girls, Emmerdale) and Libby Davis (The Bill).
Voices behind the scenes
Writer Jacquie Lawrence has drawn inspiration from her upbringing in Newcastle, describing the play as rooted in the characters and situations of her early life. Producer Fizz Milton emphasises the importance of placing queer characters at the heart of the story and the emotional meaning of bringing this work to life at a venue with strong regional ties. Their collaboration has been driven by persistence and a desire to celebrate community representation on stage.
How to book and special performance details
There remain a small number of performances before the production closes, and tickets are moving quickly. There is a special showing on Saturday 14 March at 7:30pm presented as part of an event with the London Women’s Clinic and DIVA magazine. For that performance you can use the discount code FAMILYMKR15 when booking via Eventbrite: eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-familymakers-show-newcastle-tickets-1978612765043. For the main programme and full schedule see the Live Theatre listings: live.org.uk/whats-on/shuggy-boats.
Community context and support
DIVA has long championed media for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people, and the outlet is promoting the show as part of its ongoing coverage and events. The organisation has also transitioned to charitable status, with the DIVA Charitable Trust supporting work that amplifies queer voices. Readers who value queer-led storytelling are encouraged to explore ways to support the magazine and its associated initiatives via divacharitabletrust.com and linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine.
In short, Shuggy Boats offers a blend of comedy, confrontation and celebration, backed by experienced creatives and a strong ensemble. If you care about contemporary queer theatre and local storytelling, this is a production worth seeing while tickets last.