The 2016 Palme d'Or and BAFTA-winning film I, Daniel Blake, directed by Ken Loach, written by Paul Laverty and featuring comedian and actor Dave Johns in the title role, was adapted by Johns for a stage production in 2023 directed by Mark Calvert.

The production is to be revived for a short tour in 2026 produced by Northern Stage in Newcastle and Leeds Playhouse featuring most of the original cast and production team.

BTG Editor David Chadderton spoke to director Mark Calvert about the play and its strong message, how playing the title role in the film fired up Dave Johns politically and made him keen to bring it to the stage, the reactions from audiences across the political spectrum in 2023, the fear of having Loach and Laverty in the audience on press night and more.

I, Daniel Blake opens at Northern Stage in Newcastle from 20 March to 2 April 2026 before touring to Citizens Theatre in Glasgow 7–11 April, The Dukes in Lancaster 14–18 April, HOME Manchester 21–25 April and Leeds Playhouse 28 April–9 May.

(Photo of Mark Calvert, credit: Von Fox Promotions)