The lowdown: 'Our Friends in the North' is an epic nine-part BBC2 miniseries that looks at the lives of four people
over three decades, spanning the years 1964 to 1995. The title of each episode takes its name from the year in which
it is set. First broadcast from January to March 1996, it stars Christopher Eccleston, Daniel Craig, Gina McKee and
Mark Strong. The story begins with Nicky Hutchinson (Eccleston), an idealistic young man, returning to Newcastle
after several months working for the civil rights movement in the US. Nicky agrees to join the band being started by 
his best friend Geordie (Craig). However, Nicky gets involved in the political campaign of local Labour Party candidate
Austin Donohue, and quits the band in order to campaign on Donohue's behalf, despite being too young to vote.
Donohue eventually offers him a job, and he decides to quit university against the wishes of his father. Meanwhile, 
Nicky's relationship with his girlfriend Mary becomes strained as he neglects her, and Mary eventually has an affair
with Tosker, another member of the failed band. Geordie in turn has a fight with his alcoholic father and leaves for
London and an uncertain future. And  this is just the first episode...

The verdict: 'Our Friends in the North' is a superb and ambitious production that lovingly recreates each era in which
it is set. The acting is generally superb, particularly from the four main characters, while the support cast includes 
familiar faces such as Peter Vaughan, Malcolm McDowell and Alun Armstrong. 'Doctor Who' fans will also recognise 
actors such as Danny Webb from 'The Satan Pit' and Angela Bruce (Brigadier Winifred Bambera in 'Battlefield'). An 
added appeal of the show is seeing Daniel Craig some years before he became James Bond. The make-up is also
quite impressive and does a convincing job of portraying the ageing of the key characters over the years. All in all, 
a first-rate production and definitely worth watching.

Trivia: 'Our Friends in the North' won the 1997 Broadcasting Press Guild Award and the RTS Television Award, 
as well as two BAFTAs (from seven nominations).

 

 
 
 

 
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