Review: I, Daniel Blake Returns to Northern Stage
I, Daniel Blake feels more relevant than ever as it makes its return to Northern Stage
Ken Loach’s award-winning film, I, Daniel Blake was released a decade ago – a Newcastle-based drama about a man who, having worked hard all his life as a carpenter, suffers a heart attack. He’s told by his doctor to take time off work and has to face the reality of what happens when the system is stacked against you.
Three years ago, the story was adapted for the stage by Dave Johns, who played Daniel Blake in the film, and I, Daniel Blake opened at Northern Stage. Back then, I said: ‘ I can hands down say this is the most emotional I’ve ever been as an audience member’. This time around, equally as emotional but perhaps a little more prepared, I saw many more theatre-goers overwhelmed by the power of this production.
Geordie actor David Nellist is back as Daniel Blake and Kema Sikazwe, who was brought up in the west end of Newcastle and played China in the film, reprises his role for stage. Jessica Johnson joins the cast as Katie, Daniel’s neighbour, a single mum struggling to make ends meet. This time around, the production raises the question: has anything really changed?
With a few tweaks to the script, Dave Johns has again found clever ways of weaving humour into such a dark and heavy story. David explains it best: ‘I like the humanity in it. There's some really beautiful scenes that show community coming together – just lovely bits of human connection and kindness.’
It remains a story of hope and people coming together in the face of adversity. ‘One of Katie's lines is about “the working poor”: people who are working full-time jobs still not being able to afford rent and bills, the absolute basics,’ says Jessica. ‘It's impacting a lot more people. People are really struggling, and that's even if they are working.’
Projections of politicians’ speeches are shown as social media posts and posters on a screen above the set, which is intentionally understated. Three years on it would’ve been easy to increase the cast and amplify the set, but this production doesn’t need it. The six-strong cast are so talented and the emotions they convey are so strong that they have the audience members in the palm of their hands throughout.
There’s plenty to take away from this devastating story, and its standing ovations are inevitable and very much deserved.
