By Sarah Dale
26 August 2026
Alfie Joey has joined the cast of a North-east folk opera which brings together talent from across the region.
No More Sleeping is a bold and visionary new folk opera which will take the audience on an unforgettable journey through history, imagination and innovation.
Created by pupils from Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, the production is the result of a unique collaboration with acclaimed writer Richard O’Neill MBE, renowned musician and community leader Mike McGrother, illustrator Michelle Russell, and Seven Stories – The National Centre for Children’s Books.
Described as Alice in Wonderland meets The Wizard of Oz, infused with the spirit of When the Boat Comes In, The Likely Lads, Byker Grove, and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, No More Sleeping will tell the inspiring story of a teenage girl struggling with the loss of her grandparents. Her world transforms when she receives Marra, a Multifunctioning Autonomous Robotic Resource Assistant, not just a machine but a living archive of her family’s history and untold stories of the North-east.
Guided by Marra, she embarks on a mesmerising adventure, encountering historical figures from the heritage of the North-east. Together, they uncover the region’s rich heavy industrial and cultural legacy, sparking a movement towards a future driven by arts, technology, sustainability and innovation.
Former BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Alfie Joey, who is also an actor, writer, comic and artist, has joined the cast as a schoolteacher.
He said: “I’m a big fan of Richard O’Neill and I do a lot of work with Seven Stories as a writer and illustrator, and I love going into schools so this combines all three!
“I have been on stage all my life but I have never performed on a stage like this. This is a big moment for them to perform on stage and will be an experience these young people will remember forever.”
The musical will be performed at Newcastle City Hall on Wednesday 23 September at 7.15pm.
No More Sleeping is not only a stage production, but also an opportunity for children from the North East to see themselves and their communities positively represented in a professional, published picture book – also created by the children.
Brendan Tapping, CEO of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, and the driving force behind the project, said: “We are delighted to once more be working with pupils right across our Trust to produce a spectacular performance. Following our previous successful ventures – Footsteps into Paradise at Durham Cathedral in 2022, and JOY in my Heart at Rainton Arena in 2023.
“At its heart, No More Sleeping is a story of resilience, transformation, and community. It reminds us that the North East is not just a region of history, but one of boundless creativity and innovation.”
Richard O’Neill OBE said: “With a dynamic and electrifying score blending folk, rock and contemporary musical theatre, No More Sleeping brings the North East’s past and future to life in an immersive, high-energy production. No More Sleeping is more than a musical; it is a movement, a celebration, and a call to action.”
Anyone interested in more information about the event or the picture book please email enquiries@bccet.org.uk
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
You may also be interested in.
Cash and ATM firm grows its footprint within UKSE offices
A £100m provider of cash management and ATM services has tripled its office space in Hartlepool with support from UKSE, as it looks to take on more staff, make further…
By Sarah Walker
7 September 2026
From the North to London: Female Founder UK™ continues its mission to unite female founders
A fast-growing movement created to raise the visibility of female-founded businesses across Britain is coming to London this month, to meet founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the capital….
By Sarah Dale
4 September 2026
Guisborough college open to students of all abilities and unique learning support needs
Whatever route you’re on to the career you want, we will give you the map – along with the confidence to take your next steps in education. That’s the message…
By Sarah Walker
3 September 2026
We believe all businesses have a story to tell.
Let us help you tell yours!