Newcastle United’s 1995/96 season, when they almost won the Premier League, is the backdrop to ‘Love It If We Beat Them’, a production that proves sport and politics do mix.

It’s the spring of 1996 and both Tony Blair and Kevin Keegan are riding high. Keegan’s Newcastle United are odds-on to claim the Premier League title, while Blair’s New Labour look well set to form the next government. Meanwhile, Len, a left wing activist, has decided to run as a candidate to be a Labour MP. However, he’s up against Victoria, one of the darlings of the New Labour set… Rob Ward’s ‘Love It If We Beat Them’ is premiering at Live Theatre and it should appeal to anyone who is interested in football, politics, or just having a rollicking good night out. And while it seeks to entertain, it’ll also be exploring those age-old questions: what is power without principle? And what are principles without power? The play is sure to be one of the real highlights of Live Theatre’s 50th birthday celebrations, celebrations that are continuing right across the year. More details from the Live Theatre website, below. RM

Love It If We Beat Them, 2 March-25 March, Live Theatre, Newcastle, times vary, £10-£28 (concs from £6). www.live.org.uk