Teesside Creator Develops Middlesbrough Play Inspired by Shameless

A new stage play inspired by life in Middlesbrough is in development, as a Teesside TikTok creator seeks local acting talent for a production exploring the realities of growing up in the North East of England. The project, which draws comparisons to Shameless and Top Boy, is scheduled to reach a regional stage next year.

The production aims to bring local experiences and issues to the stage, using the creator's personal background as inspiration. Reports published by The Northern Echo on October 13 and October 21, 2026, outlined the casting effort and plans for the forthcoming performance.

The project connects the creator's social media presence with a theatrical production rooted in the Middlesbrough community. Local performers are being sought to help bring the story to life, although the available reports do not provide a complete cast list or confirmed performance dates.

According to the October 13 report from The Northern Echo, the creator appealed for actors to participate in the production. The casting initiative is intended to draw on acting talent from across the North East while highlighting issues associated with life in the local area.

The October 21 report described the play as drawing inspiration from the creator's difficult upbringing. Its planned arrival on a North East stage next year marks the next step in developing the project for a live audience.

Sophie Ashcroft said casting for Roots remains underway and described the response to her appeal as unexpectedly strong.

Ashcroft said she had been "overwhelmed" by the interest and support following her appeal for actors.

The casting process is continuing as the production develops. Further details about the performers, venue and schedule were not included in the supplied reports.