‘Father Unknown’ tells the story of Alfie who finds out he’s going to be a dad during his GCSEs and follows him as he juggles exams and fatherhood. It was co-created by Dr Michael Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography and Jonah York, freelance theatre maker, in collaboration with North East Young Dads and Lads, a charity which works with young men in the region to support them in playing an active and meaningful role in the lives of their children, families and wider society. 

The play, which debuted around Father’s Day 2023, was performed to sell-out audiences at Newcastle’s Northern Stage and the Gala Theatre, Durham. Following this, a live performance was recorded at Northern Stage, and has now won an OFFIE for Best Online Production. The OFFIEs (Off West End) promote, support and celebrate independent, alternative and fringe theatre in London and the UK.

Reviews of the play praised the performance of Ryan Nolan in the role of Alfie, and the British Theatre Guide said Father Unknown was “full of pathos, drama, emotion and humour”.

Dr Richardson said: “Father Unknown is more than a show, it is advocacy, youth work and a celebration of parenthood, family and adolescence. We have showcased the highs and lows and undying love each young father has for their child, and by winning the OFFIE we now know that it stands up to artistic critique alongside its academic credentials.”

Jonah York said: “Father Unknown was up against some huge national projects. So it’s with immense pride that the power of these dads’ voices, ideas and stories enabled a national response to a regional endeavour. It once again proved that strong storytelling and methods of co-creation allow for powerful collective experiences.”

Dr Richardson started working with NEYDL in 2018 and most recently, the partnership has involved working with Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead to explore ways to encourage new audiences such as working-class young men into cultural venues.

The full recording of the online production of Father Unknown is available to view at DigiDad as well as on Scene Saver.

The full creative team behind Father Unknown is:

Alfie – Ryan Nolan

Producers – Jonah York and Dr Michael Richardson

Director – Jonah York

Stage Manager – Rosie Bowden

Writers Room – Elijah Young, Steve Byron, Jonah York, Dr Michael Richardson and the young fathers at North East Young Dads and Lads

Set Designer – Aileen Kelly

Sound Designer – Jayne Dent (Me Lost Me)

Lighting Designer – Simon Cole

Digital Theatre Consultant – Stephen Smith

Collaborators and Funders: Newcastle University, Northern Stage, Durham Gala, Arts Council, Baltic Centre of Contemporary Arts and North East Young Dads and Lads.