On Sunday 1st September, from 5pm, Teesside playwright Alan Spence will be showcasing his latest work, Nowt Like This in America, a play that performs a deep dive into the heart of Teesside’s industrial past. The event, part of a Book Club series created by Rosie Devine, is a free, community-focused session that will give attendees the chance to hear from the playwright himself and participate in interactive activities designed to keep everyone engaged.
Alan Spence’s work resonates with a wide range of themes, including family, industry, community, history, socio-economics, and politics. These themes are central to understanding the story of Teesside, a region known for its steel industry and the challenges it faced during the decline of manufacturing under the political shifts of the 1980s. Nowt Like This in America captures the struggles and resilience of the ordinary families of Teesside, blending personal stories with the wider historical context of the era.
The play’s relevance to contemporary audiences is undeniable. It reflects the social and economic hardships faced by working-class communities, especially in Northern industrial areas like Teesside. While the story is set in the past, its themes are still very much alive today, as communities continue to deal with the aftershocks of industrial decline, economic uncertainty, and political change.
This delightful book brought back so many memories for me, both good and bad. Having grown up in the same area and about the same time, as Alan, I can remember (and relate to) many of his stories. Those days tore families and friends apart. Some wanted to fight, others just wanted redundancy packages. The bad memories of comrades come back with this evocative play.
Peter Pinkney Former President at RMT
Former RMT President Peter Pinkney, who also hails from Teesside, shared his thoughts on the play, stating that Nowt Like This in America brought back a flood of memories for him, both good and bad. Having grown up in the same area at the same time as Alan Spence, Pinkney could relate to many of the play’s stories, particularly the impact that those years had on families and friends. “Some wanted to fight,” he recalled, “while others just wanted redundancy packages.” He also spoke of the bad memories the play evoked, particularly those of comrades who were torn apart during those times of industrial unrest. Pinkney’s endorsement underscores the emotional depth and historical accuracy of Spence’s writing.
Francesca Hansen, an actor and businesswoman, also praised Nowt Like This in America, describing it as not only a brilliant read but also an important record of the times. Hansen highlighted how the play resonates with people from many different industries that suffered during that era, not just those connected to the steelworks. She emphasised that it perfectly captures the anger, dismay, humour, and resilience of Teesside’s people. For anyone interested in understanding the history of the class struggle in the UK and the impact of “Thatcher’s Britain” on hardworking, ordinary people, she considers this play a must-read.
Alan Spence, born and raised in Teesside, has a deep connection to the region and its history. His love for drama and theatre began at a local boys’ club, and after working at the steelworks, he decided to return to education at Middlesex Polytechnic. Qualifying as a teacher in 1986 with a degree in Drama and History, Spence spent 25 years as an arts practitioner in schools across North London and Hertfordshire. His career also saw him serve as a head of department, examiner, trustee, and theatre company owner. In addition to his contributions to education, he is a member of National Drama and sits on the Writers Guild Theatre Committee.
Alan’s passion for capturing the stories of his hometown is evident in his work. His first play, The BORO’s 37mins, was published in 2022, followed by Nowt Like This in America in 2023. Later this year, his new play My Name is Tom is set to be published, further cementing his role as a key figure in documenting the social and industrial history of Teesside through theatre.
The upcoming event offers a rare opportunity to engage with Alan Spence in a more intimate setting, hear firsthand about his creative process, and explore the themes of his play in greater depth. For those interested in local history, theatre, or the socio-economic struggles of the North, this session is not to be missed. As Nowt Like This in America continues to garner praise, it serves as both an artistic achievement and a vital record of a critical time in British history.
This event is free and open to all, offering the chance to connect with Teesside’s past and reflect on its continued relevance today.
