Our Friends in the North

The year is 1964. Nick Hutchinson returns from America, where he has been involved in civil rights movements, to his parent's home in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. There he catches up with his girlfriend Mary Soulsby and his best mate Geordie Peacock. Geordie is keen that Nicky forms a band with him and his friend Tosker Cox. However, Nicky is more interested in taking part in the run-up to the 1964 General Election, helping one of his father's old friends, Eddie Wells. Mary tires of Nicky's lack of attention and becomes involved with Tosker. Geordie meanwhile gets a girl pregnant and decides to leave Newcastle for London...

The year is 1966. Nicky is now working as Austin Donohue's PR man, but is unhappy with his work duties and Austin's ethics. Mary and Tosker are living in a hastily made tower block development built by John Edwards, a friend of Austin. Mary is unhappy in her marriage, whilst Tosker is trying his hand at a music career. Meanwhile in London, Geordie is working for Benny Barratt, a nightclub manager who also runs some sex shops. Barratt is having difficulties with the Metropolitan Police...

The year is 1974. Geordie is released from prison having served a four year sentence. He tries to hunt down Benny but does not succeed in exacting his revenge. Meanwhile Nicky is back in Newcastle living with his parents. Whilst Tosker's business is becoming successful but his marriage to Mary is falling apart, especially now she that she is training to be a lawyer...

The year is 1984. The miner's strike is in full swing and Anthony (Daniel Casey), who is now a policeman, is fully involved in the struggle. Felix has started to develop Alzheimers, whilst Nicky is working as a photographer again. Tosker is now married to Elaine and his business ventures are doing well. Mary, who is now a qualified lawyer and Deputy Leader of the council, and Nicky become close again...

The year is 1995. Tosker and Elaine are opening a nightclub boat on the Tyne. When Tosker is reunited with Geordie, who has escaped from prison, he gives him a job helping them to set up for the opening night. Nicky and Mary are now long since separated and the latter has become an MP. When Nicky's mother, Florrie, dies, the four friends are reunited once again...