A MOVING play about a young North-East fighter who was inspired by his terminally ill brother to become a world boxing champion is to be performed at one of the region’s most prestigious venues.

Carrying David, which premiered at Tyneside Irish Centre this year, highlights the influence David McCrory had on his brother Glenn’s journey before he lifted the cruiserweight title.

The show will transfer to Ireland in November, moving to London next year before being performed at Newcastle’s prestigious Theatre Royal.

Ed Waugh, who wrote the one-man play, which is based on Mr McCrory’s autobiography, said: “I always knew David and Glenn’s was a magnificent story. However, the performance of Micky Cochrane was sublime and Russell Floyd’s direction was superb.

“We toured Carrying David in the North East and the response was wonderful.

“Micky got a standing ovation at every venue, the reviews were all five-star and feedback was been incredible.”

Mr McCrory, now 55, who went on to have a career as a television sports pundit, grew up in Annfield Plain and won the title against Patrick Lumumba 30 years ago when he lived in Stanley at the Louisa Centre in the town.

The plays tells how McCrory’s adopted brother, David, who had a degenerative muscle wasting disease called Fridriech’s Ataxia, which meant he struggled to breathe and walk, was one of his biggest fans as a young boxer.

Carrying David will be performed at Downpatrick Arts Centre next Friday, then the Old Court House, Antrim, the following night and the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, on the Sunday.

David Hull of Belfast-based David Hull Promotions will produce show in Ireland.

He said: “Last year, we successfully toured Dirty Dusting, which was written by Ed and Trevor Wood, across number one venues in the north of Ireland.

“Ed told me he had a new play that was different from Dirty Dusting but was very special.

“I followed the reports of the Carrying David tour on line and have spoken to people who attended.

“Having heard the feedback, read the script and seen the video I quickly realised this play really is something special.

“Hence we are fast-tracking the show to Ireland for a brief run.”

Mr McCrory said: “Going to Ireland feels like I’m going home to my roots; my great-grandfather, Hugh McCrory, came from Omagh, County Tyrone, to work in Consett steel works.

“I still have family in Ireland and my partner is from Culdaff, Donegal, so my two young children are of Irish heritage. We regularly visit friends and family there.”

Carrying David will transfer to Newcastle’s 1,200-seat Theatre Royal in April 2020 with three shows on Thursday, April 9 and Friday 10.

Mr Waugh said: “It normally takes 18 months to a couple of years to set up a transfer to the Theatre Royal but this one will take only nine months, which is a record.”

Tickets for Carrying David at Newcastle Theatre Royal go on sale on Friday, November 8.