Knockout Performance Promised For Carrying David
Actor, musician, and personal trainer Micky Cochrane is set to take the stage once again in Carrying David, an emotionally charged and inspiring one-man show based on the life of world champion boxer Glenn McCrory and his remarkable relationship with his adopted brother, David. The show will run at the Theatre Royal Newcastle on June 21st and 22nd, promising audiences a powerful blend of sport, heart, and humanity.
Micky Cochrane has long been a creative force, seamlessly transitioning between music, acting, and fitness. “I think there’s nothing better than making songs and music with your mates,” he reflects. His passion for performance began early, shaped by a love for music and drama in school. Though once an aspiring footballer, Cochrane found his true calling in the arts, launching a successful career that has spanned over two decades.
From his roots in music—where he performed in bands alongside his brother—to professional acting, Cochrane has never stopped creating. His journey led him to Carrying David, a show that not only tests his dramatic abilities but also challenges him as a solo performer. “Being on stage alone is an incredible experience,” he says. “You have the audience in the palm of your hand, and there’s nothing quite like it.”
Carrying David is inspired by Glenn McCrory’s autobiography of the same name. It tells the gripping true story of McCrory’s rise to become the North East’s first world boxing champion while navigating the struggles of his younger brother David, who lived with the debilitating condition Friedreich’s Ataxia. The title comes from Glenn’s childhood memories of literally carrying David to school on his back.
“This isn’t just a boxing story,” Cochrane explains. “It’s a deeply human story about resilience, family, and the unbreakable bond between two brothers. Whether you love boxing or not, you’ll be moved by their journey.”
Cochrane brings the story to life in a physically and emotionally demanding performance, seamlessly switching between characters, narrating intense fight sequences, and capturing the raw emotion at the heart of McCrory’s life.
Beyond the stage, Cochrane is using Carrying David as a platform to support mental health initiatives in the North East. Working alongside mental health charities and creative organisations, he has secured tickets for individuals facing mental health challenges to experience the show, followed by workshops exploring the benefits of creativity for well-being.
“We’re offering opportunities for people to see the play and then engage in creative storytelling, acting, and film making workshops,” he explains. “We want to show how art and fitness can be powerful tools for mental health.”
Carrying David will be performed on June 21st and 22nd, with two shows on Saturday and one on Sunday. The Saturday evening performance will include a special post-show Q&A featuring Cochrane, Glenn McCrory, and mental health experts.
For sponsorship opportunities, ticket donations, or media inquiries, please contact Micky Cochrane at mickycochrane1@gmail.com
Tickets for Carrying David at Theatre Royal Newcastle are available now. www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/carrying-david