3. Ecstasy and Enemies

Viv Graham is right at the peak of his powers.

After starting as a nightclub doorman in Gateshead, he has grown to become the most powerful figure in Tyneside’s booming nightlife, with a vast pub and club protection empire. But trouble is brewing because a new party drug is landing and it’s going to turn his world upside down.

This episode charts the arrival of ecstasy in the North East and the dramatic changes it had on the region’s nightlife. A prominent DJ in Newcastle, Tom Caulker, remembers it all like it was yesterday - especially when the criminal gangs launched vicious battles to try to control the lucrative supplies of ecstasy in to clubs. The problem? Viv Graham had swathes of Tyneside’s most lucrative clubs and pubs sewn up - and he played by his own rules. These were dangerous times for Viv Graham and anyone associated with him. Guns were freely available among the criminal underworld and they were pointing at Viv Graham.

Presenter – Livvy Haydock

Series Producer – Ben Robinson

Technical Producer – Richard Hannaford

Producer – Patrick Kiteley

Archive Researcher – Jackie Mccoy

Journalism Assistant – Tim Fernley

With assistance from Jamie Boyle

Commissioning Executive – Louise Kattenhorn

Assistant Commissioner – Lorraine Okuefuna & Sarah Green

Editor and Executive Producer – Clare Fordham

Archive

Credits: Zulu - Diamond Films