PREVIEWS

MUSIC

LYRAS RELEASE NEW SINGLE, DON’T KEEP ME AWAKE

Words: Martin Trollope

Play Don’t Keep Me Awake, the newest single from Newcastle-based band LYRAS, and you’ll instantly be transported to your favourite rooftop terrace at 1am on a clear summer night, sipping your favourite whisky with another one ready to go on the table. It’s an instant classic; effortlessly cool, with an organic warmth, Don’t Keep Me Awake winds its way into your consciousness, drawing you in with sumptuous vocals, towering harmonies and subtly sophisticated instrumental performances.

Exploring themes of boredom, apathy and finding comfort for comfort’s sake, Don’t Keep Me Awake is a depiction of the female protagonist’s casual approach to what might end up being a one night stand, a stereotypically unfamiliar perspective that vocalist Ada Francis really enjoyed working with. The line-up of LYRAS is completed by Luke Gaul (guitarist), Grace Alexander (keyboards), Gavin Christie (drums) and Luke Elgie (bass), working together to create their own uniquely perfect blend of soul, jazz and contemporary R&B.

LYRAS will be continuing to write and release singles over the next year, while also honing their set, ready to return to live shows. Check this band out and let them keep you awake, because once you start listening to LYRAS you won’t ever want to stop.

LYRAS release Don’t Keep Me Awake on 2nd October, they support Smoove & Turrell at Tyne Bank Brewery, Newcastle on Saturday 3rd October www.facebook.com/lyrasband

Holiday in Tokyo

MUSIC

HOLIDAY IN TOKYO RELEASE NEW EP, LAS YUCAS IS OVERGROWN

Words: Laura Doyle

Local boys Holiday In Tokyo have a very simple mantra, but it’s one that is pretty respectable: make music because you want to, and enjoy doing it. It’s this energy that they’ve funnelled into the production of their debut EP, Las Yucas Is Overgrown. This is a bit of a hefty one, coming in at eight tracks total. But as far as firsts go, Las Yucas Is Overgrown serves as a delightful lo-fi indie experience which will please fans of the likes of Beabadoobee and Courtney Barnett.

Making this recording slightly more impressive is the fact that, while Holiday In Tokyo thankfully had access to a studio at the beginning of the EP’s production, they had to round off working, as so many of us had to over lockdown, from home. It gives a rawness to the record that works well to enhance their modernly rustic feel. Records that are recorded ‘as live’ usually end up being the most authentic feeling, but there’s something about the rough and ready element that make for a surprsingly intimate listen. Las Yucas Is Overgrown truly is a labour of love, and no one can doubt that they had the drive and dedication needed to see this record through to the end.

Holiday In Tokyo release Las Yucas Is Overgrown on 23rd October www.holidayintokyo.bandcamp.com

Chloe Castro by Louis Wilcock

MUSIC

CHLOE CASTRO RELEASES DEBUT EP, AMID

Words: Jay Moussa-Mann

Rising singer Chloe Castro brings a fresh contemporary R&B sound, blending her unique voice with honest lyrics on her debut EP, AMID, released on 23rd October.

The five-track EP is a retelling of stories from Chloe’s own life. She chose the name to represent the feeling of being surrounded by emotions. “That resonated with me in a sense...I feel completely boxed in by my feelings and emotions, stuck in the middle of them, in stasis. Like I can feel nothing else or see nothing else.”

Featured is Chloe’s recent single, She, which garnered much praise, premiering in Wonderland Magazine, winning Track of the Week on BBC Introducing and being featured on American Songwriter Magazine’s US Podcast Bringing It Backwards. Used To Be is one of my personal favourites; with its catchy beat, strong melody and Chloe’s lush vocal tone. The track deals with aspiring to be a serious artist and the change of perspective that comes with it. It’s an upbeat, feel-good track, half R&B, half rap.

“I feel like this EP is the real start of what I was made to do,” says Chloe. “It represents the beginning of me defining my sound.” Chloe Castro’s AMID is definitely one for anyone who enjoys the likes of Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys, full of soul and raw energy. Time to plug in, switch off and dig deep.

Chloe Castro releases AMID on 23rd October www.chloecastro.co.uk

ART & LIT

ELEANOR BRENNAN @ ESTON ARTS CENTRE

Words: Beverley Knight

Gradually, museums and galleries have taken a shift that I have admired: where once we were instructed ‘do not touch’ and ‘no photographs’, we are now actively encouraged to get right amongst it and become thoroughly involved.

An advocate of this is local artist and Manchester Fine Art graduate, Eleanor Brennan. Not requiring a lot of in-depth analysing or interrogation, she uses her textile creations to be an expression of herself and her memories. Eleanor is presenting her debut show, Fingers, Thumbs And The Spaces Inbetween at Eston Arts Centre in Middlesbrough to share her occurrences in lockdown. You’ll discover crochet work, including an honest rug showing a can of Stella in an algae pond. Brennan narrates: “Food and popular culture are two of my biggest starting points, with a lot of my inspiration coming from years working in hospitality, growing up in the North East and coming of age in the time of the internet meme culture. I hope the show will spark some interesting conversations about the North East, the food, the people and how we have all been affected by the state of the world at the moment.”

With six pieces in total, they own a sense of fun, with no airs or graces, delivering a sincere snapshot of reality that is raw and vibrant.

Fingers, Thumbs And The Spaces Inbetween is at Eston Arts Centre, Middlesbrough from Thursday 8th-Saturday 31st October www.facebook.com/estonartscentre

STAGE

BACON KNEES & SAUSAGE FINGERS @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE ONLINE

Words: Eugenie Johnson

In 2015, writers and performers Gary Kitching and Steve Byron took on an Alphabetti Theatre 24 Hour Challenge, responding to stimuli provided by director Ali Pritchard revolving around a (potentially creatively embellished) fact about the closing of Newcastle’s High Level Bridge in 1849 to race dogs. The result was Bacon Knees & Sausage Fingers, which has since become a cult hit, selling out both a run in 2016 and a whole month of performances in 2019. The show is now back by popular demand, this time as an audio play, premiering at its spiritual (online) home of Alphabetti Theatre on Wednesday 21st October.

Both harrowing and hilarious in equal measure, the play centres on Bacon Knees, whose running speed led him to a very specific calling one day in 1989: Crufts. Skip forward to 2016 and Bacon Knees finds himself on the High Level Bridge, about to face a new opponent. At its core, it’s a tale of two social outcasts, but uses the formation of their peculiar friendship to tackle their darker, tragic backstories. If you hadn’t been able to experience it in real life, this new platform for Bacon Knees & Sausage Fingers gives ample opportunity to experience its harsh yet heart-warming tale.

The audio play of Bacon Knees & Sausage Fingers will be online at Alphabetti Theatre from Wednesday 21st October www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

Cat Ryan by Kristoff Photography

MUSIC

LIVE GIGS @ INDEPENDENT, SUNDERLAND

Words: Claire Dupree

Sunderland institutions don’t come much more lauded than bar and venue Independent. Having recently marked their 14th birthday, the venue reopened to drinkers in September in a safe and fun environment, and this month they’re getting back to what they do best: showcasing the cream of the city’s music scene.

“We’re very excited to be getting back to gigs at Independent. We’ve had some really incredible live streams during lockdown but nothing compares to the real thing.” Says the venue’s Lee Hawthorn. “Supporting young, up and coming bands and artists from the city and beyond is what we’re really passionate about, and is at the heart of what we do and have done as Sunderland’s only dedicated music venue for 14 years.”

They’ve put together a real ‘who’s who’ of emerging regional musicians for their first gigs back; colourful funk popsters PICNIC kick off proceedings on Saturday 3rd October, with support from Hartlepool’s own catchy pop band Marketplace and fast rising songwriter Faye Fantarrow; on Friday 23rd, Sunderland-via-Manchester rapper Philth Like is supported by noisy electro duo SQUARMS and hip-hop artist John Dole; while rounding out the month is an indie rock triple threat from Great Waves, Deep.Sleep and The Samphires on Friday 30th October.

Tickets will be available in advance via the venue’s website, with ticket packages including drink deals. www.independentsunderland.com

ART & LIT

CENTURY @ HARTLEPOOL ART GALLERY

Words: Claire Dupree

North East artist Narbi Price has continued to find inspiration from the strange world we’re currently living in; his recent online exhibition, entitled Lockdown, saw the painter depict benches enrobed in red and white hazard tape, inspired by photos taken by pals across the region while enjoying their daily exercise (the paintings will soon be turned into a book). He’s also found time to curate an exhibition at the newly reopened Hartlepool Art Gallery, which will celebrate 100 years of the town’s art, culture and history. Century runs at the gallery from Tuesday 29th September-Saturday 9th January and marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Sir William Gray House, which first housed the town’s art collection.

Narbi, a Hartlepool native, has handpicked works which have a strong resonance with the town, alongside landmark pieces from the canon of modern art history and new contemporary works. “Hartlepool Art Gallery has shown some incredible and important work in its relatively short history, some of which is part of this landmark exhibition.” Narbi explains. “Mature resolved works by major figures of 20th Century art, such as Lucien Freud, Frank Auerbach and John Bratby, rub shoulders here with lesser-known, but no less significant works by artists such as Deryck Stephen Crowther and Enrico Equi.” The artist himself is also featured in the exhibition, with a new work called Untitled Promenade Painting (Bombardment for Theo Jones) which commemorates the tragic sacrifice of Pte. Theophilus Jones, the first casualty of the First World War on UK soil.

Century is at Hartlepool Art Gallery from Tuesday 29th September-Saturday 9th January www.hartlepoolartgallery.co.uk

Jay Moussa-Mann

MUSIC

JAY MOUSSA-MANN RELEASES NEW SINGLE, SUMMER’S HERE

Words: Laura Doyle

These past few months have been rough for all of us, and dwelling on memories of bygone times as a last resort of escapism is completely understandable. That’s where Jay MoussaMann’s brain has gone, anyway. The singer-songwriter spent much of her formative years in the blistering heat of Turkey and Cyprus; she’s now resident on Teesside, which doesn’t quite offer the same in climate and there are limited opportunities to soak up some rays.

Spending the summer cooped up at home with minimal opportunity for a holiday is not how anyone expected this season to go, and for Moussa-Mann especially, it sucked not to be able to make the most out of the warmer weather. On one of her government-mandated walks, Moussa-Mann was able to marvel at some actually decent weather, and fed the inspiration into her new single, Summer’s Here.

The summer of this song is the personification of the season; carefree, crystal clear, and people-pleasing. Moussa-Mann’s deep connection with all things natural is evident as she appraises those idyllic blue skies and heady hazes, truly at her best when enjoying everything summer has to offer. It might be a bit of an odd release as we’re getting into sweater weather, but Summer’s Here provides a delightful opportunity to bask in the memory of sweeter times.

Jay Moussa-Mann releases Summer’s Here on 28th October www.soundcloud.com/jaymoussa

MUSIC

YES PLANT RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM, COMING BACK TO IT

Words: Laura Doyle

Sometimes, making music isn’t the plain sailing you hoped it would be. A misstep or two pushed Sunderland-based duo Yes Plant back a smidge during the creation of their follow up to 2019’s concept EP Getting Away With It. But, despite some troubles, the experimental scythe-comedy project was able to pull themselves together to complete their debut album, Coming Back To It. Top marks for appropriately naming this record.

Yes Plant specialise in approaching the most uncomfortable societal taboos with a fresh, comedic take. They’ve already dealt with love and murder, now it’s time to deal with such niceties as fixation, paranoia and potentially lethal carelessness. Coming Back To It doesn’t serve as a musical experience in the way you expect. Music is there, sure; there’s some chill, lo-fi pop beats that might be best suited to an interdimensional elevator, but Yes Plant extend their work into the realm of experimental art to make their point. Singing steps aside for spoken word at peculiar intervals, and sometimes a track will descend into pure anarchy to further the complex narrative. This is not easy listening, but boy is it fun.

Yes Plant release Coming Back To It on 2nd October www.yesplant.bandcamp.com

Martha Hill

MUSIC

MARTHA HILL RELEASES SUMMER UP NORTH EP

Words: Jonathan Horner

Martha Hill refuses to pause for breath, and why should she? Her instincts, bordering on alchemy, produce anthemic single after anthemic single. Tipped by countless tippers, and on the receiving end of some serious praise from all corners – nevermind getting A-listed on 6Music and playlisted on Radio 1 – she’s a regional artist we can all be seriously proud of right now.

Her focus is firmly placed on the crest of the next hill and, with gold dust at her fingertips and the whole of the North East at her heels, she has grasped the flag, mounted a plinth and is waving it with passion and joy. Leaders don’t just command but inspire, and she does so without breaking stride. She invites us in, we fall in line and match her stride. Lead on Martha!

After the lush density of her Be Still EP, she forges ever forward with Summer Up North, released on 23rd October. Toast-rough reality is still there as cheese toasties are sabotaged with raw onions on the delightful earworm Grilled Cheese, GTA is played and she clings to nights by final cigarettes on recent single Landslide; She is emboldened in her style; less contemplative than on previous work, and totally uncompromising, we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Martha Hill releases Summer Up North EP on 23rd October www.marthahillmusic.com

Otobong Nkanga, From Where I Stand. Image credit Jason Hynes Photography

ART & LIT

MIMA REOPENS

Words: Claire Dupree

The wait is over for contemporary art lovers on Teesside, as Middlesbrough’s Institute of Modern Art reopened in late September.

The gallery have continued their connections with the regional art scene and wider community begun during lockdown, culminating in five new local artists’ work being acquired for the gallery. Paintings and drawings by Saud Baloch, Bobby Benjamin, Emma Bennett, Sarah Cooney and Gail Henderson will go online display in The Middlesbrough Collection, the area’s art historical depository. The artists have been praised for their thoughtful approaches to making art that speaks to the area’s social, political and art histories. Photography from local artist Jason Hynes will also go on display, his exhibition documents a range of the Tees Valley’s key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new exhibition by Nigerian-born, Belgium-based artist Otobong Nkanga, which was due to open just as lockdown kicked in, will finally be available to view. From Where I Stand explores themes around our relationships to land and the extraction of the world’s natural resources. Elinor Morgan, Head of Programme at MIMA comments: “Her observations of how humans shape and ultimately damage the world through the exploitation of human labour and land are shared through ten bodies of work that reflect on global capitalism and the extraction of precious minerals from natural environments. Nkanga opens up and makes accessible complex discussions through an expansive and careful approach to making.”

Obobong Nkanga’s exhibition runs at MIMA until Sunday 21st February www.mima.art

MUSIC

THE DAWDLER RELEASES SIGN OF GROWTH EP

Words: Jay Moussa-Mann

Having tasted success with previous releases and receiving wide airplay across all the channels that matter, alt. indie songwriter The Dawdler is back with a gorgeous new EP, Sign of Growth.

Sign of Growth is the musical version of losing yourself in a forest on a misty day, leaves crunching underfoot and raindrops on your coat. Pulling you in with gentle guitar and dreamy vocals, the beautifully foreboding title track allows you to drift before suddenly breaking into cosmic synths that whip you out into some other plane.

Crocodile is a stand out track, one that speaks to the rise of fascism and the anxiety inducing polarisation of the socio-political landscape. “I’ve never seen a human body explode into dust / I’ve never played chess with a crocodile”. For all its beauty, there is an overall sense of foreboding if you listen closely: something’s coming for you. “The options presented in the lyrics are to face the fears head on and fight, or to somehow retreat into the solar system – dancing with the moon and sleeping on Saturn’s rings.” Explains John Edgar, the man behind The Dawdler.

The EP also features previously released singles Lava Lamps and Dark Clouds, and Edgar has also collaborated with cellist and vocalist Ceitidh Mac, who provides haunting vocals on We Take Space and Don’t Get Blue. Sign of Growth feels like a retreat, an escape to some other realm hidden just behind the walls of our reality.

The Dawdler releases Sign of Growth via Akira Records on 23rd October www.thedawdler.bandcamp.com

MUSIC

THE VIOLET CHIMES RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Words: Jonathan Coll

North East musicians Violet Chimes, comprised of Jamie Harwood (vocals and guitar) and John Farrer (bass and vocals), are set to release their second studio album this month, Sign of the Chimes.

The band’s previous record, All At Sea, garnered comparisons to The Smiths, albeit mainly for the atmospheric instrumentals and less as a direct comparison to Morrissey himself. I’d imagine that the band would also put some distance between Morrissey’s political views and their own, as new track Fell For It laments the heist that was the EU referendum. I would be tempted to say the lyrics were controversial, if they weren’t also undeniably true. Helpfully, the track’s music video has already made it onto YouTube, if the lyricism hadn’t already painted a clear enough picture. It’s one of the highlights on the forthcoming album which also includes the excellent Still Swoon, a nod to Swoon-era Prefab Spout. The similarities with the likes of Don’t Stop are obvious, which is a sizeable compliment for a band looking to carry a similarly infectious sound to some of the most beloved pop music of the 1980s.

The Violet Chimes release Sign of the Chimes on 26th October www.thevioletchimes.bandcamp.com

ART & LIT

CHRISTINA RAMBERG AND HUMA BHABHA NEW EXHIBITIONS @ BALTIC

Words: Helen Redfern

Two new concurrent exhibitions in the BALTIC Autumn/Winter season will bring together exceptional artworks from US-based artists Christina Ramberg and Huma Bhabha, many of which have not been seen in the UK before.

Against Time, Huma Bhabha’s first major survey exhibition in Europe, spans the last two decades of Bhabha’s work, showcasing an impressive cast of characters sculpted from cork, Styrofoam, clay and reclaimed materials like rubber tyres and animal bones. Alongside photographs, prints and expressive works on paper, these sculptures address themes of identity, migration and alternative futures; key concerns for our troubled times. Born in Karachi, Bhabha’s work is directly influenced by Pakistan’s desert landscapes and architecture. A fully illustrated accompanying publication includes an introduction by BALTIC Curator Emma Dean, and an essay by curator, writer and art historian Danielle Shang.

Taking over BALTIC’s Level 3 gallery, The Making of Husbands is a ground-breaking exhibition that revisits the work of Christina Ramberg (1946-95). Emerging from a group of artists known as the Chicago Imagists, Ramberg left a remarkable body of small obsessive drawings, studies in sketchbooks and a number of formally elegant, erotically sinister paintings. The subtle and potent dialogue between Ramberg and the other artists in the exhibition speaks to current debates around gender and identity: power dynamics, hierarchies, gender construction, desire and fetishism. A substantial accompanying publication features a facsimile reprint of Ramberg’s photographic slides, newly commissioned writing on Ramberg by art historians and theorists, and experimental fiction texts by Jen George and Dodie Bellamy.

The Making of Husbands and Against Time are at BALTIC, Gateshead until Sunday 21st February www.baltic.art

MUSIC

THE AGENCY… RELEASE NEW ALBUM, IN THE HAUNTED WOODS

Words: Tom McLean

When asked to describe their sound to the uninitiated, one might place moody, dystopian rockers The Agency... somewhere between The XX, The Doors and Nick Cave. It’s no surprise then, that the dulcet Newcastle collective’s third album, In The Haunted Woods, heightens such comparisons despite offering a more diverse timbre than preceding instalments For The Brave And Troubled… (2012) and Of Ghosts (2014).

Pleasingly, the metamorphosing nature of album opener Numb is testament to this desire to experiment. Drawing on classic hooks and jarring, pacey twists, at times Numb almost feels like two songs combined, painting an undulating picture of joyful breaks in the cloud of one’s mind. While Numb remains the pick of the bunch, it’s a close run thing and indie rock single Defender thrives on a more consistent pace. Even so, the reflective sobriety that drives this collective’s success is a sentiment that echoes throughout the album.

Soothing and sorrowful in equal measure, In The Haunted Woods is infused with a trademark sombre crooning that will delight long time followers of the group. For those whose interest is piqued, you can grab the album on all streaming services (and CD) come 23rd October but if you can’t wait that long, the first single, Defender, is already available to stream.

The Agency… release In The Haunted Woods on 23rd October www.theagencyinthehauntedwoods.com

Sam Dickinson

MUSIC

SAM DICKINSON RELEASES NEW ALBUM, OFF SCRIPT

Words: Beverley Knight

The clear-cut delivery of Newcastle’s Sam Dickinson means that you can follow every word he sings with precision. That is what you notice first about his new fourteen tracks collated together in album Off Script, where disco, pop, dance and soul are far from being flung together; they are seamlessly blended to give a smooth, full produced sound.

The singer-songwriter expands: “I wanted to create an album which paid homage to the sound of my childhood, the blend of 90’s soul, pop and dance that I would listen to in my Mum’s car on the way to school. I wanted to write about self-empowerment, self-belief and if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we could all do with a little bit more of that.”

Each song tells an intimate story, substantial numbers like Cry Wolf are offset with heartfelt acoustic closer No One In The Room, where Sam talks about the death of his grandmother and not being open about his sexuality to her. There are favourites of Dickinson’s covered too: Missing, originally by Everything But The Girl and Mica Paris’ Carefree.

Sam Dickinson releases Off Script on 9th October. He performs with a full band at Hoochie Coochie, Newcastle on Friday 16th October www.samdickinsononline.com

Red Whale Flying by Emma Poppy

ART & LIT

ART STOPS @ VARIOUS LOCATIONS, DURHAM

Words: Eugenie Johnson

“Do you want to advertise here?” You’ve probably seen that phrase on more than a few bus stops down the line. Most of the time, that space might get filled with product promotions, but what if those prominently placed adverts could help feed your soul instead of empty your wallet?

Art Stops is aiming to do exactly that. It’s the brainchild of local artist Peter McAdam who, having taken a three-bus journey towards the centre of Durham, decided to approach Durham Council to propose the idea of bringing art and poetry to travellers and commuters across the county. An eclectic group of artists and writers who remained creative during lockdown (including McAdam himself as well as Narbi Price, Martin Stephenson, Emma Poppy and Fiona Duncan, among many others) have been chosen to have their works displayed on bus shelter panels. Reflecting the diversity of creative practice in the area, a wide range of media will grace the spaces, from documentary, 3D and wildlife photography to collage, cartoons, found objects and some poetry to boot. It’s guaranteed to enliven these otherwise quite anonymous spaces, revitalising them with creative spirit.

www.artstops.org

Tom Joshua by Jodie Canwell

MUSIC

TOM JOSHUA RELEASES NEW EP, UNDERGROWTH

Words: Beverley Knight

Eaglescliffe singer Tom Joshua strives to see the beauty in his local surroundings, especially when scores can overlook it. Finding inspiration from the mingling of industrial structures on the coastline, and the addition of monstrous scale hills, he fed this vision into the creation of debut EP Undergrowth, taking reality and layering it with his surreal adaptions.

Cam Blackwood, who has worked with British Sea Power and favours traditional methods, produced the four tracks. They took into consideration Tom’s admiration of heavyweights including Simon and Garfunkel and Sigur Rós, and the dynamic lyricism of Nick Drake and Big Thief. The EP is bookended with tracks Cinema and This Still Life, on which effective piano and emotive chord progressions are the focus, creating two heartfelt pieces. His voice exudes a characteristic tone as he shares his version of folk with a definite twist. Knock On A Hollow takes it up a notch, as it addresses a drummer living on top of a parade of shops, while inspiration for lead single Undergrowth came from an innocent walk with his dog. The EP is a rustic, unusual observation yet natural for the ears to savour.

Tom Joshua releases Undergrowth EP on 9th October www.tomjoshua.com

MUSIC

XENNON RELEASES NEW ALBUM, DARK OF A DISTANT WORLD

Words: Laura Doyle

Lots of artists use music to tell stories; songs can often be their own mini-narrative encapsulating moments of emotion, or momentous events. Few take it as far as artist and producer XENNON, however. His upcoming album, Dark Of A Distant World, goes all in on its atmospheric concept.

Taking a leaf out of Starset or Coheed & Cambria’s book, XENNON has built a world called Eternicron with an 80s synth pop soundtrack and some peril from which it will obviously need saving.

Listening to Dark Of A Distant World instantly transports you to some alien land – the blend of traditional musical elements with futuristic distorted beats invokes every 8-bit sci-fi arcade game, and makes for a truly immersive experience. And for those of us who need a bit of visual stimulus, never fear: adding to XENNON’s world-building ways will be Travis Wright’s exceptional artistic representations of the mysterious, distant plains; his striking vision for Eternicron and its inhabitants will be included in a digital publication of the story, which accompanies any purchase of the album. Keep an eye out for a physical release in the near future too, because this multimedia project certainly deserves to be enjoyed in its physical manifestation.

XENNON releases Dark Of A Distant World on 2nd October via Timeslave Recordings www.xennonsynthwave.com

STAGE

LIVE WIRED @ LIVE THEATRE ONLINE

Words: Caitlin Disken

Despite being unable to re-open at full capacity, Newcastle’s Live Theatre are determined to continue to offer the innovative theatre that they are so renowned for. Aiming to reach a wider and more diverse audience, Live Theatre are adapting to post-lockdown life by digitally screening their new programme, Live Wired. Beginning on Tuesday 29th September, the programme will commence with their 10 Minutes To… series, a compilation of nine ten-minute plays unified by the theme of calling home.

Featuring both new and established writers, the nine plays were whittled down from over 300 entries after an open call-out during lockdown. “We have nine brilliant scripts from a huge range of writers,” says Graeme Thompson, Live Theatre’s Creative Producer. “Some of the writers are new to Live and some we know.” Many of the writers selected hail from the North East, including Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, member of North East-based theatre company Bonnie & The Bonnettes, whose play Sheltered is set during an air raid over Northern England. For new writer Ellen McNally, her play Off Peak will be her first piece of writing performed onstage. Ellen has a particular affinity with Live Theatre: “This year’s theme resonates with me; I was part of Live’s Youth Theatre when I was younger so having my first script produced here feels really special.”

Other plays include work by Benjamin Storey, Sarah Tarbit, Niall McCarthy, Olu Alakija, Mandi C, John Hickman and gobscure, representing a range of talent from across the country. “This project is really exciting,” says Graeme. “This time we are filming as opposed to performing live but there is always a buzz when we do this show and we are certain we can recreate that this time round.” The plays will be free to access and will remain on the venue’s website. Keep an eye out for further performances as part of the Live Wired October season.

10 Minutes To... Call Home will be online at Live Theatre’s website from Tuesday 29th September. www.live.org.uk

David Reynolds, Profoundly Massive Tiny Darlings (Digital video still) 2020

ART & LIT

ANOTHER TRIP AROUND THE SUN @ BALTIC 39

Words: Eugenie Johnson

Where did we come from and where are we going? These are questions that have been asked by humans for generations but are also ones that seem particularly prescient to the current times.

A new exhibition from Better Than Strangers, an international group of artists who were brought together through their time with the BxNU Institute, takes on these challenging philosophical queries and filters them through the lens of rising artists working in a variety of both analogue and digital media.

Another Trip Around The Sun, showing at Newcastle’s BALTIC 39 from Friday 9th-Sunday 25th October, brings together works by Jade Blood, Odin Coleman, Henry Gonnet, James Hall, Mag Jittaksa, Edward Lawrenson, Miria Miria, David Reynolds and Holly Standen. On the one hand, their works envisage new worlds, rendering unknown planets in 3D graphics or showing intricate terraforms. Yet on the other hand, they are also firmly grounded on earth, centring on domestic items (such as an empty soup bowl) or playfully using objects and crafts to look to a potential future while still feeling connected to the contemporary moment. As Better Than Strangers’ first ‘real life’ exhibition, Another Trip Around The Sun is set to be a stellar insight into their collective principles: to challenge our perceptions with art that is innovative and thought-provoking.

Another Trip Around The Sun is at BALTIC 39, Newcastle from Friday 9th-Sunday 25th October www.baltic.art/baltic-39

MUSIC

LIVE GIGS @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Claire Dupree

Running a music venue has to be a pretty tricky job right now, and we’re delighted that so many venues across the region are returning to what they do best. The Ouseburn Valley’s Cluny have finally unveiled their plans for a return to live shows, and the line-up for October is typically exciting.

Currently just utilising the Cluny 2 stage, the shows will be intense and intimate (in a socially-distanced manner, rather than an up-close-and-personal way, of course), with a diverse mix of genres covered. Given the venue’s limited space and the obvious audience restrictions, all shows will feature one live act performing three sets over the course of a day – afternoon, matinee and evening – allowing for the venue to be cleaned between shows. All the usual safety measures are in place, and tickets are only available in advance.

Indie rockers A Festival, A Parade kick proceedings off on Friday 2nd, followed by one-woman electro maestro Me Lost Me on Saturday 3rd; things get noisy on Friday 9th thanks to riffers Kylver; there’s some rockabilly and gypsy jazz swing from Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra on Saturday 10th; emotive songwriting and lush sounds come courtesy of The Lake Poets on Saturday 17th, and there’s more amazing vocal performances from Cortney Dixon on Sunday 18th; post-punk sextet Witness Protection Programme perform on Friday 23rd; this months’ NARC. cover stars Hector Gannet play the venue on Saturday 24th, and rounding the month off are Phil Davids & The Good Times Band on Friday 30th October.

www.thecluny.com

Head held high, Meliha Varesanovic defies Bosnian Serb sniper bullets and mortar fire in the Dobrinja neighbourhood of Sarajevo, June 1995 © Tom Stoddart

ART & LIT

TOM STODDART: EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN @ SIDE GALLERY

Words: Claire Dupree

One of the undoubted skills of reportage photography is the ability to discovery the extraordinary in what may at first glance seem mundane. The best images convey emotion, placing the viewer at a moment in time that is beyond their ability to experience in the flesh. Newcastle’s Side Gallery, which reopens initially for three days a week from this month (Thursday-Saturday), consistently champions the very best of reportage and documentary photography, and for their first physical exhibition after lockdown they present the work of one of the region’s most celebrated photographers, Tom Stoddart.

The Morpeth-born photojournalist has had an incredible career and has captured momentous fragments of history; from the fall of the Berlin Wall and the war in Lebanon (during which he accompanied celebrated Sunday Times foreign correspondent Marie Colvin), to portraying the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. His latest work is a collection, and accompanying book, entitled Extraordinary Women: Images of Courage, Endurance and Defiance, which celebrates the strong will of women throughout the world during times of war, poverty and hardship. The Newcastle gallery will show a selection of 70 photographs across two floors. “When a crisis engulfs a community it’s the women who face the challenges head on.” Tom has said of the book. “Their love of family and ‘never surrender’ attitude drive them on to survive the miserable cruelty of conflicts, persecution, natural disasters and health emergencies.”

Tom Stoddart: Extraordinary Women is at Side Gallery, Newcastle from Saturday 26th September-Saturday 12th December. Entry is free, but online booking is required in advance www.amber-online.com

MUSIC

HARK! @ TRACKS ONLINE

Words: Jonathan Horner

The sound of stories resonates through all of our lives. Narrative arcs and plot twists weave in and out of each other; dreams, relationships, adventures, tragedy, comedy – stories are life! Darlington collective Tracks understand this very well and with the support of Creative Darlington they’re bringing HARK!, a celebration of story, into your own home via Facebook live. They promise an online evening of music and imagery inspired by haunting contemporary folk tales and poetry through the ages. Where better to host this fine evening than Darlington’s beautiful Crown Street Library where stories have lived since 1885!

Although initial plans for 2020’s event were derailed by the pandemic, they have managed to overcome this and will go live on Sunday 11th October at 7.30pm. HARK! curator and host, local writer Francoise Harvey, says, “The inaugural HARK! was the highlight of last year for me, I’m thrilled to bring a special, online version to an even wider audience, this time with specially filmed imagery to accompany the music. I have a foot in each of the worlds of music and literature – so being able to bring the two together is very special.”

HARK! Online features specially commissioned performances from urban folk band Stick In The Wheel, psych folk songwriter Jack Sharp (both of whom appear on the concept album Help The Witch, based on Tom Cox’s book of short stories by the same name) and multimedia artist Katherine Betteridge, plus readings from Tom Cox himself and disabled writer, activist and spoken word artist, Darlington’s own Lisette Auton. As if that wasn’t enough, there is a free online writing workshop by Francoise Harvey before the show at 2pm.

HARK! featuring Stick In The Wheel, Jack Sharp, Katherine Betteridge, Tom Cox and Lisette Auton takes place via Tracks’ Facebook page on Sunday 11th October www.facebook.com/tracksdarlington

Temporarily Without Maps, 2019, oil on canvas (c) Dale Atkinson

ART & LIT

DALE ATKINSON @ GALLAGHER & TURNER

Words: Beverley Knight

Telling stories covering a myriad of concepts such as lost swimmers, passing comets, insomniacs laying traps for sleep, and saw-wielding manifestations of conscience, Sunderland-born artist Dale Atkinson has pushed the boundaries of narrative art over time in his understated, obscure way.

In his new exhibition at Newcastle gallery Gallagher & Turner, distorted imagery invites the eyes to, at first, look intently at the picture, but then to follow the lines; just don’t expect his tales to be obvious or especially easy to unpick. There’s enough suggestion there to give guidance, but then you are entirely on your own to delve underneath the surface, which is the intrigue lays.

Figures and heads feature prominently, but not exclusively, sometimes having a modern print feel, as does a colour pallet that favours blues and reds, but explores and shows a most distinctive hue, created with oils on canvas. This will be the third time that the Newcastle University graduate, now residing in Gateshead, has exhibited at gallery Gallagher & Turner, and Atkinson’s paintings and drawings are held in private collections throughout the world, and continue to question the observer’s perception of storytelling without words.

Dale Atkinson’s work will be exhibited at Gallagher & Turner, Newcastle from Thursday 1st October-Saturday 21st November www.daleatkinson.co.uk

STAGE

WE STEP OUTSIDE AND START TO DANCE

Words: Claire Dupree

We Step Outside And Start To Dance is an audio experience inspired by an outbreak of ‘dancing plague’ recorded in the 1500s; a woman began to dance in a street in Strasbourg and kept dancing for a month, eventually being joined by 400 people. The craze was put down to mass hysteria brought on by extreme stress and hardship, so if you haven’t started dancing yet, now’s the perfect time.

The primarily spoken word piece, which will be available to download from Friday 23rd October, has been written by local playwright Alison Carr and features a cast of three actors playing multiple roles. “Participants will be invited to join in and create beats and rhythms to dance to along the way,” explains Alison, with local people encouraged to tell their own stories about the power of music and dancing. “We’ve had some great stories and memories already, with people thinking back to school disco triumphs or ballet class embarrassments. These real life stories around music and dancing are really helping explore their power and how they make us feel – the good and the bad. We’re also making a playlist of people’s favourite songs to dance to and it is shaping up to be full of absolutely amazing songs!”

While it’s not a piece about lockdown or the pandemic per se, Alison agrees it’s definitely a piece for now. “It’s about an extreme uncontrollable reaction to extreme uncontrollable conditions, which is something we can all relate to. I hope it helps to express or articulate some of the things we’re feeling currently – lacking control, being overwhelmed, something that was once familiar (in this case dancing) becoming something alien. It’s easy to feel alone in those feelings, but we aren’t. There’s hope in there too, it’s funny, and it’s fun.”

This is one epidemic-inspired art form you’ll want to fully engage with; dance like no-one’s watching!

Download We Step Outside And Start To Dance via Alison’s website from Friday 23rd October www.alisoncarr.co.uk/plays/starttodance

ART & LIT

ART DECO BY THE SEA @ LAING ART GALLERY

Words: Jamie Taylor

While the rest of the UK rediscovers the Great British seaside, here in the North East we’re already well aware of the charms of the coast. From epic beaches to polite promenades, we have some of the finest coastlines in the world.

It seems somewhat fitting then that Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery is to host the Sainsbury Collection’s latest touring exhibition, Art Deco By The Sea. Through posters, fashion, film and bumper cars, it explores how the modern idea of the British seaside resort was created through a combination of elegant design and aspirational art.

Art Deco was the ubiquitous style of the 1920s and 30s. Filled with all of the energy and hope of the post-war generation, it was both comfortingly familiar while also being new and glamorous. This can be seen especially in many of the railway posters that feature in the show, such as Tom Purvis’s marvellous sextych, East Coast Joys. It also shines through the collection of elegant eveningwear and designs for many of the era’s streamlined architectural coastal marvels.

Art Deco fundamentally changed the idea of the seaside and this exhibition promises to do likewise for our understanding of this brief period of history. Pack your best swimming costume and get ready to dive in.

Art Deco By The Sea is at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle from Saturday 17th October-Saturday 27th February 2021 www.laingartgallery.org.uk