PREVIEW
Suddenly We Stopped Dreaming
MUSIC
STAGE
COMEDY
SUDDENLY WE STOPPED ODDMANOUT – IT’S ALL LIVE AT THE TYNE @ TYNE THEATRE & OPERA DREAMING RELEASES HAPPENING HERE HOUSE SINGLE, I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S YOU Words: Tom McLean Newcastle-based indie rocker Suddenly We Stopped Dreaming (SWSD) strikes a chord with melodic single I Can’t Believe It’s You, a perpetually rhythmic ballad presented on a bed of gritty guitar and comforting, steady percussion. This track is one of a series of singles planned for release throughout lockdown and the summer, and sees the return of ethereal vocalist Juniper, a previous collaborator on livelier single Tonight. With I Can’t Believe It’s You, the pair have produced a shoegazey hit to set your watch to. These singles, a sure nod to the 90s and early naughties indie rock movement, help bring the genre into a new decade, carrying a warming combination of fresh nostalgia. Beneath the surface, however, I Can’t Believe It’s You documents a tale of unrequited love and the loneliness that such an event can entail. Comparisons can’t help but be drawn between the single’s evocative longing and the current plight of society – those in lockdown alone will surely find a cathartic friend here. Another solid tune from SWSD (and Juniper), keep your ear to the ground moving into 2021 – an album is on the horizon. Suddenly We Stopped Dreaming release I Can’t Believe It’s You on 6th July www.suddenlywestoppeddreaming.co.uk
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Words: Caitlin Disken The coronavirus crisis hasn’t stopped OddManOut, a new-works theatre company based in Darlington, from curating their latest project entitled It’s All Happening Here. As part of Darlington Borough Council’s New Town Commission, the project will see OddManOut working collaboratively with the people of Darlington using online workshops and tutorials. Set up in 2013 by Katy Weir and Scott Young, OddManOut’s ethos is centred around engaging with local communities. With a strong focus on social impact and cultural change, OddManOut believes that their theatre should reflect rather than inform. Using this notion of reflection, It’s All Happening Here will use Darlington as a starting point, with OddManOut leaving the project almost entirely in the hands of the townspeople. Working with various artists, OddManOut will help Darlington locals create songs, sculptures and pieces of written work for the exhibition. With the aim of connecting the people of Darlington, the pieces created will respond to the local landscape. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, OddManOut are determined to curate the pieces into a live performance celebrating Darlington and its people. The company remains hopeful that a live performance in Darlington town centre later in the year will be possible; if not, an online performance will occur. To get involved, visit OddManOut’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/oddmanouttheatre
Words: Claire Dupree Let’s face it, we could all do with a laugh right now. If you’ve exhausted streaming sites of their stand-up and comedy shows, and are craving something a bit more ‘real’, there are a couple of great options for you in the region. The Stand Comedy Club’s Saturday night livestreamed sets have gone down a storm over the lockdown period, consistently showing off some superb national and local talent. Also in on the act this month are Tyne Theatre & Opera House, who kick off their first livestreamed comedy show on Friday 3rd July. Comics will be performing live on stage at the theatre, broadcasting via Twitch for your pleasure. Host Carl Hutchinson presides over a line-up which includes regional favourites Steffen Peddie, Nicola Mantalios-Thompson, Lauren Pattison and Gavin Webster, plus Carl will interview Tyneside legend Chris Ramsey. The Grade I listed venue dates back to 1867 and has a celebrated history, from music hall to cinema and multi-purpose venue, it’s a treasured space for many. They’ve been hit hard by their enforced closure, so it’s hoped this fundraising show will provide a vital lifeline. Live at the Tyne takes place on Friday 3rd July via Twitch. You can donate via PayPal by clicking here www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
