SEPTEMBER PREVIEWS

Image: Virginia Wing by Martin Livesey

MUSIC

VIRGINIA WING @ THE CLUNY

Words: Mark Corcoran-Lettice

Trying to stake out new ground within a set musical form can be a Sisyphean task: just what is left to explore in a standard band format at this stage of the game? Full credit then to Virginia Wing, who having started life as a more psychedelia-informed, Broadcast-indebted act have evolved into a genuine one-of-a-kind proposition.

Having made a considerable artistic step forward on 2018’s dazzling Ecstatic Arrow, earlier this year they returned with the similarly brilliant private LIFE: an album more interior than its predecessor, but no less captivating or powerful for it. Now a trio of Alice Merida Richards, Sam Pillay and Christopher Duffin, they delight in collage-like songs that draft in ideas from a disparate array of influences – a snip of pop-house here, a dash of 80s indie there, washed down with a grateful glug of spiritual jazz – that never sound like they belong anywhere but alongside each other. As anyone who saw their previous Cluny appearances can attest, their live show boasts a more muscular electro pulse, driven forward by Richards’ insistent sprechgesang.

Making a very welcome return to the venue on Thursday 30th September as part of a belated UK tour for private LIFE, Virginia Wing’s considered balance of incision and euphoria makes for a genuine delight.

Virginia Wing play The Cluny, Newcastle on Thursday 30th September www.virginiawingmusic.bandcamp.com

MUSIC

FIELD MUSIC NORTH EAST TOUR

Words: Steve Spithray

Everyone’s favourite odd-popsters Field Music head out on a short North East tour in support of latest album Flat White Moon this month. The Sunderland band’s brief soiree will take in The Cluny in Newcastle on Thursday 23rd, Middlesbrough’s Westgarth Social Club on Friday 24th and finishing on home turf at The Peacock in Sunderland on Sunday 26th September.

Those lucky enough to get a ticket can expect some choice cuts from the band’s trademark eclectic new record, including recent non-hit Not When You’re In Love and a selection of fan favourites from the band’s previous seven, ten, or even sixteen records depending how the band themselves count them. It’s a formidable catalogue either way you count, but Flat White Moon perhaps sees the band at their most mature and personal.

There is never a dull moment with the Brewis brothers, bolstered to a shape-shifting, instrument swapping full band live, as they hop, skip and jump through a myriad of time signatures and styles. Never having quite received the bigger audience they deserve (despite that early career Mercury nod in 2012) means we are still lucky enough to see the band in such intimate surroundings – but don’t dally, because this short run of shows is sure to be a sell-out.

Field Music play The Cluny, Newcastle on Thursday 23rd September, Westgarth Social Club in Middlesbrough on Friday 24th September and The Peacock, Sunderland on Sunday 26th September www.field-music.co.uk

STAGE

POD @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE

Words: Claire Dupree

As an avid camper, you can take it from me that things have the habit of going awry when you’re dealing with the great outdoors; from stampeding buffalo and swarms of mosquitoes to 40 degree heat and monsoon rain, my patience has certainly been tested under canvas. It’s not just extremes of weather and bizarre animal intrusions that make sharing a small space with your loved one or family an often trying experience though, as the new production at Alphabetti Theatre attests.

Pod, created by North East theatre company Coracle, is a tale of family dynamics which takes place in a cramped camping pod where Rose, her sister Daisy, her husband Dan and mum Iris spend the weekend together in celebration of their departed Dad’s birthday. A relatable tale of grief and loss, family secrets are revealed and unfinished business spills out, as they reconnect in unexpected ways. As director Matt Jamie explains, Pod is very much a tale for our current times: “We’re very excited to be back at Alphabetti and to bring this play finally to audiences after it was postponed in 2020. It’s a hugely relevant, entertaining and funny piece, that depicts human relationships, honesty and moving on – what a better time for that, than now!?”

Pod is at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle from Tuesday 31st August-Saturday 18th September www.coracleproductions.com Field Music

Dandyism, Patrick Ziza

EVENTS

FESTIVAL OF THRIFT @ KIRKLEATHAM

Words: Helen Redfern

A packed national celebration of sustainable living, the Festival of Thrift takes place from Saturday 25th-Sunday 26th September in the village of Kirkleatham, Redcar, with a focus this year on water. Thought-provoking talks, performances, live music and ethical shopping await you, along with the opportunity to join in with swapping clothes, alfresco dining and cooking and much more.

The packed programme includes a performance from Patrick Ziza, whose Dandyism dance piece is inspired by the gentlemen of the Congo, exploring the expression, energy and expressive dynamism of dance originating in East Africa; with the weight of plastic now greater than the weight of humanity, Cast-Away by Highly Sprung is an outdoor spectacle that responds to the devastating effect of ‘disposables’ on our canals and waterways; exploring contemporary implications of rising sea levels, performanceparkour show On The Strandline by Urban Playground asks what and who you would place on a boat should a flood threaten your future.

A series of thought-provoking talks on sustainability themes, such as climate change, protecting our water, sustainable buildings and rewilding will take place over the weekend. There’s a chance to delve deeper into the world of fast fashion, revealing the environmental cost of the clothes we wear and throw away; influential designers Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway discuss their amazing journey from selling second-hand clothing to becoming an international fashion brand and FOT guru Simon Preston joins marine specialist Jean-Luc Solandt and Redcar fishing family-born artist and author Carmen Markus to discuss the impending catastrophe in our seas. With the effects of climate emergency at the forefront of our minds right now, the Festival of Thrift provides an ideal opportunity to discover for yourself how together, we can make a world of difference.

The Festival of Thrift takes place at Kirkleatham, Redcar from Saturday 25th-Sunday 26th September www.festivalofthrift.co.uk

STAGE

LAVA ELASTIC @ ARC

Words: Laura Doyle

Anyone with even a whisper of experience in the creative industry knows how difficult it is to get a leg up in this line of work; it’s a lot of hard graft, admin, networking and sometimes sheer luck. Now, imagine doing all of that in a society that, for some reason, just doesn’t make as much sense to you as it does to your peers. For neurodivergent folk, this is a daily reality, and it results in them often being overlooked and underappreciated.

So what’s the solution? Well, Lava Elastic is doing a pretty good job at correcting the balance for a start. It’s the UK’s first arts night dedicated to putting neurodivergent performers on the bill. The Brighton-based company has popped up across the country, and now the North East is getting our own shot at ARC in Stockton on Saturday 18th September. With a bill featuring people with different neurological types – from those on the autism spectrum to dyslexic people and everything else that fits under the umbrella of neurodivergence – these talented people are celebrated alongside neurotypical performers, culminating in a diverse night of comedy, performance and poetry.

Taking the stage in Stockton will be comedian, poet and all-round wordy powerhouse Dr. Kate Fox, artist and spoken word performer Lizzie Lovejoy and more to be announced.

Lava Elastic takes place at ARC, Stockton on Saturday 18th September www.arconline.co.uk

Chintzy Stetson

MUSIC

CHINTZY STETSON EP & GATHERING SOUNDS PERFORMANCE

Words: Kate Murphy

Every so often an artist whirlwinds onto the music scene in a cream cowboy hat, a name that’s easy to trip over and a furry jumper, and gets people talking. When one of those people talking is Sam Fender, there’s reason to believe the whirlwind could be here to stay.

Chintzy Stetson is an alternative pop rock artist and Newcastle native, previously of noisy pop band Them Things, whose voice ranges from crackly indie cries to Bowie-esque wobbles, and whose songs don’t shy away from a saxophone solo or lines like “I’m pissing in the vinegar”. His debut single Falling In introduced us to a voice with enough presence to fill a manor house, dripping with playful angst, and showcased not only some marvellous production but also Chintzy’s knack for a chorus: it moves in and takes over like smoke from a potion, sounding at times like a nursery rhyme and at others like ghostly voices making themselves known, with some delicious high notes.

This month sees the release of Chintzy’s debut EP, Songs From The Top Shelf Of My Heart, and on Saturday 25th September he performs at the Stockton-based Gathering Sounds festival alongside Cortney Dixon, Komparrison, The Mysterines and a huge array of others. Catch him on the KU Stage, and get your tickets fast.

Chintzy Stetson releases Songs From The Top Shelf Of My Heart EP on 15th September and plays The Gathering Sounds festival, Stockton on Saturday 25th September www.chintzystetson.com Chintzy Stetson

MUSIC

SEA POWER @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Steve Spithray

British Sea Power are dead, long live Sea Power. The indie stalwarts have chosen to rebrand in order to avoid any misapprehension of their name and have announced the release of their new album, Everything Was Forever, ahead of a one-off show at The Georgian Theatre on Saturday 11th September.

The rural-loving cult heroes never fail to disappoint, and the venue’s spacious stage should be big enough to accommodate a whole raft of onstage topiary and embellishments, such is their wont and should the urge take them. New single Two Fingers is hailed as an anthem for these troubled times, optimistic and defiant in equal measure, while the live show should feature their usual mix of brooding and bucolic indie.

Sea Power are one of the most revered UK live acts, often mentioned in the same breath as international luminaries such as Pixies and Arcade Fire. With the new album scheduled for a February release some new material should get a run out, while the band’s last album, 2017’s Let The Dancers Inherit The Party, was arguably their most upbeat, so expect plenty to dance to and a few surprises along the way.

Sea Power play The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Saturday 11th September www.seapowerband.com

MUSIC

TAUPE @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Ali Welford

Ouseburn is back! The pubs are open; leaden doom metal is blaring from the Off Quay; and a typically batshit bill heralds the return of Endless Window to The Cumberland Arms! Don’t be fooled by the fact that these three acts are actually somewhat compatible – this line-up bears all the ambition, audacity and wild eclecticism that has seen EW become a Valley institution.

Originally slated for April 2020, Taupe’s own return is an equally welcome and overdue event. A case study in just how enthralling jazz can be, this trio’s irrepressible collision of mathy structures, incendiary skronk and crunchy sludge riffage is a physical, combustible live experience – and not half bad on record either, as last year’s extraordinary Not Blue Light album proved. If we’re lucky, we may even hear their rendition of a certain Richard Dawson classic…

Supporting artist Faye MacCalman, meanwhile, may be best known for fronting NARC.’s June cover stars Archipelago, yet this well of wonderment likewise extends to her solo work, manifesting in more exploratory, freeform sensibilities. Similarly, opener SteM’s solo guitar improvisations are impossible to forecast – though those familiar with his background in local legends The Unit Ama may expect this fresh guise’s promised blend of drone, folk and avant rock to carry a characteristic stamp of quality.

Highlight Friday 3rd September in your diaries and be sure to book in advance. Capacity is limited!

Taupe, Faye MacCalman and SteM play The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle on Friday 3rd September www.facebook.com/endlesswindow

STAGE

BEHIND THE FACE OF A ROCK, THROWING STONES @ DANCE CITY

Words: Helen Redfern

What if the entire human body could be a listening instrument, capable of feeling, touching and seeing the colours and textures of sound – and silence – in space? What if the gaps between the sounds were as valuable as the sounds themselves?

The Japanese word Ma ( ) – a gap, pause or interval – is central to choreographer Nicole Vivien Watson’s new work Behind The Face Of A Rock, Throwing Stones. During a research residency in Ise City, the site of one of the most important and prestigious Shinto shrines in Japan – Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine) – as part of the cultural programme for UK in JAPAN 2019-20, Nicole Watson, artistic director of Surface Area Dance Theatre, had the unique opportunity to interact with traditional Japanese culture.

Blending this research with an experiential understanding and knowledge of British Sign Language, D/deaf culture and butoh, Behind The Face Of A Rock, Throwing Stones is an exploration of language, sensation, contemplation and physical expression through movement and wearable technology. In developing the work, performing artists Charlie Dearnley, Christopher Fonseca and Alex Rowland physically interpreted the possibilities of Ma, producing an assertive series of gestures, postures and settlements of physical contact. With set-design by Graham Patterson and sound by Tom White, this work by Surface Area Dance Theatre to be performed at Dance City on Friday 17th September is adaptive to the social and architectural environments in which it is performed.

Explore the pause.

Behind The Face Of A Rock, Throwing Stones is performed at Dance City, Newcastle on Friday 17th September www.dancecity.co.uk

Sessions

STAGE

SESSIONS @ ARTS CENTRE WASHINGTON/ MIDDLESBROUGH TOWN HALL

Words: Nicola Owen

“I like sex. Think I love football more. Sometimes I cry during it, as we know. The sex, not the football. I’m single and I am well aware that this is not an appropriate forum to find my next partner. I hate that you keep asking questions and I hate that I feel compelled to answer them and I’ve thought about leaving at least five times since we’ve started but I’d actually rather be here than anywhere else so I am still here.”

So says main character Tunde, a loveable young rogue who is struggling to claw his way out of a dark mental space. Tunde is the creation of a bright new talent platformed by Soho Theatre and Paines Plough who bring you Session by Ifeyinwa Frederick. Frederick is a fervent believer in the power of storytelling and human connection. Sessions is her second play which explores the complexity of depression and therapy as it follows the life of British-Nigerian Tunde in his struggle with depression and masculinity.

Sessions is performed at Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 30th September and Middlesbrough Town Hall on Monday 4th October www.ifeyinwafrederick.com

FILM

WOMEN X @ ARC/ ONLINE

Words: Claire Dupree

Attempting to provide an alternative to the male-dominated, London-centric film festival circuit, award-winning women-led production company Rianne Pictures will once again be hosting their film festival which celebrates women and non-binary filmmakers. After 2020’s online event had global success, they’ve gone for a hybrid approach for 2021, with in-person screenings and activities at Stockton’s ARC as well as virtual experiences online throughout the three-day festival which takes place from Thursday 2nd-Saturday 4th September.

Giving a voice to under-represented filmmakers is what drives Women X, and as well as screenings there are opportunities to join panels, workshops and access networking opportunities, with help on hand for filmmakers at any stage of their careers.

Over 70 short films will be screened throughout the festival, which have been broadly categorised into films which delve into personal stories, the world of work, friendship, family, love, motherhood, conversation starting tales, dark secrets and desperate measures. Of particular note are screenings of Julie Ballands’ Mothers Of Invention, the story of Newcastle’s queer club scene of the 80s/90s; Ruth Fadairo’s documentary We Are, which focuses on young black entrepreneurs; Chloe May Law’s Heartthrob, a coming of age drama which confronts the idolised version of a favourite musician when he’s accused of sexual harassment; Gabriela Staniszewska’s terrifying short, I Should Have Run; Crystal Leaity’s short documentary film Motherhood tells of a mother trying to secure a future for her severely disabled son; Susan Emina’s Strong Black Woman?! is an open letter to her daughter; Steff D’Arcy’s Continue To Burn is a dance film which explores female rebellion; Chloe Clarke’s Pulse explores the impact of hate crimes on the LGBT+ community through an intimate dance; and Khalis Kamarul’s The Fight is a fast-paced action comedy set in the midst of 2020’s pandemic lockdown.

An awards ceremony and after party takes place on the Saturday night, and there’s plenty of opportunity to chat with filmmakers during Q&As too.

Women X film festival takes place at ARC, Stockton and online from Thursday 2nd-Saturday 4th September www.riannepictures.com

Nick Gladdish band by Andy Martin

MUSIC

NICK GLADDISH @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Kate Murphy

Twenty years on from demo album The Media Machine (co-written by Nick Gladdish when he was performing as Casualkai), his confidence and artistry is a joy to behold in Last One Get The Lights.

The album’s eleven tracks showcase a band and a frontman who know precisely what they want to say and how they will say it; playing soft ballads, blues and rock with intricacy, thoughtfulness and the understated conviction of musicians who are in full stride. Opening track When is tinglingly brilliant, its simple acoustic guitar leaving plenty of room for the unexpected corner-turns the melody takes, giving the track a near life-affirming feel, and rightfully showing off Nick’s accomplished vocals. Right Side Of Wrong is another feat in writing, performance and production: dust-kicking and eyebrow-cocking, its bell-like guitars are full of humour and cool, calling to mind the Return To The Last Chance Saloon-era of The Bluetones.

The album is presented in full live glory at The Cluny 2 on Sunday 12th September, where fans will be able to appreciate the do-this-properly approach that has been taken throughout its recording process, with the body of every track recorded live over two days. Gladdish? We’re over the moon!

Nick Gladdish launches Last One Get The Lights at The Cluny 2, Newcastle on Sunday 12th September www.nickgladdish.com

Van Houten by Sam Joyce

MUSIC

VAN HOUTEN @ PLAY BREW TAP ROOM

Words: Maria Winter

On Saturday 4th September slacker popsters Van Houten will perform their deliciously lo-fi stylings at Play Brew Tap Room in Middlesbrough.

Originally from Leeds, the chilled pop quartet are a complete spectacle, with a sound which has been described as perfectly encapsulating the feeling of a late and lazy summer afternoon. Promising positive vibes and a dynamic musical energy, the band will perform tracks from their forthcoming EP release, Home Alone Pt. 2, which is released on the brilliant CLUE Records on 10th September.

Recent single Now And Then has already garnered the attention of the likes of BBC 6Music and trendy music blogs, thanks to their ability to write blissful slices of atmospheric guitar pop which often belie deep and meaningful themes around relationships and loneliness.

Support on the night comes from Hartlepool’s indie pop band Marketplace, themselves no strangers to penning catchy odes to the vagaries of modern life.

Van Houten and Marketplace play Play Brew Tap Room, Middlesbrough on Saturday 4th September www.vanhoutenuk.bandcamp.com

ART & LIT

JANINE BURROWS @ THE BISCUIT FACTORY

Words: Claire Dupree

Widely considered a jewel in the North East’s crown, the Northumberland landscape is a source of constant inspiration for artists – none more so than Janine Burrows, whose new exhibition at The Biscuit Factory features work inspired by her familial heritage and connection to the county.

Having had a show at the venue curtailed due to the pandemic back in March 2020, the artist’s return to the Ouseburn gallery will now showcase a swathe of new work created during lockdown, including painted ceramics and hand-crafted wooden ‘Huizen’ (Dutch for ‘houses’), alongside original paintings and never-before exhibited sketches.

The painter and illustrator’s work is typified by bold colours and delicate details; spindly trees dot landscapes of pinky brown fields, squalls of weather blow in on pastoral settings and slim rivers meander through sparse white beaches to calm seas. Speaking of her new collection, Janine says: “This body of work is very much a celebration of my North East heritage. My grandparents grew up in Corbridge and Hexham and though they moved to Yorkshire in the 1940’s it’s fair to say that Northumberland was forever in their hearts. From historic towns to majestic beaches, I very much feel a sense of belonging.”

At the launch of Janine’s exhibition on Saturday 4th September visitors can enjoy music from local acoustic folk band Hek, with The Factory Kitchen also launching a new menu featuring dishes inspired by Northumberland-sourced produce.

Janine Burrows exhibits her work at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle from Friday 3rd September-Sunday 7th November www.janineburrows.co.uk

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

MUSIC

NICK CAVE & WARREN ELLIS @ SAGE GATESHEAD/ STOCKTON GLOBE

Words: Lee Fisher

Back in the mid-noughties I saw a gig billed as ‘Nick Cave Acoustic’ that was anything but: it was absolutely raging, a Grinderman gig in all but name, so you never know quite what you’re going to get with Cave.

It’s not clear what to expect from these shows with Cave and long-term collaborator Warren Ellis, but I’m not expecting them to be quite so surprising. It’s reasonable to expect material from their recent Carnage album (perhaps the most divisive of the recent run of albums including Ghosteen, which a lot of hardcore fans deemed a Cave/Ellis project anyway), perhaps some selections from their dozen or so soundtracks, maybe some Bad Seeds songs.

The duo are being joined by one ‘Johnny Hostile’, a guitarist with Savages connections it seems, and a trio of gospel singers. But your guess is as good as mine as to what Cave pulls out of the bag. The tour hits Sage Gateshead on Friday 24th September, a regular stop, but perhaps more significantly fetches up at Stockton’s beautifully refurbished Globe on Wednesday 29th September, a real coup for a venue that hasn’t hosted a rock gig since Status Quo back in 1974 (although it’s actually McFly that ends that hiatus earlier in the month).

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis play Sage Gateshead on Friday 24th and Stockton Globe on Wednesday 29th September www.nickcave.com

Pizzagirl

MUSIC

REVIVE LIVE GIGS @ INDEPENDENT

Words: Claire Dupree

You might have spotted some high profile gigs popping up across the region recently under the Revive Live banner – an initiative launched by Music Venue Trust in partnership with the National Lottery, which sees one-off performances from artists like Sam Fender, The Futureheads, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man and Twin Atlantic take place at grassroots venues in an effort to give them a much-needed boost and bring music fans back to live shows.

Sunderland’s Independent have been blessed with several Revive Live shows throughout September, with sets coming up from box-fresh pop innovator Pizzagirl (Wednesday 8th); Dutch indie quartet Pip Blom (Saturday 11th), alt. rock newcomers Apollo Junction (Monday 13th); and Hull’s ‘post-punk absurdist polemics’ LIFE (Friday 17th). These shows take place alongside Independent’s usual roster of local and up and coming talent, which this month includes shows from Yorkshire new wave rock band Sarsaparilla (Friday 3rd) and fast-rising songwriter Andrew Cushin (Friday 10th).

“We’re really excited to finally welcome live shows back to Independent.” Says Independent’s promoter Ben Richardson. “It’s been a long time coming but these Revive Live shows feel like a perfect way to bring music back, supporting the artists and the venues with funding as well as allowing every ticket buyer to bring a mate for free [on production of a National Lottery ticket]. Hopefully audiences can expect some top quality performances from touring artists, ranging from indie, rock and pop, coming from as far away as Holland.”

www.independentsunderland.com

FILM

THE PARAPOD MOVIE & Q&A @ ARC

Words: Maria Winter

Stockton’s ARC welcomes the brilliant ParaPod creators Barry Dodds and Ian Boldsworth to discuss their podcast-turned-film, which discovers paranormal activity in a journey of discovery, emotional turmoil and hilarity.

On Friday 17th September get ready for an evening of excitement, adventure and supernatural endeavours, as Barry and Ian share their feature film The ParaPod Movie. You will be taken on a journey through the haunted segments of Edinburgh, from its destitute villages to underground labyrinths, as Barry encounters the world’s most aggressive poltergeist, trying desperately to convince his doubtful friend of its existence.

The first podcast to be turned into a feature length film, The ParaPod Movie demonstrates both innovation and creativity and maintains its trademark conflict and entertainment, providing a thrill for all. If the film viewing wasn’t enough, it will also be followed by a live Q&A with the creators themselves – giving you a chance to gain behind the scenes insight and find out about the overall creative process.

The ParaPod Movie screening and Q&A takes place at ARC, Stockton on Friday 17th September www.theparapod.com

FILM

FALL FOR FILM @ STAR & SHADOW CINEMA

Words: Claire Dupree

Newcastle’s volunteer-run indie cinema Star & Shadow have announced details of their autumn season, with a schedule of films chosen by an eclectic group of cinema volunteers.

“The idea behind our programming is to bring the whole breadth of the cinema enterprise to our audiences.” Says volunteer Adrin Neatrour. “To bring to the viewers a wide choice of films that are diverse and inclusive, presenting a mixture of the familiar and unfamiliar; asking you come and see films that you may not have heard of, but offer an opportunity to see something you won’t see on a big screen anywhere else.”

September’s Fall For Film programme provides an opportunity to see familiar classics like cult comedy Withnail & I (Thursday 16th) and John Carpenter’s sci-fi comedy Dark Star (Sunday 12th), while also taking a chance on more unusual movies including a rare screening of surreal Czech film Valerie And Her Week of Wonders, featuring Valerie as an Alice-type figure in a world of earrings, pearls, priests, vampires and blood (Sunday 26th) and Night of the King, shot in Côte d’Ivoire and set in the notorious Maca Prison during a night of collective terror, ecstasy and ritual (Thursday 30th). Also of note is a programme of short films from the Sundance Film Festival (Thursday 9th); Tove, the biopic of Moomin creator Tove Jannson (Saturday 18th) and Hury, Island of Solitary, a documentary covering the summer years Tove Jannson and graphic artist Tuulikki Pietila spent on the island of Klovharu in the gulf of Finland (Sunday 19th).

Coming up in October’s Fall for Film schedule will be Raoul Peck’s documentary I Am Not Your Negro, voiced by Samuel L Jackson, which provides an insight into the murderous nature of White America (Thursday 7th); Horace Ove’s Pressure, a sharply observant film about being Black in today’s Britain (Friday 22nd); and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (Sunday 31st October).

www.starandshadow.org.uk

ART & LIT

LUKE JERRAM: MUSEUM OF THE MOON @ DURHAM CATHEDRAL

Words: Nicola Owen

The majestic Durham Cathedral’s nave draws down the moon as Luke Jerram’s touring artwork, Museum of the Moon, fills the space with an awe inspiring display from Monday 13th September-Thursday 11th November.

At seven metres in diameter, the inflated moon installation is a fusion of 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. Each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface, at an approximate scale of 1:500,000. Accompanying the visual feast will be a composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.

Andrew Usher, Visitor Experience and Enterprise Director at Durham Cathedral explains what visitors can expect: “We’re delighted to be bringing this celestial artwork to the North East in 2021. Museum of the Moon will present a new way for our visitors to experience the historic cathedral. The installation has such a visual impact so we really hope the artwork, and the related programme of events, will introduce lots of people to the cathedral for the first time, as well as encouraging lots of visitors to return and see us in a new light.”

Visitors will be able to experience Museum of the Moon daily, during cathedral opening hours. A moon-themed programme of events will accompany the installation, including late night openings, cathedral tours with a twist, star gazing, half term activities and worship events.

Luke Jerram: Museum of the Moon is at Durham Cathedral from Monday 13th SeptemberThursday 11th November www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

GLOO

MUSIC

HEELAPALOOZA HOUSE PARTY: GLOO @ PLAY BREW TAP ROOM

Words: James Hattersley

There are many reasons why you probably missed out on Lollapalooza 2021 – whether that be ticket costs, the fact it’s in Chicago or you didn’t have your Covid-19 vaccine card. Never fear, there’s a ‘Palooza’ happening in the North East which is much closer to home: it won’t cost you an arm and a leg and will be an evening of splendour, with all the grandeur that the region can knock up.

What started off as an all-day festival across venues on Teesside, Heelapalooza House Party has since morphed into a series of events run by mastermind Aaron J Lythe. Taking place on Friday 17th September at Play Brew Tap Room, it’s billed as one last hoorah to see off the summer and it promises to be quite the evening.

Not only will there be street food from Spud Gun Loaded Fries and good beers but also a whole host of live acts to enthral you. West Sussex’s GLOO will be laying down their angst-filled pop-laced noise punk, while North East’s Motherland bring their stadium ready alt. indie and SWEARS fill the room with their aggressive, doom-laden alt. rock. See the summer out in alternative fashion.

Heelapalooza House Party featuring GLOO, Motherland and SWEARS takes place at Play Brew Tap Room, Middlesbrough on Friday 17th September www.playbrewco.com

Komparrison by Will Gorman

MUSIC

KOMPARRISON @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Michael O’Neill

It’s been hard to ignore the steady rise of North East popsters Komparrison, as they continue to sell out shows across the region and turn up on plenty of festival bills (including being the headline act of the recent inaugural MUNRO Festival). Even with the challenges dealt to the industry by the pandemic, they’ve continued to release a steady stream of phenomenal singles and bag acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing.

Hot on the heels of the release of the marvellous Bubblegum, which is a testament to their talents as songwriters, rich in harmony, hooks, melody and depth, the quintet are now planning to take their taboo-busting bangers on tour, stopping off at Stockton’s Georgian Theatre on Friday 10th September for a homecoming show. Support comes in the form of Sunderland-hailing singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow, who is fresh from a run of brilliant singles including upcoming release Noughties, and Teesside’s upstarting alt. rock quintet Gone Tomorrow, with further support to be confirmed closer to the date. On the night, the band will also be taking donations of food to support Redcar Area Foodbank, a volunteer-run local organisation who currently operate six foodbanks, providing support to the wider Redcar area.

Komparrison, Faye Fantarrow and Gone Tomorrow play The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Friday 10th September www.facebook.com/komparrison

MUSIC

AUNTIE JOY @ HOLY CROSS CHURCH/YE OLDE CROSS, RYTON

Words: Claire Dupree

There’s nothing we like more than hearing about new promoters, particularly those who are going out on a limb and doing something a bit different.

Auntie Joy are ticking all our boxes with their debut event on Saturday 18th September taking place in the old village of Ryton near Gateshead, described as a short series of multi-media events organised by local enthusiasts NofC and TQ. “The intention through the course of the series is to develop opportunities to appreciate music, art, workshops, dance, poetry, film and more – with the values of performer diversity and inclusivity being encouraged.” They explain.

Designed to be “experimental, DIY, unusual, fun, free-form, challenging and suitable for all ages, interests and abilities” the inaugural event will kick off at midday with a two-hour continuous performance on Holy Cross Church’s bells by Church Bell Ringers, an improvisational performance courtesy of Paul Taylor on the church organ, piano and synths, unique looping vocals from Pinnel and clouds of looped sound and waves of deep drones from Mobius. From 3pm at Ye Olde Cross pub, attendees are invited to participate in a guided music and sound creation opportunity led by renowned jazz bassist and improviser John Pope. Those who wish to join in the workshop should bring their instrument (or just their voice), and anyone who wants to just observe is also welcome.

Auntie Joy presents Church Bell Ringers, Paul Taylor, Pinnel, Mobius and a workshop from John Pope at Holy Cross Church and Ye Olde Cross, Ryton on Saturday 18th September www.twitter.com/joy_auntie

I See Islands

MUSIC

I SEE ISLANDS @ THE ENGINE ROOM

Words: Laura Doyle

Residents of Tynemouth are more than aware that the region boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful coastlines; stretches of sandy beach, castles, quaint seaside villages – you name it, we got it. It makes sense that it was the relocation of choice for Highlands-born singer and multi-instrumentalist Seamus Joseph O’Donnell. His fresh start in these fresh digs was the kick up the backside O’Donnell needed for his new musical project, I See Islands, inspired by his hometown of Mallaig which is famous for its island-filled coastal scenery. Since its inception in 2019 following a series of personal crises, I See Islands has grown into a flourishing solo endeavour.

Debut album Within A Light Beam took its final form over lockdown, and saw the light of day back in May. Deeply autobiographical in content, O’Donnell documents his struggles, from marital problems to starting anew, which led to this new chapter on this lo-fi folkish record. The eleven songs were initially envisaged thriving in a live setting, although that’s obviously been difficult this past year. Thankfully, we can now have the opportunity to experience the work as its creator initially intended, as he performs at North Shields venue The Engine Room on Sunday 12th September. With his hands firmly on the steering wheel after a musical career spent largely in the back seat, I See Islands is O’Donnell’s chance to show the world exactly what he’s got. Support comes from former steelworker turned folk artist Stilts Foster and local songwriter Philip Jonathan.

I See Islands, Stilts Foster and Philip Jonathan play The Engine Room, North Shields on Sunday 12th September www.facebook.com/iseeislands

Myra DuBois by Holly Revell

COMEDY

MYRA DUBOIS @ THE STAND

Words: Nicola Owen

Our great tradition of sarky, ballsy drag acts shows no sign of flagging as self-declared South Yorkshire Siren and Songbird Of The North, Myra Dubois, hits the comedy cabaret circuit with her new show Dead Funny. Billed as unpredictable, intelligent character comedy, the sharp-tongued chanteuse casts her irreverently sardonic side-eye at death, dying and the theatrics of grief in her show at The Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle on Sunday 12th September.

Myra will be supported by Yorkshire’s #1 funnyman (according to his late mother), misogyny apologist and inevitable sex symbol Frank Lavender and the show will be scored with songs by Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer The Opera) promising an evening packed with so many laughs you’ll R.I.Pee yourself. Myra’s TV credits include BBC1’s The John Bishop Show. She is also part of the cast of the upcoming movie version of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – but has been sworn to secrecy about the details. And, of course, she became known to the mainstream when she reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent 2020.

Myra DuBois performs at The Stand, Newcastle on Sunday 12th September www.myradubois.co.uk

MUSIC

ROCK AGAINST RACISM @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Claire Dupree

Originally conceived as a one-off gig with a message of anti-racism, Rock Against Racism became a fully fledged political and cultural movement in the mid-70s. Reacting against racist attacks in the streets, the increasing right-wing polemic of the press and public mistrust of immigration (sound familiar?), arguably their message of music bringing people together to stand against racist behaviour has never been more relevant.

While their last official event may have been in the early 80s, live shows that embody the spirit of the movement have continued to take place, and one such show at The Georgian Theatre on Saturday 18th September comes with original RAR founder member Roger Huddle’s seal of approval.

Presented in association with the Battle of Stockton Campaign (which commemorates the locals who chased Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists out of Stockton in 1933), the gig features an eclectic roster of musicians who have a passion for the cause. Headlined by Teesside rabble-rousers Benefits, whose music is visceral in its disdain for the state of the UK today, demonstrated by their noisy protest songs; alt. country/blues artist Patrick Jordan; the ‘deeply candid’ music of Reardon Love; alt. folk artist Frazer Lambert, whose songs reflect industrial life on Teesside; eighties-inspired balladeer Lost State of Dan; grungy acoustic act Thought Trumpet and DJ Gary ‘Diz’ Walters, who was involved in the original Rock Against Racism movement.

Rock Against Racism takes place at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Saturday 18th September www.georgiantheatre.co.uk

John Grant

MUSIC

JOHN GRANT @ SAGE GATESHEAD

Words: James Hattersley

With the last of the social restrictions on live music being lifted this summer, it is finally time to get feet back on the floorboards and butts into seats again. While new shows are being planned and executed, it’s cause to pause and turn attention to all the postponed shows that have waited ever so patiently for their turn to shine, and this show is geared up to be worth the wait.

Americana singer-songwriter John Grant is finally set to take the stage of the great Sage Gateshead on Friday 10th September and will supply a thinly drawn line between battlescarred piano-man and robust electronic auteur. Grant’s most recent album, Boy From Michigan, solidifies him as one the greatest songwriters of all time and presents a unique mixture of the songwriting of Elton John and the electronic experimentation of Kraftwerk, all while touting personal tales and present day US nightmares. Definitely a more sober affair, but nevertheless just as beautiful and powerful as his previous work. Audiences are in for a delightful evening; filled with brutal honesty, vindication and musical whimsy delivered with class. Support comes from folk rock musician Teddy Thompson.

John Grant and Teddy Thompson play Sage Gateshead on Friday 10th September www.johngrantmusic.com

STAGE

CARRYING DAVID @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Beverley Knight

Northern grit and determination transfer over from the stage to real-life as hard-hitting tearjerker Carrying David is back and ready for action after enduring a cancelled run last year. The one-man play is the true story of Irish lad Glen McCrory, who managed to rise above the desperate mine closure in Dipton that rocked the village to the core at the start of the 80s, to become the boxing Cruiserweight Champion of the World. We have a tale of two brothers: boxer Glen fighting for his title, and terminally ill David fighting for his life, amidst a family sticking together when it’s needed most.

Humour threads through the beautifully and affectingly told tale, thoughtfully written by Ed Waugh of Hadaway Harry and The Great Joe Wilson fame, and acted with honesty by Micky Cochrane. The production is authentic; you might laugh, you might cry, but you will feel like you are part of a special event in more ways than one, as you witness a local hero triumph in the face of adversity.

Carrying David is performed at Phoenix Theatre, Blyth on Wednesday 8th; Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham on Tuesday 14th; Gala Theatre, Durham on Thursday 16th; Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle on Friday 17th; Alnwick Playhouse on Saturday 18th and The Witham in Barnard Castle on Sunday 19th September www.wisecrackproductions.co.uk

Sure Profit by Dr Mike Jeffries

ART & LIT

PROSPECT US @ SHIELDFIELD ART WORKS

Words: Nicola Owen

Prospect Us is a new collaboration between Shieldfield Art Works, Newcastle University, BxNU Institute, artists and residents which starts the conversation about the imposing blocks of student accommodation mushrooming in Shieldfield and considers the social, emotional and political impact of the commodification of the land.

Who owns the land? Who profits from it? At what cost? These are some of the questions asked in One Hundred And Thirty Million Pounds of Earth, a map created by Julia Heslop and Dwellbeing Shieldfield which tracks who owns what around the area; also by Heslop, Felling displays photographs of the area past and present to illustrate what we have now and what has been lost; Asset Arrest is a podcast series by Laura Yuile in which she takes a guest to view a property and they pose as potential buyers; Sure Profit is a playful take on the board game Risk in which players can explore the social, emotional and power value of land and resident/community agency in a world where we are all treated as consumers, and the Factory Farming Zine asks whether bland multi-storey apartment blocks are really the experience that young people deserve. Discussions, workshops and participatory walks around the area form part of this interesting and topical exhibition which will seek to get the conversation going on how we are treating our future, and our past.

Prospect Us is at Shieldfield Art Works, Newcastle from Tuesday 14th September-Friday 26th November www.saw-newcastle.org

ARXX by Bridie Florence

MUSIC

ARXX @ LITTLE BUILDINGS

Words: Steve Spithray

Newcastle-based promoters Neversleep are delighted to bring alt. rock duo ARXX back to Newcastle as part of their upcoming UK tour. The band last played the region in support of Ladybird at The Cluny in 2019 but this time they are back as headliners of their own at Toon favourite Little Buildings on Monday 13th September.

The genderqueer Brighton gal pals have been making moves all over the UK and Europe since forming in 2018 and have already received acclaim from the likes of Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy. ARXX have crafted a sound that is part punk and part rock but all no-nonsense – recent singles, Deep and Call Me Crazy, showed their versatility around the studio after the all-out garage rock of earlier releases.

Support on the night will come from Newcastle’s Abnorm, who have quietly been building a name for themselves over the past year with their Everything Temporary and Citrus single releases showcasing singer Abbie’s rich, emotive rock credentials.

And as if that wasn’t enough, opening proceedings will be The Samphires who bring their alternative indie vibes – the all-girl three-piece studied music at college together and the result is heart-on-the-sleeve pop built on teenage insecurities and post-punk hooks.

ARXX, Abnorm and The Samphires play Little Buildings, Newcastle on Monday 13th September www.arxxband.com

ART & LIT

WRITE FESTIVAL @ THE WORD

Words: Claire Dupree

South Shields’ annual celebration of the written word returns to its rightful home of The Word this month, after last year’s online iteration. Taking place from Friday 17th-Saturday 25th September, the fifth annual festival will encourage bibliophiles and literary lovers across the region to engage with authors, take part in workshops and seminars and enjoy performances from a vast range of guests.

Of particular note on the packed line-up are events featuring historian Lucy Adlington, who discusses her book about Auschwitz’s last surviving seamstress (Friday 17th); Ben Lamb is the author of the first dedicated study of the tropes of the British television police series, his witty and insightful talk is perfect for crime drama addicts (Tuesday 21st); best-selling authors Harriet Evans (The Beloved Girls) and Lissa Evans (V Is For Victory) are In Conversation about their careers (Wednesday 22nd); renowned crime author Nicci French – the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French – talk about their new thriller (Thursday 23rd); and award-winning author of the Vera and Shetland series, Ann Cleeves, discusses her new book The Heron’s Cry (Saturday 25th). For those looking to expand their own writing skills Sixth Element Publishing will provide one-to-one mentoring sessions on writing and publishing (via Zoom, Sunday 19th); lovers of Gothic stories can discover more about the genre with local writer Helen Scarlett, who also discusses her road to publication (Sunday 19th); Margaret Murphy hosts two Zoom workshops focusing on dialogue and kickstarting the writing process (Monday 20th); and young writers can try out different forms of writing across three courses, run in partnership with New Writing North (Saturday 25th).

The WRITE Festival takes place at The Word, South Shields from Friday 17th-Saturday 25th September www.theworduk.org/write

Ted Hanky by Andy Hollingworth

COMEDY

THE HANKY PANKY COMEDY CLUB @ BIER & BEER

Words: Michael O’Neill

Hosted by local comedian, radio presenter and podcaster extraordinaire Ted Hanky, The Hanky Panky Comedy Club is a monthly comedy night offering a showcase for rising stars amongst the region’s comedy scene at Middlesbrough’s recently opened Bier & Beer.

September’s event takes place on Friday 24th and will be headlined by Fran Garrity, who has previously toured with the likes of Jason Manford, as well as touring two fully sold-out solo shows and appearing on BBC Newcastle’s Grin Up North, alongside a regular show on local station Zetland FM. Support comes from local fledgling act James Kilvington who (despite only taking up comedy in 2019) has been on a steady rise that hasn’t even been stalled by the pandemic, generating plenty of acclaim and raking in over three million views from online clips of his high-energy, raucous act.

Rounding off the bill is the infamous impressionist Charlie Hopkinson, the ‘Man of 100 Voices’, whose cunningly accurate impressions of everyone from Morgan Freeman to Liam Neeson have seen him rack up over 100 million views on YouTube.

Fran Garrity, James Kilvington, Charlie Hopkinson and Ted Hanky perform at Bier & Beer, Middlesbrough on Friday 24th September www.tedhanky.com

MUSIC

BOSOLA/HOLIDAY IN TOKYO/RESERVOIRS @ LITTLE BUILDINGS

Words: Kate Murphy

You wait a year and a half to see an emerging alt. rock indie band play live and then three come along at once.

Ouseburn’s Little Buildings is the host for Split the Bill on Saturday 25th September, where Bosola, Holiday In Tokyo and so-new-they’resqueaky Reservoirs will take to the stage for a night of rock, lo-fi indie pop and jazz-inspired goodness.

Reservoirs, hailing from Consett and straight out of left-field, take their inspiration not only from jazz, but from old musicals and surf, and look set to put their beguiling stamp on the North East’s already flourishing alternative scene. Following the critical success of their debut studio EP How Sick I Became Running From Myself, Heaton three-piece Bosola bring us affable storytelling in tracks like The Social Moth and smile-raisers like This Time Buddy It’s All On You, glinting with 60s charm and burning to be chanted by a live audience. Holiday In Tokyo bring us their signature upbeat mellowness and kitchen sink lyrics, including latest single Make My Day, a hope-tinged longing to be a mid-twenties drifter and untick all of the boxes we’re told to race towards, with warm and thoughtful vocals from Matty Rogers. It’s been worth the wait.

Split the Bill featuring Bosola, Holiday In Tokyo and Reservoirs takes place at Little Buildings, Newcastle on Saturday 25th September www.facebook.com/thelittlebuildings

ART & LIT

TERRESTRIAL ACT @ THEATRE ROYAL

Words: Claire Dupree

Nomadic curatorial partnership Hot Desque are committed to showing emerging and established artists within site-specific exhibitions, with an aim to provide a platform for experimentation and interdependence.

Their latest work, Terrestrial Act, comes to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal and aims to evoke a future-past post-human landscape questioning the way we ‘act’ within the natural world. Audiences are invited to step onto the stage to uncover the terrestrial terrain and the lives of microscopic organic matter which populates the empty stage, devoid of actors.

Terrestrial Act explores the dynamics between the organic and synthetic, from 3-D printed biodegradable saplings to mic’d up clay bubbling, with artworks pointing towards the role humans play in altering the terrain around us. Exhibiting artists include Sam Carvosso, Anna Reading, Davinia-Ann Robinson, Hannah Rowan, Harry Smithson and Giorgio van Meerwijk.

Following on from the one-day exhibition, which takes place on Saturday 4th September, a collaborative film will be screened at the NewBridge Project’s new space in Shieldfield later in the year.

Terrestrial Act is at Theatre Royal, Newcastle on Saturday 4th September www.hotdesque.xyz

Make & Mend

EVENTS

MAKE & MEND FESTIVAL @ ORMESBY HALL

Words: Maria Winter

The incredible Make & Mend Festival is back for 2021, taking place on Sunday 12th September at the National Trust’s Ormesby Hall in Middlesbrough, the festival provides an opportunity to join in with a day filled with craft and colour.

A curated list of pre-bookable workshops includes creative taster drop-ins and demos from artists explaining their artistic process. Installations on display throughout the day feature work by tulle flower embroidery artist Olga Prinku, who shares her unique work, and American letterpress printer and bookbinder Erin Fong, whose celebration in the power of friendship will be heart-warming and inspirational.

Workshops on offer throughout the day include a multitude of crafty delights including soap making, papercutting, linocut printing, calligraphy, macramè, origami necklace making, basket weaving, terrarium planting, marbling and more. This environmentally friendly event also offers an Online Festival Experience, new for 2021, with suitably arty online workshops and classes available to festival ticket holders and taking place from Saturday 11th-Saturday 18th September.

Make & Mend Festival takes place at Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough on Sunday 12th September www.makemendfestival.co

MUSIC

EQUINOX GATHERING @ WESTGARTH SOCIAL CLUB

Words: James Hattersley

The equinox is certainly a magical time to celebrate nature; marking the death of summer and the birth of autumn. But if you’re not into the whole druid pagan sacrifice infused ritual thing then Equinox Gathering is a mighty fine substitute.

Making a return after two years for reasons well documented, Middleborough’s Westgarth Social Club will host a mini all-dayer on Saturday 18th September which will observe fantastical, experimental and truly ‘out there’ live music from across the North East. Expect raucous rage from the likes of The Likkor Men, shoegazy goodness from Parastatic, psych-space-rock-adelic grooves of Silver Trees, the synth drone of Nathalie Stern and vocal noise enthusiasts Noize Choir, among others.

There is truly something for everyone; those who not only deem themselves indifferent to the common zeitgeist and those who have grown tired of the mundane mainstream and want to visit the fringes of sound. There’s an opportunity to grab some arty bargains too, with art stalls featuring work by Slutmouth, Jade Lenehan Illustration, Molly Arnold and Psychedelegg, and once the sun goes down the aftershow keeps the party going at Disgraceland, with DJ sets that combine a cacophony of Afrobeat, electronica, space rock, psychedelic, ambient and the kitchen sink. A scintillating day of distinct oddities awaits you.

Equinox Gathering featuring The Likkor Men, Silver Trees, Nathalie Stern, Noize Choir, The Flaccid Cactus, Charlie Thomas, Parastatic and Warped Freqs play Westgarth Social Club, Middlesbrough on Saturday 18th September www.facebook.com/inthefreakyforest

The Magpies

MUSIC

THE MAGPIES @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE

Words: Luke Waller

Bringing their virtuosic folk music to Gosforth Civic Theatre on Thursday 9th September, The Magpies are a transatlantic all-female three-piece who are certain to demonstrate how modern folk should be done.

Originating as a group from Yorkshire, they formed in 2018 and have enjoyed great success, playing many international gigs in 2019 and receiving critical acclaim for their album, Tidings, released last June. Taking inspiration from cultures all across the world, their music features a multitude of instruments including banjos and cellos, bouzoukis and mandolins, all accompanied by Holly Brandon’s fantastically fiddly fiddle lines and soothing vocals from Bella Gaffney and Kate Griffin. Despite the traditional genre and instruments, The Magpies combine this with astounding uniqueness and modernity, together with an added dash of prodigious musicianship, yet still maintain the spirit of Northern England in their music. Perhaps nowhere is this better exemplified than in Balls To The Wall (not a cover of German metal band Accept’s song of the same name), a fantastically energetic instrumental which provides a fitting end to Tidings.

With a sound like no other, they will transport an audience to other times and places; The Magpies are not an experience to miss out on.

The Magpies play Gosforth Civic Theatre on Thursday 9th September www.themagpiesmusic.com

Nathan Fake by Laura Lewis

MUSIC

NATHAN FAKE @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Michael O’Neill

With an illustrious and prolific career as a techno outsider, Nathan Fake has refined his craft whilst touring with the likes of Orbital and Four Tet, remixing Radiohead and Jon Hopkins and collaborating with labels such as Warp Records and Ninja Tune. It’s quite the glowing CV for someone with such an utterly unique approach to the form.

Fake is heading to The Cluny 2 on Saturday 18th September off the heels of last year’s marvellous LP Blizzards, which is a sprawling and frenetic collision of sound, and a phenomenal introduction to Fake’s approach to dance music. Instead of playing it safe, Fake is unafraid to take the classic ingredients of techno and turn them upside down and inside out; rich melodies fight against waves of clattering percussion and filthy sub-bass on blistering tracks such as Pentiamonds and Vectra. Support comes from local dance experimentalist Dextro, whose recent LP An Hour Is A Sea offered a masterclass in how far the artform of dance music can be pushed to new sonic territories via a two-part suite of ferociously abrasive melodies and pounding beats, serving as a brilliant complement to Fake’s leftfield dance music.

Nathan Fake and Dextro play The Cluny 2, Newcastle on Saturday 18th September www.nathanfake.com

ART & LIT

MAKING WAVES: A FESTIVAL OF SOUND @ DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Words: Elodie A. Roy

With Making Waves, Newcastle’s Discovery Museum celebrates the long history of sound recording, reviving some of the local histories and life stories etched on wax cylinders, gramophone discs or magnetic tapes.

A virtual exhibition on Google Arts & Culture enables visitors to listen for the first time to a selection of defining moments in Tyneside’s turbulent 20th Century, ranging from King George V’s speech at the opening of the Tyne Bridge in 1928 to locals animatedly discussing the Miners’ Strike in 1984. These uniquely poignant documents – alongside many others – were digitised by Tyne & Wear Archives as part of the British Library’s Unlocking Our Sound Heritage project.

Online exhibits are complemented by new interactive panels at Discovery Museum itself, showcasing a range of sound-making objects including record players and car horns (for visitors to experience on their smart devices). Museum manager Carolyn Ball muses: “We wanted to provide our visitors with a new way of experiencing the museum. Recent times have prompted more online creativity and the Unlocking Our Sound Heritage project is the perfect way to explore ways to do this, both online and in person in the galleries.” New digital recordings will be made during the course of the exhibition – capturing the sound of contemporary Tyneside for future generations.

Making Waves: A Festival of Sound is at Discovery Museum, Newcastle from Monday 20th September-Sunday 27th March 2022 www.discoverymuseum.org.uk