NE Online Magazine Issue 48 - Geoff Mull by Wayne Groves

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself? - Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am. So there. At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far? - Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves. I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out? - Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents? - Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird. As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about? - My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out. How has the response for Hebburn been so far? - Overwhelmingly positive. And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series! You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this? - Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about? - The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

We l c o m e N o t e . No one has a clue what is happening d a y t o d a y, b u t a s a l w a y s w e j u s t h a v e t o t r y a n d m a ke t h e m o s t o f t h i n g s i n w h a t r e a l l y i s t h e s t ra n g e s t year I have ever lived through. So please try and support your local businesses and help them to g e t t h r o u g h t h i s . We a r e a l l i n i t together! As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t fo r g e t t o d r o p u s a n e m a i l t o wayne. groves@neonlinemagazine. com P l u s r e m e m b e r t o fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k , Tw i t t e r & I n s t a g ra m fo r our regular updates on events and competitions. Till next time Ta ke c a r e Wa y n e

EDITOR & DESIGNER Wayne Groves wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com

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{THIS} {ISSUE} P6 Conor Michael P14 Lucy D P20 Hivemind P24 Geoff Mull P32 Sanddancer Clothing P38 NE AOTY Zoe Gilby & Andy Champion Living in Shadows P48 Macmillan Cancer Support P53 Middlesbrough Central Library P62 Northern Threads P66 Save The High Street P72 The 77 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Issue 3 P76 Keep The Loco In Darlo 5

Conor Michael

Hi Conor, welcome to NE, can you tell our readers about yourself? So my name is Conor Walsh, but my stage name is ‘Conor Michael’, Michael being my middle name, but there was already a ‘Conor Walsh’ on Spotify so I had to change that... I’m currently 26, born and raised in North Shields, currently still living at home but in Whitley bay, not a great deal of distance between the two places. Unless Boris changes things again, you are going to be playing an intimate, socially distanced gig at Beyond Vinyl in Newcastle on Friday 23rd October, how did that come about?

Absolutely! But nothing’s set in stone until the day after at this rate... Originally, this gig was meant to take place in May to help me release me second EP, we were going to have a small sell-out crowd of 50, but it kept getting pushed back again and again, this time I refuse to let Covid get in the way unless absolutely necessary! So instead of a ticketed event we have 10 guest list entry fans coming to see us free of charge they will be socially distanced and following the new UK guidelines and laws. Will the gig be streamed or is it just going to be for the lucky few

in attendance? Both! For everyone else and anyone else, we have created a Facebook page ‘The Change’ (title of my second EP, and we will be going live on that page that evening (19:00; 23rd October) for everyone else who couldn’t make it. If it is streamed how can people tune in? If you like the new Facebook page ‘The Change’ you will be able to stream it from there, due to new Facebook rules, copyright prevents us from streaming covers of other songs, so the 3 acts on that night including

myself will be pure local original talent! You are getting quite a name for yourself in the North East music scene, how long have you been performing? Performing… I started my first open mic night in June 2017... And I was...Terrible. Just horrific. I had only taught myself guitar in the 6 months prior to that, and I did not sound great. But I kept it up, open mic nights 3/4/5 times a week and eventually I got my first gig September that year in the Tynemouth Gin festival! I remember really chasing an invoice of £20 just so I could officially be known as a ‘professional musician’ Do you write and perform your own music or do you only play covers? If I could have it my way, it would only be originals... but until you’re as big as Sam Fender or Ed Sheeran there’s quite a small segment of people who are actually interested, which isn’t unusual, it’s just a shame as there are loads of musicians in the north east alone that could chart top 10 with the right amount of backing behind them!

Have you always played solo or do you also perform in a band?

I had a band last year, but we went our own way, I’m now starting up with a new one, we haven’t got a name as of yet, but band practice during a pandemic is the most difficult challenge we’ve faced so far. Hopefully we’re up and running for next year as we look to take on the wedding scene. At the moment I gig in a duo with a local musician ‘Scott Keirs’ but mainly I’m gigging solo with a guitar covered in gaffer tape and a loop pedal(when the government allows us to be lively again)...

Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you music wise? Famous: I used to sing and follow Olly Murs religiously. I’ve seen him 6 times live... maybe 7 in his tour next year... Ed Sheeran is the reason I picked up a guitar and never put it down. His recent album Divide was all I ever played... if anyone is looking

for an Ed Sheeran tribute act. I’d give you a good show! Song writing, I’ve gotten into Damien Rice so much over lockdown and I can see the difference in the quality of songs I was writing to what I am writing now... the EP our this month is alright... but next year has some big surprises coming out! Locally, I mention his name above before, I met this guy ‘Scott Keirs’ the year I started open mic nights, he ran one local to myself, every Thursday he would tell me straight up what was wrong with a song I played or what I should learn as well... expecting me to come back a month later and improve, I would actually go to his other open mic nights on a Sunday (3 days later) and put his advice into practice! Safe to say, if it wasn’t for Scott I’d be nowhere near the musician I am today! If you could perform with anyone past or present, who would it be and why? I jokingly used to say I’m going to book Ed Sheeran support me in a show, cause if Ed is supporting you. You’re on top of the music industry! Performance wise I have no idea. Be cool to collaborate with Olly Murs since he started me off really… But I would give anything to songwriter with both Ed Sheeran and Damien Rice! Covid 19 has been a nightmare for lots of people, how has it affected you? Besides putting on the lockdown weight, losing my regular income and not qualifying for government help out schemes other than the dole, the verge of alcoholism, mentally suffering every second of each day... I managed to learn a few new songs and write a lot more... so, swings and roundabouts I guess... When you’re not performing what do you get up to in your

spare time? Cry. Not really, but I may as well. I haven’t gone a day without playing guitar since being able to do so. I hate having a day off. Before lockdown I was Gigging 9 times a week and loved every second of it. But if I have to put music aside, I’m probably on a games console or awkwardly getting unmatched on tinder... Tell us 3 random facts about yourself? 1. I auditioned for X Factor when I was 16. I couldn’t sing, but I gave it a go! I then fell over when the judge asked me to step back... I didn’t get through round 1. 2. I still have and sleep with the same teddy I’ve had since

birth. His names Ted. Cause I was creative from the start of course... 3. My brother went to Africa 5 years ago to help out in a charity, he was due to bungee jump over the river Tyne to raise money, but his fear of heights kicked in, so I ended up doing it for him. Fantastic experience. 100% would recommend. How can people follow you and keep up to date on future gigs? Love a bit of promotion. I gig in a grey hoodie with all the social media on my back. Stinks by the end of the weekend... I created a facebook event for every upcoming gig, I tend to use that the most...

Facebook: Conor (ConorCMWMUSIC)

Michael

Instagram: @Conor_CMWMUSIC Twitter: @Conor_CMWMUSIC Spotify: Conor Michael iTunes: Conor Michael Is there anything you would like to add? Sure, my debut EP is currently out ‘Four Years Later’ My second EP ‘The Change’ is out 23rd October... But 2021 is going to be the year you guys hear the difference in sound. Treat these releases as demos... and hold on to your hats for next year!

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Thank you for having me guys!

www.bstfabrics.co.uk

A differing kind of art beckons for bass musician, Lucy D Covid may have killed the music, and, with no work for the foreseeable, Lucy D launched her own art studio, now watch her soar!

A southerner up north, and doing reasonably well, is often a hard thing to come by, it’s usually the other way around, but then Lucy D, more commonly known as Lucy Dawlish, kind of likes being the exception to any rule. Originally following in her father’s

footsteps, Lucy was a photographer you know, she then turned her hand to sculpting, then interior design (gaining a first class honours degree from Sunderland University), before picking up a bass girl and becoming ‘BassGirl LucyD,’ she of Kitchy Retro fame with partner Mark Scott, among others. Music sharp took over Lucy’s life, but other arts have always been at the back of her wandering mind and, as world crashed into a global pandemic during 2020, and the world of music and entertainment

crashed around her, she became re-born. Her re-birth was rewarded with the opening of an Art Studio, which’ll be known as ‘LucyD Studio,’ at The Bridges, Sunderland, and art lovers are certainly in for a treat; she’s even added an exhibition in the White Rooms at Hartlepool Art Gallery, just for added measure, oh, and she’s doing Christmas Cards (so get your orders in fast). But who is Lucy D, and where has this love of art emanated from, especially as those in the

north-east know here more for her on-stage antics, with her bass, in Kitchy Retro (as well as having appeared for Floral Detectives and Joysome). “I’ve always had an interest in art and photography if I’m honest,” Lucy told NE Online. “In fact, when I started out, it was my father who got me into the

wonderful world of photography and I soon excelled in wedding and portrait photography, beginning my own wedding portrait business at the tender age of nineteen. “Seemingly a lifetime ago now, I spent the eighties and nineties working for the renowned poster designers, Athena. “However, in the nineties, I had to give up photography due to my becoming seriously ill, and then going into motherhood, art though, as a whole, would soon become a major factor in my life. “I’d taking to stone sculpting and had some work done with Chichester Cathedral which, in turn, led to my adding another string to my bow, becoming a light engineer, spending the next decade in the weird and wonderful world of stage lighting design.” After the breakdown of her first

marriage, Lucy packed up her belongings and headed north, rocking up, and rocking out, in the north-east, where she would go on to study a degree in Interior Design at Sunderland University, graduating with an impressive, first class honours, a decade ago. Music though would soon become a big part of her life, picking

up a bass guitar and flourishing through her love of music where she’s performed Americana and Country, Blues and Rockabilly, and a little bit of good old rock & roll, you name, she’ll try it, and she’s pretty decent at it as well. With 2020 set to be a pretty good year for most in the music and entertainment industry across the region, a global pandemic at the start of the year put paid to most, if not all, of that, and Lucy’s world needed to change again, and change she did, reverting back to her early passion for art. “To me art is all about colour, texture, shape and form, and bringing it all together as a whole,” continued Lucy. “I see my life in that exact same way and it’s that which makes us what we are today. “The art in which I produce myself, it reflects that concept, and

is clearly seen in what I produce, my landscape and portrait mate-

rial showing strong resonance to impressionism, a stark contrast to

my contemporary work.” The lockdown which ensued on the back of the pandemic has seen LucyD hone her skills, and reveal some rather stunning pieces of artwork. It’s been material that has seen sales to America and Canada, Australia and Germany, and varying places around the United Kingdom. LucyD added to her continuing mastery with the addition of unique greetings cards, and her beautiful range of Christmas Cards, anyone wanting a little, cheeky Robin, drop her a line, he is cute! It’s all come at the perfect time for Lucy however, what with the world not knowing what the next twelve to eighteen months plus holds for us all, let alone the music and entertainment industry, but we all have to do something, try something, go outside of our comfort zones in order to progress, and succeed. Next month, November 2020, will see the LucyD Studio open up at The Bridges, Sunderland, and she’s already got plans in place for 2021 as well, you’d expect no less from her to be honest. A collaboration with author Mark Iveson for his upcoming book launch sees Lucy painting a portrait of the legendary Vincent Price (Dracula) for which the finished product will be auctioned off for a local charity, to be announced at a later date. She’s also looking at a travelling exhibition of her paintings of north-east beaches and coastal lines, whilst also running art workshops from the confines of her studio, and who knows, there may be time to squeeze in an autumnal exhibition for added goodness; LucyD is going to give it a go. Keep-up-to-date with all the

goings-on at LucyD Studio via her Facebook https://www.facebook. com/lucydstudio and visit her stunning website via http://bit.ly/ lucyd-studio and email lucydstudio@gmail.com to discuss commissions, ideas, and anything else art-related, she may even talk bass with you, if you’re lucky....

The Beautiful South Founder Member Dave Hemingway announces October Release For ‘SUNBIRDS’ Debut Album. The Beautiful South founder member Dave Hemingway has announced that his new band Sunbirds will release their debut album ‘Cool To Be Kind’ on 30th October 2020 on the independent label Nectar Records. Having retired from the live scene at the back end of 2016, Dave has been keeping busy with guitarist, songwriter and collaborator Phil Barton, with Cool To Be Kind signalling the arrival of the new band, new songs and a new sound. The music Sunbirds make takes on board all of the bands and artists Dave and Phil have loved over the years. It chiefly blends the musical instruments of rural America with an occasional twist of grungy guitars and sets them against lyrics that remain very much at home in the towns and cities of England. “Although a lot of the songs have a Country feel.” says Dave. “They’re down honky-tonks when you live still about life in England. You’re in Yorkshire.” going to feel a bit daft singing about pick-up trucks and low Produced by cult producer Teo

Miller, who was responsible for Daisy Chainsaw’s breakthrough single ‘Love Your Money’ and subsequently worked with The Pretenders, Placebo and Robert Plant, the album captures truthful, open-hearted, funny and sometimes painfully honest songs, turning the page to a new chapter for Dave Hemingway and The Beautiful South story. The formation of Sunbirds also sees the introduction of new discovery Laura Wilcockson on vocals and violin. Laura comes from a classical/orchestral, as well as folk background. If you’re lucky, you might spot her busking around Mansfield. Completing the four-piece line-up is session drummer to the stars, Marc Parnell. His CV has way too many names to go into here. Cool To Be Kind is the result of a few transitional years in Dave and Phil’s individual personal worlds. It tells tales that cover contemporary themes as well as age-old matters of the heart and soul - all viewed through the bottom of a recently drained pint glass. “There’s no exact science here,”

Hi Colin, welcome to NE, can

HIVEMIND ARE: Georgia McRae – Vocals Steven Kane – Lead Guitar James Wallace – Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals Jack Johnson – Drums & Percussion Sunderland quartet Hivemind released their new single ‘Medicine’ on all online platforms on September 25th, 2020. It sees a welcome return to form for the band after entertaining their fans with some stripped back classic tracks on zoom during the course of lockdown. The song was recorded by Richard Trubridge at Tru Studios. You can view the Medicine music video here Having travelled around the country opening for acts such as The LaFontaines, My Vitriol, Fangclub, Airways, Dead! & Shaun Ryder, Hivemind have secured a close knit community of fans. Supported by BBC Introducing

& Amazing Radio, in 2019 Hivemind were hand picked by BBC Introducing to play This Is Tomorrow festival in Newcastle, as well as making numerous appearances on national television including taking part in a Channel 4 show with drummer & comedian Al Murray.

like their fans will have to wait a little bit longer to see them perform live, but one thing we know for sure is it will be worth the wait.

Before lockdown, Hivemind recently played a sold out show at Head of Steam, Newcastle & were preparing for their summer festival slots. Sadly it still looks

Click here for Knees & Toes

In the mean time, check out a few of their videos here including the stripped back zoom releases…

Click here for Knees & Toes (Stripped Back Zoom Version) Click here for S[care]d Click here for We’re Just Friends (Stripped Back Zoom Version) Plus make sure you follow them on their social media channels… www.facebook.com/ HivemindUK www.twitter.com/Hivemind_UK www.instagram.com/Hivemind_ UK Photos by Jordan Embelton & Darran Moore

Synth sci-fi Sapien Trace

oozing

through

In supporting the Musicians Against Homelessness cause, Newcastle trio, Sapien Trace, and electro synth-rock band, are continuing their upward surge in sound, beginning with the release later this month of their new single, More Than I Can Give. Fronted by Mark Dickinson the trio also features that of Alex Brand (guitar, bass) and Dan Baldwin (drums) they came about somewhat accidentally between late 2016 and early 2017, performing a couple of gigs a month ever since, that’s alongside Mark and his solo sessions, just for added awesomeness. “Yeah, myself and Alex met at a Halloween party a few years back,” explained Mark. “Then, in the February the following year, Dan joined in the fun and we’ve been performing a couple of gigs a month ever since. “At the beginning we were more a heavier metal sound though due to the musical influences on Alex. We were more into your likes of Korn etc so that was pretty much at the forefront of what we did. “Fortunately we’ve calmed the sound down a bit since then.” Quietly moving along behindthe-scenes over the past three years, releases gaining mixed reviews they have seen The Crack labelling them as being ’Sci-fi rock at its finest,’ whilst NE Volume went a little crazy when

inviting music lovers to ‘Imagine Rammstein and The Prodigy meet at a party in space with Pendulum driving,’ “The last gig we performed (with Moodbay in mid-January) was one of the best we’ve done,” Mark continued. “It was a great experience with some new people. I will admit though, it has been a little difficult at times, doing all this, although we’ve also managed to ascertain some pretty decent reviews.” Now, with their impending new single, More Than I Can Give, set for mid-February release, the lads jumped in and recorded their new offering at Blast Studios, Newcastle, ready for the launch party at Beyond Vinyl in town. “The track itself is about your unrequited love,” added Mark. “It kind of shows how you rebuff that in a nicer way and is an idea that evolved from a few people that I know have experienced these types of situation and Twitter n over the years. “Going into Blast Studios, it was such an easy day as well. One which went quite quickly. “We all had a good laugh and had some rather bizarre conversations, something which we all wanted – we even found out that our drummer, Dan, is something of a pool shark! “We’ve gone through a lot though, but that’s good and we’re already working on some new material.” Along with the single launch party on February 21, Sapien

Trace enter the Battle of the Bands competition over Ashington way on March 5, then a week later head to The Globe in Newcastle to perform the Musicians Against Homelessness gig alongside AXLS, The Floral Detectives, and Holy Braille – an eclectic mix of musicianship. Expected to be “a mashup of deep house and synthwave pop” Sapien Trace have their single launch party at Beyond Vinyl, Westgate Road, Newcastle, on February 21, check the event page via https://www.facebook.com/ events/1886579848152288/ More Than I Can Give will be available on all platforms and you can keep up-to-date with all their usual happenings via their website https://www. sapientrace.com/ and social media platforms Facebook htt p s : / / w w w.fa c e b o o k . co m / sapientracers/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/SapienTrace (Image credits to Kai Eden, David Wala, and Paul Murray)

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Local musician, Geoff Mull, states that Enough is Enough, with latest release, and promises much, much more Former X Factor contest, and ex-amateur boxer, he’s boxed in the Senior ABA’s you know, has released his first single in twelve months, eventually following up the September 2019 ‘Just Remember’ with this September’s ‘Enough is Enough,’ and there’s much more to come. Geoff Mull, a 28-year-old musician from County Durham, he turns 29 later this month, and

Mark Littlemore who, not only a close friend of Geoff ’s but also a major influence on the music, have been around the music circuit for a number of years, a circuit that has seen a number of appearances on the talent show, X Factor, between 2008 and 2014, the latter of which saw him ousted in the closing stages of the Six Seat Challenge, just missing out on being a part of Mel B’s Boys Category – that honour went to Paul Akister, Andrea Faustini, and Jake Quickenden (remember him, he’s an ex-footballer who’s also appeared in I’m A Celebrity, and won Dancing On Ice in 2018).

A debut album, ‘Different,’ and an EP, ‘Say My Name,’ dropped in 2014 and 2015 respectively, since then however it’s been all about the singles, and there’s been a few of them as well, just a bit more sporadic to those which are to come. Unintentionally, ‘Just Remember’ was his latter 2019 offering, but the unfortunate intrusion of a global pandemic has put paid to most of his, and others’ 2020, surprising Geoff that, come the release of his hard-hitting, heart-felt ballad, ‘Enough is Enough,’ that twelve months had passed.

However, he has made the most of what this year has thrown at him, he and his ever-growing team making larger waves as each day passes by, and the rewards are beginning to be reaped with ‘Enough is Enough’ being the first of at least five singles to be released in the run to the summer of 2021. Winning ‘Best Male Solo’ at the National Entertainment Awards, Geoff, who’s track relates to mental health and domestic violence, said briefly of his latest offering that: “The song is a very personal song for me and it covers my experience last year in a volatile relationship. “It revolves around domestic violence, of the female to male

variety, and a court battle which lasted close to eight months. “Although it had a positive outcome, I needed to tell that story, somehow. “It’s been tough though and I don’t really want the story to be as obvious and in people’s faces, BUT, I do think it will relate to and be able to help a lot of males

out there.” The music video in itself is hardhitting and features actors Scott Thomas and Ashley Waugh (main parts), Rizwan Khan and his son (bridge/suicide scene) and the starring presence of young Saint Hollywood, the son of video director, Ferson (NE Films). “It’s the first time that, not only have I worked with Ferson and his team, but, when putting a music video together, I’ve stepped back and let someone else get on with it, no personal input from myself at all,” continued Geoff. “The whole process, the video, the final product, has come together really well.

“With this, it’s a whole new push for me, us, for the remainder of this, and into next year. “More after everything that’s been happening, because of COVID-19, so we’ve just been trying to keep the YouTube channel running really. “Especially as I usually do a Live session on a Tuesday, so all the creativity, and with it momentum, had all but gone, for all us creatives.” The momentum from the release of the single carried on into a private launch showing of the video of ‘Enough is Enough’ at the 8K Studios in Felling, and will continue through to a personal, heartfelt mental feature on a mental health blog previously featured in NE Online, Fine & Dandi. Before that however, Geoff and has team have been taking stock on the type of year that it has become, and how they’ve circumnavigated the trials and tribulations presented them. Far from resting on his laurels, Geoff, friend/producer/band-mate

Mark (Littlemore) and company found themselves going back to the drawing board, laid out a plan for the new music in which to finish this year, then looked to see what, if anything, could be done ‘performance-wise.’ “Yeah, I’ve managed to do about a dozen, free, care home gigs,” smiled Geoff.

“I’ve kept myself active, done some online shows, and recently performed at the Rainton Meadows Arena (a show which also featured Will Jennison, and He Knows She Knows). “That was a good, yet quiet show, but it was nice to get back on stage again and now it’s a case of, slowly, getting back out there. “Then there was the launch night for the music video in Felling, which was amazing. “It was full of friends and family, the cast and crew for the video, a few competition winners, and some special guests, Jen Fullen and Allan Riach. “Jen and Allen are two people who’ve followed my career from the very beginning, been around for years, and never missed a beat, which I’m so grateful and thankful for so it was the least I could do in

having them there as well.” Also present, quite understandably really, was Geoff ’s band-mates, a small yet tight-knit band of merry followers, loyal and trusted in Geoff ’s eyes, and mind, that consists of two Mark’s and an Ellis. Long-time friend and producer, Mark Littlemore, is also responsible for keys and backing vocals to Geoff ’s musical mastery, the pair going back near ten years now; Mark Littlemore is joined by Mark Pattinson, guitarist and backing vocals, who joined the band four years ago because of Mark – confused yet? Pattinson had been off the music scene for a number of years prior to being tempted back to the dark side and has been around ever-since; then there’s the ‘bairn of the band,’ 22-year-old Cumbrian, Ellis Anderson on the drums who, according to Geoff can “not only drum, but is up for anything, is enthusiastic and loves playing, humorous, really talented and able to write good music.”

Geoff Mull returned with his brand new single, Enough is Enough,’ available now on all digital download platforms, and with more to come, you’d be foolish to miss out.

Keep up-to-date with all things Geoff Mull via his Facebook www. facebook.com/geoffmullofficial/ and Twitter twitter.com/GeoffMullMusic

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NERG is the biggest retro gaming event in the North East, held at Gateshead Stadium over the course of 2 days, this event is as big as it gets for retro gamers or just the big kids re-living their youth playing the games they used to play, after all, they don’t make them like they used to. 2017 will be the fifth year of NERG and it will be a big one. With 100 video arcade machines, 35 pinball machines and 60 consoles and computers this really is an event you do not want to miss!. The event is held over the weekend of 1st & 2nd of July. Entrance is £15 per day or £25 for the full weekend. Children aged 5-13 years can also get in for only £10 on the Sunday. All the machines are set to free play so once you pay the admission fee, it’s free gaming all day., so no need for those pockets full of change. CLICK HERE TO TICKETS ONLINE.

PURCHASE

or you can pay on the day if the event hasn’t sold out. More details can be found at w w w.northeastretrogaming. com Machines are announced on a regular basis through the social feeds so make sure you keep checking to see what games will

be there, though with so many we are sure your favourites will be there. CLICK HERE FOR FACEBOOK For Twitter - @NERGOfficial

Hi Andy, welcome to NE, can you introduce yourself to our readers? Hey, I’m Andy Campbell and I live in South Shields with my wife and three kids (who are all helping with Sanddancer Clothing). How did Sanddancer Clothing come about? I was working for a Hong Kongbased clothing manufacturer about four years ago and I was tired of all of the long haul travelling to the far east, and to the offices in London. After feeling home sick for a while I decided to come back. With our accent people usually called me a Geordie, but I always corrected them to say I’m a sanddancer, and that’s where the initial spark for Sanddancer Clothing came about - it’s a great colloquialism. People are proud to be called that, and to wear it across their chest it seems. After three years I acted upon my idea and joined the North East Entrepreneurs start up course. We started trading on the 19th of October 2019 with our retail partner The Word Centre in South Shields market.

Do you have a fashion background or is this more a labour of love? A thirty-year veteran of the fashion industry, I started out many years ago as an apprentice separations artist in the home textile sector and progressed to senior menswear designer at Visage Imports - one of the North East’s biggest clothing importers at the time. I then worked as a knits

buyer for a major menswear retailer, The Officer’s Club, and then became a sourcing manager at Boi Trading, a company that owns and licenses many brands, including Crosshatch, Jack & Jones and Kangol. From denim to accessories, footwear and hats, I’ve designed it all, from streetwear, to high street mass market brands.

What have been the highs and lows of setting up a fashion label? We knew how to register and protect our trademarks, how to develop commercial designs and source decent quality products; we even had the start-up capital. But the main challenge was the selfdoubt that creeps in with any new venture. What if people don’t like the brand, or what if it falls flat? Plenty of sleepless nights in the early days.

Have you limited yourself when it comes to a customer base, or do

you have any plans to branch out the brand with a range of other North East places/nicknames? We’re always looking to expand, but we’re playing our cards close to our chest at the minute – the

pandemic has spiked a few of our plans but they are on the back burner until the time is right. You have recently collaborated with local businesses and even people, how did that come about, did you approach them or did they approach you? We love to work with like-minded businessmen and companies, as our end goal is to promote the local area and South Shields as a whole. It’s good to shout about your heritage and be proud of your town, and the people we

work with do just that. To date we’ve worked with South Shields Football Club, South Shields Surf School, SBG South Shields Gym, The Sanddancer Bar & Restaurant, Goldie’s Independent Music Hub and Coffee House and obviously The Word Centre. We’ve got something exciting lined up with the Sanddancer Bar & Restaurant so keep an eye out on our social media for announcements later this year! We’ve also used our design expertise to help local businesses with some design work, whether that be garages, gyms or football clubs - we love to help. If any local companies would like to stock your clothing range how can they go about it? You can contact us via email at crew@sanddancerclothing.com or you can find us on Facebook & Instagram at Sanddancer Clothing. Can people submit ideas for designs and products? They most certainly can - we take onboard customer suggestions and when the time is right we launch the products. We’ve just launched our Sanddancer aluminum metal , anti-rust signs on the website in sizes large and small, and the reaction has been great. Keep an eye out for our winter beanies releasing later this week! Obviously being a proud Sanddancer myself I would be proud to wear something that represents my home town, but being a big lad I was wondering if you would be doing any bigger sizes for customers like myself? We do stock sizes up to 3XL already but if there is demand we will definitely look into it.

Having recently launched our own Sanddancer signs, we have discovered a new business opportunity which we will be exploring in 2021 - a place that companies, bars, restaurants and more can go to get bespoke, custom signage to act as menus, posters and more for their business. We will also be launching a Sanddancer beach range next summer which we are massively excited about.

you to all of our supporters for believing in the brand. We’ve reached over 1100 likes on Facebook and 545 on Instagram, all organically with zero-paid marketing. We’ve been worn by Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwell, X Factor’s Joe Mceldry, internet personality Jack King and hometown MMA legend Alex Enlund & Professional MMA athlete Adam Proctor. They make us #ProudToBeASanddancer.

Is there anything you would like to add? We just want to say a big thank

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us and we wish you all the best moving forward.

What can people expect from you in 2021?

The event is held over the weekend of 1st & 2nd of July. Entrance is £15 per day or £25 for the full weekend. Children aged 5-13 years can also get in for only £10 on the Sunday.

event hasn’t sold out. More details can be found at www.northeastretrogaming.com

All the machines are set to free play so once you pay the admission fee, it’s free gaming all day., so no need for those pockets full of change. CLICK HERE TO TICKETS ONLINE.

PURCHASE

or you can pay on the day if the

[ne 2020 artist of the Year]

[Zoe Gilby]

Living in Shadows duo, Zoe Gilby and Andy Champion, are Sending Electricity with new single As an album release looms not too far in the distant future, Living in Shadows, the musical pairing of award winning vocalist Zoe Gilby, and multi-instrumentalist Andy Champion, follow up their debut offering of For The Day, with Sending Electricity. In carrying a theme throughout the whole Living in Shadows project, their first release was focussed around the concept of movement and transition, it is the current offering that is somewhat

more personal, in that it delves into the feelings of love and relationships. Those two words however, ‘love’ and ‘relationships,’ can encapsulate a number of meanings be they personal between two people, or that of friendships, both of which can be witnessed within their music. Not only are Zoe and Andy harmonious in what they produce musically, they have a similar, strong bond behind the scenes as well, that and, with the ‘guest musicians’ included on their music, the feelings of the friendship relationship is also visible.

The multi-instrumentalist musician of the pairing, Andy Champion, has a long and strong resume within the music industry, from beginning playing guitar at 10-years-old whilst listening to the likes of Jethro Tull and King Crimson, through to recent years where he has performed alongside the likes of Smoove & Turrell, David McAlmont, Chris Sharkey in Shiver, and most recently with one of the musicians on the album, esteemed pianist, Paul Edis. “Our working relationship wouldn’t be complete without the input from close friends Mark Williams (guitar), and Paul Edis,

as well as the beautiful sax playing on our first single For The Day, from Graeme Wilson,” began Andy. “I have worked with these musicians continuously, and in many different projects over the years and I knew their ideas and the style of musicianship would be ideal for Living In Shadows.” The presence of those high-calibre musicians do, in itself, lend to the overall consensus of what the new Living in Shadows track is about. Mark (Williams), Paul (Edis) and Graeme (Wilson) are long-term collaborators (co-conspirators) with Zoe and Andy on musical projects and for Zoe, the new release is for the love and affection she has towards Andy, they having been married for a decade early next year. Having been penned by Zoe whilst Andy was away touring, Zoe provided a little insight into their new track, saying: “I wrote the lyrics

and melody to Sending Electricity whilst Andy was away on tour. “I missed him so much but we kept in touch daily with texts, WhatsApp messages, emails, phone calls and, although he was miles away, I felt like he was with me still. “That in itself instilled in me again the strength in our relationship despite not being with each other, so this, really, is a love song.” Speaking of love, Zoe and Andy are enjoying an ongoing plethora of love and support from those around them, as well on the radio and in the media for their last release, hoping that the momentum gained then carries through not only the next release, but for November’s album as well. A long-time supporter of their music under the duo’s jazz-guise, to which they’ve had a few outings over the past month or two including recordings for the Black Mountain Jazz Festival in Aber-

gavenny, and the TUSK Festival here in their native north-east, Zoe and Andy were delighted with the exclusive, first-time airplay from BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Roberts. Both For the Day, and Sending Electricity, were afforded the Nick Roberts honour, saying during his interview with Zoe and Andy that this is: “A brand new project from you both; it’s completely unlike anything we’ve heard from you before ..... when I got this I thought, oh, this is quite different.” Whilst Faye Jessica, of NE Volume Magazine, said in her review of the single that: “The smooth, bluesy vocals along with chilled piano and brass sounds make for the perfect summer/weekend listen. “With a nice glass of wine in hand, this song is sure to take you to your happy place.” Adding to this, Andy Champion, who has worked with and along-

side Zoe for a number of years, is delighted with the progression of the Living in Shadows project, saying that: “It has always been a bit of a dream of mine though to actually be part of a ‘progressive’ band with a vocalist. “When Zoe came to me with these different melody ideas, that didn’t exactly fit the usual jazz mould, here was the opportunity to write this kind of music; progressive rock and jazz all in the same mix. “The vocal melodies on the two singles and the rest of the album are pretty straight forward and catchy, with a strong identity and a definite sound that hooks the listener in. “This was the perfect starting point for me to compose an

interesting, more in-depth arrangement that would support the melody and lyrics, giving a progressive and alternative harmonic and rhythmic structure that will enhance the sound of the project as a whole.” Now, with Sending Electricity hoping to achieve similar status as the duo’s previous release, focus now turns to the late-November release of their eight-track album which in itself is expected to be something special indeed.

Featuring new social media platforms, Living in Shadows can be found on Facebook via https:// www.facebook.com/LivingInShadows and Twitter https://twitter.com/L_I_SMusic or via www. livinginshadows.com Promotional images courtesy of Photography by Adam Kennedy / Live image courtesy of Flaneur Photography

Sending Electricity, the second single from the Living in Shadows project by Zoe Gilby and Andy Champion, is available to download now via all digital platforms.

We can confirm that all Cineworld cinemas across the UK and Ireland were temporarily closed on Friday (October 9), until further notice. This is not a decision we made lightly. We did everything in our power to support safe and sustainable re-openings of our cinemas and we are so very grateful for our employees who implemented the new protocols, which resulted in lots of positive feedback from customers who visited our cinemas and felt safe. We were very proud of the fact that cinemas were open for 2 months and there was not one COVID case resulting from visiting the cinema. We cannot underscore enough how difficult this decision was. As we have done to date, we will do everything we can to save livelihoods and the company â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is an extremely delicate and tricky balance. We continue to work with the Cinema Association, to ensure

we are lobbying government to support our employees and the industry which has so much cultural significance.

If you have any questions, please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions below.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate our future plans to resume operations once film studios are able to bring their pipeline of major movie releases back to the big screen. We can assure you that once a line-up of movie releases is confirmed, we will be ready to re-open our cinemas, as we did in July, with the same safety levels you have already seen while at the same time keeping the great experience that you are used to getting from us.

You will be able to get updates on the status of our cinemas via email, if you are a My Cineworld or Unlimited member, the Cineworld mobile app and online at cineworld.com.

A big thank you goes to you, our movie-loving customers; your health and wellbeing has always been our priority during this difficult time and we look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible to enjoy a full slate of films.

We sincerely wish good health for you and your families during these uncertain times. The Cineworld Team

Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8 the region’s Lucinda Grange (formerly of Hartlepool, now New York City) saw some of her finest work, from the project ‘Backwards and in High Heels,’ included in the Donna Karan – Urban Zen exhibition in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Beginning on March 8 and running through until April 7, Ms. Grange’s most prized project, entitled as ‘Dancing with the Stars’ included in the exhibition ran by the ArtLead Her platform, a vision founded by Mashinda Tirfere. Supporting and promoting only female artists, ArtLead Her aims to help level the field in the art world, where the gender bias is very strong and, being part of what is Women’s History Month will help envelope that consensus. Speaking of her prized project, ‘Backwards and in High Heels,’ Lucinda said: “It is a quote in reference to Ginger Rodgers. “Fred Astaire, her male dance partner, would get more fame, fortune and attention than she did, yet she did everything he did, backwards and in high heels. “This project started with two selfportraits on the Chrysler Building (Midtown Manhattan, New York) and gradually grew as I photographed women I know and admire in places you wouldn’t expect

to see anyone - let alone a woman, looking strong and extravagant in a dress! “The aim of this project was to question stereotypes women are often subjected to, and instead highlight the strength and power

of these women.” To be included within the exhibition, for Lucinda, is something she is excited about and follows immediately after her solo exhibition, ‘City Cross-Section’ which was held at the Lyle O. Reitzel Contemporary Art Gallery and finished late-February. In the new exhibition at the Urban Zen Lucinda exhibited an image, ‘King Woman,’ which depicts Ingrid Silva, lead dancer for the Dance Theatre of Harlem. “In this picture, Ingrid is on point on the ladder of a water tower on a NYC rooftop. “Ingrid grew up in Brazil, a very humble beginning, and now she’s the dance company’s top dancer, traveling the world, following her

passion. “She is now performing to crowds of thousands despite the many obstacles that have been in her way. “Not only is she Brazilian, she is also black and petite, very far from those who one might expect to see as the lead dancer. “Her sheer willpower, dedication and determination got her all the way from living in Brazil, to being one of the top dancers in this city. “My aim was to capture the feeling of this inspiring person and her story in this one single image.” Women’s History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the U.S. the U.K. and Australia, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8.

We are here for you

HELP is at hand for cancer patients across Teesside and North Yorkshire who need advice and support. The Macmillan Cancer Support & Information Service at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is reassuring patients that its doors are open with stringent COVID-19 precautions in place to keep everyone safe. Anyone affected by cancer is encouraged to get in touch if they need support and while there is currently no drop in service, patients can request a face to face appointment if needed. The service offers information, support and practical advice to cancer patients, their families or anyone affected by cancer. Lauren Farrow, Macmillan information and support centre’s business manager, said: “As the world is dealing with coronavirus those affected by cancer might be feeling especially anxious and unsupported. “We’d like to reassure them that we are here for you. We are still open for business, the staff are there to help you and it is safe to come. “We are available by telephone,

email or in person by appointment.” The service operates from two centres which are located in The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and in The Sir Robert Ogden Centre at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, and includes outreach work in the wider South Tees area. Lauren said: “We can help with travel information and costs, Macmillan grant applications; as well as supporting cancer patients to get free prescriptions. “We have an in-house benefits service at James Cook and have just launched an exciting new service at the Friarage, in partnership with Citizens Advice, offering appointments for patients. “We can also advise on the complementary therapies and the counselling service provided by our colleagues at the Trinity Holistic Centre. This includes massage, acupuncture, reiki, our heads up (hair loss) service, a wig fitting service; a pamper “Look good feel better” service, and mindfulness sessions. “We are also continuing our Kindness Calls telephone service. This

was set up as a response to coronavirus to offer regular 30 minute phone calls from an experienced team of therapists to provide a listening ear, practical advice and information on local services. “There are also a number of Macmillan cancer care coordinators in the trust who offer focussed support for patients with suspected or diagnosed cancer. Working with different teams and specialties, the coordinators help patients navigate their way through clinical pathways.” For more details call The Macmillan Information & Support Centre on 01642 854270 or The Trinity Holistic Centre on 01642 854839 or email stees.macmillaninfocentre@nhs.net or visit southtees.nhs. uk/services/cancer/macmillaninformation-centre/ The Trinity Holistic Centre is a charitable organisation supporting patients, carers and staff at James Cook and at the Friarage. The service is dependent on the generosity of its volunteers, supporters and fundraisers. To make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/trinity-holistic

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LONG LOST LOAN MAKES SURPRISE RETURN TO CENTRAL LIBRARY

IT’S never too late to return that library book - even if it’s nearly 60 years overdue… Jaws hit the floor at Middlesbrough Central Library this week when a book dropped into the returns box that should have been back on the shelves in December, 1962. After nearly six decades, the pristine copy of Geoffrey Faber’s poetry anthology The Buried Stream was welcomed back by bemused but grateful library staff, with no questions asked. The book’s more than 57-year absence could have seen the unlucky borrower facing a library fine of more than £500. But with fines suspended as part of the service’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the conscience-stricken bookworm may have seized the moment to make amends.

Librarian and Community Hub Officer David Harrington said: “Much to our surprise this beautifully bound book was dropped into the returns box at the Central Library - fittingly during #LibrariesWeek. “We’re really grateful to the anonymous person who returned this book to us as it will be added back to our stock and placed in the Reference Library for future generations to enjoy. “We’d also urge any of our customers - past and present - to return any overdue library books they might have, with the assurance that we’re not currently charging fines.” Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Communities and Education, said: “What a lovely, public-spirited act to return this book after so many years.

“The library is home to a treasure trove of literature and learning, and this latest addition is now back where it belongs for others to enjoy. “It’s definitely a case of better late than never!” For the latest information on library opening and lending arrangements, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/libraries For the latest local updates and information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19 For information on local help and support, visit Help Boro at www. middlesbrough.gov.uk/helpboro or call Middlesbrough Council’s support line 01642 729777 The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov. uk/coronavirus

COMING TO

Lockdown live performances, home school activities, competitions, giveaways, helping local food banks, working together with local businesses, lighting up a our beloved theatre and St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lighthouse.... These past few months have been extraordinary and we really want to thank you all for your continued support. We will get through this and we will see you all again. Just a quick reminder to our customers that original tickets purchased for Playhouse Whitley Bay shows remain valid for all rescheduled events. www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/

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Save The High Street Ltd is now a national gateway for the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme and we’re encouraging small businesses to get involved and help support young people with job placements in England, Scotland and Wales. We have worked with government to develop the new Kickstart Scheme, and help small employers to be part of the solution, even if they are only able to offer one or two roles. We’re are an official intermediary for the Government’s £2bn Kickstart Scheme which will play a key role in rebuilding the UK’s economy and supporting young people into sustainable employment. APPLY NOW: https://savethehighstreetltd.co.uk/kickstart-

scheme/

SAVE THE HIGH STREET - IN THE SPOTLIGHT: DAISY STREET PLAY Carlie Green, 30, owns Daisy Street Play in Spennymoore, which is a unique play area for children aged 0-7. Daisy Street was created whilst Carlie was pregnant with her daughter, she said that, “my partner and I had started to think about it as there was definitely a lack of children areas suitable for the 0-4 age. There were mostly larger soft plays which I think can be really daunting with a toddler” Daisy Street Play was opened up 1st July 2019 when Carlie’s daughter was six months old. Carlie told us that, “we wanted to create an area where mams can relax as well as having a large space so that the children can have some freedom to play!” Of course, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Daisy Street Play had to

temporarily close its doors to their customers, “lockdown was really stressful for us, mostly because of the lack of information surrounding the play industry. It’s been so hard watching other businesses open up around us when we have been completely in the dark before last week” Carlie admitted to us that there were times when she was worried she wouldn’t be able to reopen at all, “I’ve had three friends have babies during lockdown and it makes me so said to think they have missed out on classes.” Thankfully, the play industry were given the go ahead by the Government to be able to open up again as the easing of lockdown continues across England. Carlie told us that, “we are super excited to reopen and we cant wait to see our

regulars and how much their little people have grown! We’re going to spend the next two weeks preparing to re-open so we can hopefully get back to open for the beginning of September. We are so ready to get a bit of routine back into our lives!” Although there is limited information on the exact guidelines for the play industry, Daisy Street will be opening for two sessions a day from 9:30-11:30 and then 12:00 – 14:00 to ensure cleaning between sessions. Carlie said that, “we will be using an online booking system to restrict the number of guests in the building and we will have sanitation stations around the area. Unfortunately we will be removing the ball pit and the small toys for now. Our top priority is the safety of ourselves and our customers, which is why we’re remaining closed a few extra weeks to ensure that we can be as safe as we possibly can be” You can visit Daisy Street Play once they reopen at Unit 29, Enterprise City in Spennymoore. For updates follow: Their Facebook Page: https://www. facebook.com/daisystreetplay/ Their Instagram Page: instagram. com/daisystreetplay Their Website: daisystreetplay. co.uk

ALL ROUND TO THE HAIRY BIKERS’ FOR A NIGHT OF COOKING CONVERSATION WITH SI KING AND DAVE MYERS TICKETS ONSALE 10AM FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 National Treasures Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers have announced a huge nationwide tour. With their irresistible enthusiasm, An Evening With The Hairy Bikers will be an epic night of cooking and conversation. Big hearted, down-to-earth cooks with a love of good food, Si and Dave have been cooking

together for more than twenty years. They have created haute cuisine dishes with Michelinstarred chefs and travelled the world in the pursuit of great food. They’ve also explored the length and breadth of the British Isles to discover brand new recipes and create their own fresh takes on cooking classics. The stars of several hit television shows, they are the UK’s most popular cookery duo with series including The Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure, The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Book; Best of British; The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure; Everyday Gourmets; The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of and two major

prime time series of Mums Know Best all drawing millions of audiences. No strangers to the live arena, The Hairy Bikers performed their sell-out Big Night Out show in theatres across the UK in 2010 and completed another ambitious nationwide theatre tour in April 2013. Tickets for The Hairy Bikers are on sale Fri 28 Sep from 10am and can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

Issue 3 hits stores across the world in early November with a stunning cover by Ade Hughes featuring Anat from ‘V’ £6.95 for 64 pages - oversized format ‘V’ by Steve Bull and Ade Hughes ‘GRID’ by Dave Heeley and Neil Sims ‘The Screaming Hand’ by Kek-W and Conor Boyle ‘The Cell’ by Bambos Georgiou and Andrew Sawyers ‘The Trackless Depths’ by Dave Bedford and Mac ‘Matilda Atkins & Amulet Of Destiny’ by Michael Powell and Sarah Millman ‘Division’77’ by Dave Heeley and Sinclair Elliott ‘Division’77’ pin-up by Andrew Sawyers ‘SGT Shouty! of the Moon Force’ by Lew Springer ‘Forgotten Reality’ by Anna Evert and Phil Elliott ‘Undertow’ by Joe and Jeremy Dunn ‘Gut Crawlers’ by Dan Whitehead and Filippo ‘Martian Law’ by Brendon Wright ‘Skate Worm’ by Conan and Morgan Gleave ‘Penny Pentagram’ by David Thomas and Jon Roydon ‘Ba’al’ pin-up by Leonardo Manco Kickstarter: Roll of Honour ‘Anat and Shard’ pin-up by Hal Laren Variant 1 cover by Paul Williams

Variant 2 cover by Neil Sims All editions and back issues, posters and other merchandise available from https://getmycomics. com/Release/Indie/The77

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Feature international stockists and dealers: Australia Dark Oz Comics, Salisbury Dee’s Comic Shop, Belconnen Impact Comics, Canberra New Zealand Brendon Wright, Christchurch Ride on Super Sound, Christchurch Whiatangacomics, Whitianga USA Atomic Basement Comics, Long Beach, CA Isotope Comics Lounge, San Francisco, CA

ROMESH RANGANATHAN COMES TO THE CITY HALL FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2019 WITH A BRAND NEW SHOW TICKETS ON SALE 10AM FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 Romesh Ranganathan is back with a brand-new show, The Cynic’s Mixtape, and it’s his most brutally honest show yet. Fresh from The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, A League Of Their Own and Judge Romesh, he’s putting showbiz aside to deliver a carefully-curated

selection of all the things he has found unacceptable since his last tour, including why trying to save the environment is a scam, why none of us are truly free, and his suspicion that his wife is using gluten intolerance to avoid sleeping with him. Romesh’s cynicism has become his trademark, but since being nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards this deadpan humour has become one of Britain’s most respected and popular comics. Now, though, it’s time for the

Asian Provocateur to return to his stand-up roots for a while – there’s things he needs to point out, discuss and have a good moan about. Care to join him? Show drops 2019, don’t miss it. Tickets for Romesh Ranganathan are on sale Fri 28 Sep from 10am and are £26.50. Tickets can be purchased online at www. theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge)

SIGN THE PETITION TO KEEP THE LOCO IN DARLO A new campaign has been launched to keep George Stephenson’s Locomotion No1 in Darlington Built by pioneering railway engineers George and Robert Stephenson, Locomotion No. 1 was the first steam locomotive to haul a passenger-carrying train on a public railway, making its inaugural journey in 1825 between Stockton and Darlington. For more than 160 years, the locomotive has been looked after by the people of Darlington, and since 1975, it has been on permanent display at the Head of Steam, Darlington’s railway museum. As a national asset, Locomotion No. 1 is part of the National Collection and is therefore under the control of the National Railway Museum (NRM), part of the Science Museum Group. Now, the NRM has revealed plans to move it out of town. With the 200th anniversary of the world-famous Stockton and Darlington Railway approaching in 2025, and ambitious plans for a

new rail heritage quarter in Darlington including a redeveloped free-to-visit museum, the loss of Locomotion No. 1 would be a major blow to the town. Darlington Borough Council, with support from rail heritage experts and a cross-party group of politicians, has launched a campaign to Keep the Loco in Darlo. Councillor Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, says: “This is something the people of Darlington will be horrified about, and I fully understand. “I want to send a very clear message to people in Darlington that this council will leave no stone

unturned in our quest to keep Locomotion No. 1 in Darlington. “Keeping Locomotion No. 1 in Darlington is crucial for our 2025 celebrations – it’s unthinkable to imagine it anywhere else but Darlington for the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger railway. I would urge people to sign the petition and add their voices to our campaign – the case for keeping Locomotion No. 1 in Darlington is not just persuasive, it’s compelling.” To sign the petition visit: www. darlington.gov.uk/keep-the-locoin-darlo