NE Online Magazine Issue 53 - Linda Lusardi Panto At The Playhouse 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 . B e t t e r l a t e t h a n n e v e r.

O2 Academy Newcastle/City Hall www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk

H e r e ’s a j a m p a c ke d i s s u e t o m a ke u p fo r i t , f u l l t o t h e b r i m w i t h t h e b e s t o f t h e N o r t h E a s t , f r o m t h e Pe o p l e t o t h e B u s i n e s s e s a n d Ev e n t s t h a t m a ke o u r r e g i o n s o s p e c i a l , I ’m s u r e y o u ’ l l agree...it was worth the wait.

Sage Gateshead www.sagegateshead.com

As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n ’ 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

Quasar Elite South Shields www.quasarsouthshields.co.uk

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

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park www.oceanbeach.co.uk

For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com Plus you can catch up with us online for news, events, blogs, competitions and more at www.neonlinemagazine.com Follow us on Facebook - www.facebook. com/pages/N-E-Online-Magazine Join us on Twitter @NEOnlineMag1 And Instagram @neonlinemagazine

CONTRIBUTORS Peter Mann BSc Inside Mann Media & PR insidemannmedia.wordpress.com petermann78@hotmail.com Madhouse Media www.madhousemedia.co.uk SPONSORS Playhouse Whitley Bay www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk The Theatre Royal Newcastle www.theatreroyal.co.uk/

{THIS} {ISSUE} P6 Royal British Legion Hebburn P14 Kyle Hughes & Marco Mendoza P20 Beyond Vinyl Newcastle P26 NE AOTY 2021 Hayley McKay P36 Linda Lusardi at the Playhouse P44 Jamie Chandler Fine N Dandi P52 Kubix Festival Aqua & Vengaboys P56 Danny & Luke from Thunder P63 Revitalising the High Street P68 Cineworld Round-Up P81 Master jam maker Rosalind Waugh P84 Playhouse Whitley Bay P88 Jazz Trio P92 Northern Threads P96 Save The High Street P100 Jon Gomm P104 Helping Hands 5

HEBBURN BRANCH

On Saturday 2nd October 2021 at 10am, the whole of Jarrow came together to help us celebrate 100 years of the Royal British Legion. It was a fitting service which included members of the Hebburn branch, the public and a performance from the Geordie Sweetheart ‘Wor Vera’.

Operations Manager of Viking Shopping Centre and a veteran from the 15th/19th The Kings Royal Hussars, shared his idea to turn the old grey artwork into a giant poppy. Needless to say, we embraced this idea and became part of the Hebburn RBL100

Community project.

Little did we know it would turn out to be such an amazing feature, one which has already created a flurry of interest on social media.

The British Legion was formed on 15 May 1921, bringing together four national organisations of exServicemen that had established themselves after the First World War. 100 years on, we are grateful to be standing here, supporting our ex-servicemen, women and their families even if it’s slightly delayed due to COVID. Last year we were kindly gifted the empty Game shop unit to operate a safer socially distanced Poppy Appeal, from this great friendships were formed with the management of our shopping centre. Colin

Kimber,

Assistant

Youth members from our Hebburn Branch added designs during the summer holidays once COVID regulations permitted. Our projects certainly carry a creative theme. Not only did we have the poppy project but we also had local crafters knitting poppies to create a centenary

gown. During last year’s poppy appeal, local crafters were recruited, this gown is on display in our branch shop and you can guess how many poppies it took to make it! The Jarrow Poppy is a symbolic

feature in the shopping centre, one which is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices our servicemen and women made for our country and the continued support RBL provides today. This year we have a community branch base, the old Bright House, for the next few weeks (open weekends) as a drop-in centre. You can meet branch members and if anyone is interested in becoming a member, our recruitment team are around to answer any questions. For those who aren’t aware you don’t have to be a service man or women to join. Later on the Poppy Appeal will operate alongside our community base. During the service, I read a poem written by Len Gibson MBE, who was a Japanese POW. Sadly Ken passed away early this year aged 101 but his memory lives on.

And we that are left to grow old with the years.

Vicky, Hebburn Secretary. Remembering the heartache, the pain and the tears. Hoping and praying that never again, Man will sink to such sorrow and shame. The price that was paid we will always remember. Every day, every month, not just in November. The Branch Standard was lowed as a mark of respect whilst the prayer was read. Branch members, cadets and supporters were dismissed and followed into the branch shop for light refreshments.

We would like to thank our branch members for their support, time and effort through this very turbulent year. A special thanks goes out to our business supporters without their support our RBL100 event would not have been such a huge success. Dicksons Butchers Franks Factory Flooring Iceland Local crafters for making poppies Morrisons Those who donated books DVD’s Viking Shopping Centre Management

www.bstfabrics.co.uk

KYLE HUGHES & MARCO MENDOZA

“Are you ready, Kyle?” Newcastle drummer, Kyle Hughes, set to tour with Marco Mendoza Do they say that everyone has a musician in them, or is it just a book, personally, then I’d stick to the latter part of that statement, whilst local drum king god, Kyle Hughes, firmly places his entire lot into the former. Myself and Kyle, we go back many a good year, seven years this month in fact, when he was but a young whipper-snapper of a drummer in a local, north-east band.

date in Toon. It’s those dates with Mendoza, he of Dead Daisies – Thin Lizzy – Whitesnake, and currently having rocked out with Journey, fame (replacing Randy Jackson), that was to be at the forefront of our conversation; you seen, Kyle will (when this hits the internet) be heading out across Europe, rocking some six

countries throughout the month of October. Alongside Mendoza, and Tommy Gentry (GUN fame), the trio will be taking in the sights and delights of Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, and France, before heading back to British soil in November. It has certainly taken some getting going with the tour though,

We’d first meet at what was once called ‘The Bishop Langley’ Public House, performing at the Durham Oxjam, and thus begun a rollercoaster journey, well for all involved really. There’s been a few dates with Bumblefoot, there’s been a few with Marco Mendoza as well (Kyle’s with him again this month), and there’s been many a coffee date between the two of us as well, and that’s where this current ensemble of a tet-a-tet emanates, another coffee shop

global happenings affecting many; with Kyle though, always ready to get out there, he said:” This tour, it’s been cancelled and rescheduled, so this’ll be third time lucky. “It’s different though, and we have to take precautions, a lot of them really, whilst also learning how to do all of this, the travelling, all over again. “It’s great to have the buzz for it all and I’m definitely, really excited as it’s been a very long time without. “We’ll be playing some familiar venues, familiar places, but it’s mental to be doing it all again. “No matter the size of the venues, we’re all motivated and it’s been a gradual build-up towards the upcoming, two months; not just with the tour either, but with many other, cool projects, one’s that I’m really, really proud of.” Those projects, for now at least, are for another day, but they’ll excite the heart and soul of any rock lover, that much is a guaranteed certainty. For now though, Kyle, as with everybody else, is just excited to get back out there, and back on stage again, and has done a couple of ‘warm-up’ gigs in recent months, easing himself back into the mix; behind the scenes however, he’s used the time away from the spotlight wisely, utilising his everincreasing contact list, to further

his catalogue of material. “It’s great to be back, and to be connecting with people again,” explained Kyle. “I’m very grateful for all that I’ve done, and who I’ve worked with, and now, it’s just a case of readjusting to the times. “Therefore, playing music, in any capacity, whilst not getting lost in it all, it’s feelings that I can’t actually describe, and a lot of people will feel that way. “The timing of the pandemic though, it’s allowed me to be a part of, and collaborate with,

other musicians, people that I wouldn’t normally get a chance to work with. “There’s been opportunities that wouldn’t normally have presented themselves, but I’m not one to be seen to push things, I like to share things, especially on social media, that I’m proud of. “I’ve just been trying to find the positives from what’s been a really big negative, and my parents (Ryan and Wendy Hughes), they’ve been great in helping me to come through this.” Now though, it’s tour time, at long last, and Marco, Tommy, and of course Kyle, can look forward to more than a dozen outings across Europe, before similar when back on British soil next month. “Marco, in fact we all have really, remained very optimistic about it all,” concluded Kyle. “We’ve just kept on trying, and not given up as we really want to get back out – Marco though, he’s insane, and is doing something pretty much every day.

“As for me, it’s been weird getting back out there, but, when I’m sweating away, you begin to realise what you’ve been missing, and how much you have done so.” What it all boils down to though, is those tour dates, and for rock fans here in the UK, and especially those in the north-east, there’s certainly plenty of options to get stuck into, as Marco et al, they look to ‘Take It To The Limit.’

purpose back in my life again!” Keep up-to-date with all things Kyle Hughes via his Facebook h t t p s : / / w w w.fa c e b o o k . com/kylehughesdrums and Twitter https://twitter.com/ KyleHughesDrums

UK TOUR DATES AS FOLLOWS London Underworld (November 3); Cannock The Station (November 4); Southampton 1865 (November 6); Chesterfield Real Time (November 7); Scarborough Vibe Bar (November 8); Newcastle Trillians (November 9); Trecco Bay Rockstock (November 12); Inverness Monsterfest (November 13 & 14); Cambridge Cairn Hotel (November 17); Bathgate Dreadnought (November 18) “This is what I do, and I have a

BEYOND RECORDS have released the new “East 17” album - 24/7 on Limited edition CD with courtesy of So, Let’s Talk on 27th August and it is available exclusivity from: www.beyondrecords.uk where you can pick up a signed copy (while stocks last)

the last year has panned out, from releasing my version of “Stay Another Day” to help raise some much needed funds & awareness for this amazing charity, releasing East 17’s new album on CD and even getting to perform the track with the guys

on stage in my home town. The crowd were amazing and the reception was out of this world. Now I’ve got the nerves out of the way I would do it again in a heartbeat!” Terry Coldwell from East 17 said

The band also visited Newcastle on Sunday 29th August to do a signing at Beyond Vinyl and then performed at the Noughty 90’s festival at Leazes Park, Newcastle the same evening. Beyond Records also released a version of the East 17 classic “Stay Another Day” Christmas 2020 to raise money and awareness for the “BATTEN DISEASE FAMILY ASSOCIATION” (http://www. bdfa-uk.org.uk/). Now David McGovern from Beyond Records has released their album physically and also performed the song on stage with them at Leazes Park, Newcastle. David said “I can’t believe how

“What David did for the BDFA was amazing and we supported him on Instagram and social media and getting his cover of our track to No. 2 in the Official Physical Singles charts as well as raising money for charity which was special. We had to get David up to perform our single ‘Stay Another Day’ when we were in Newcastle and I have to tell you, me and the guys were impressed. It takes some guts to get up in front of a dedicated crowd at a 90’s festival and sing any song, let alone a song that is loved so much by millions of people around the world. Well done bro” This has all led to David working with us to get the album out on Limited Edition CD” East 17 was founded in 1991 and now consists of original member Terry Coldwell, Robbie Craig (Artful Dodger fame) & Joe Livermore. From Walthamstow, East London, East 17 performed pop-rock, dance-pop, hip hop and rap. In 90’ they were one of the most popular boy bands in the UK — the band sold over 22 million records all over the world and their songs remained at the top of all the music charts for over 6 years in a row. BY DAVID MCGOVERN & JANE SHIELDS

[ne 2021 artist of the Year]

[Hayley McKay] The storied, and wonderful rise, of a northern country angel The name Hayley McKay, long associated with that of the Darlington Forum Music Centre, is also one that has been synonymous with that of country music in her native north-east, for many years now. Performing at venues like Sage Gateshead, the Durham Gala Theatre, with consummate ease, is second nature to one whose voice is as angelic as can be. She never disappoints, irrespective of where she’s performing. She is also, always, wanting to achieve more with her music, rightly so as well.

She’s even done quite a bit in her young life, has Miss McKay, and has a stacked resume to match; mind you, she did start out in the music and entertainment industry at a relatively young age, and hasn’t looked back since. Now, as she prepares for the release of her next single, yes, there’s yet another offering to come on the form of ‘Found Myself In A Song,’ scheduled for release later this year (see secondary feature). That however is the here and now, but where did all of this begin for the songstress who can melt a thousand hearts, well, it actually in musical theatre, and yes, there’s a touch of Marilyn Monroe about

her – you’d expect no less. “Every Saturday my Mum (Allison McKay) would take me to Theatre Train, a performance club which was 3 hours of dancing, singing and acting,” began Hayley. “This was while we were living in London and I was about nineyears-old; I remember it well, and these years helped shape me as a performer and build confidence. “I was invited to play a young Marilyn Monroe, at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London when I was 9 and I had the day off school, my Mum would do my hair all bouncy and curly, and my family, from the North-East, came down to watch me.

“It was such a buzz to be onstage whilst my favourite songs to sing around this time were Fame, by Irene Cara, and Hero, by Mariah Carey. “Mum worked her way up in the hairdressing world in London and would often work with celebrities and models at home, and abroad. “Sometimes she’d be on television and I used to record it on the video recorder. “I would sometimes go to work with her and sing for the clients; apparently Ozzy Osbourne walked into the studio one day and said I was a very polite little girl.” And all this in her formative years; as we said, she’s had somewhat of a busy, a very busy, life, both in front of the public eye and behind the scenes. “When I was going into Year 5, at primary school, my family and I moved up north, which is where my parents are from, continued Hayley. “I carried on my musical theatre journey and went to Stagecoach

Theatre Arts in Darlington which I absolutely loved (under the guidance of the Theatre Principal, Trudy Hindmarsh and I was given some great opportunities on stage. “One of those opportunities was to perform in opera’s Tosca and Turandot and La Boheme at Sunderland Empire Theatre. “I also performed a lot at school, and was always joining in school concerts and I think that more

schools should do more music and arts. “It’s such a shame that it is the arts that always seems to get cut, when actually it is so important for people’s confidence and self-esteem.” For an individual whose life began on the stage, in a theatrical sense, Hayley would soon be seen to be taking on a differing persona, again whilst still young – she was in her mid-teens when music itself would take a firm hold and Miss McKay would be seen to her perform what would be her first, actual gig, with original music in tow. From that moment on however, Hayley has never looked back, continuing to astound the masses at every turn. Funding acceptance whilst in her late teens, would come from that of the Sammy Johnson Fund, it helping her to kick-start a career within the music industry (the funding allowed Hayley to record and work with producer Fred Purser at Trinity Heights, and Jamie Squire), soon seen to be wowing the masses on stage, when appearing at the iconic, ‘Sunday for Sammy,’ an occasion which would see her being introduced by non-other that the legendary actor, Tim Healy.

This, and more, all before she’d gone to college. “In my early teens I got my first guitar off my Uncle and Grandad, and had guitar lessons,” reminisced Hayley. “It was lovely because years later my guitar teacher, Simon O’Byrne, accompanied me on guitar when I was supporting Albert Lee at The Sage in Gateshead, and at The Lowry, Manchester. “I would often learn songs and sing them down the phone to my Grandad, and I started to enter singing competitions. “My first proper gig performing original music was at The Carling Academy, Newcastle, when I was 15, it was just me with my little guitar in between two rock bands. “Sunday for Sammy meanwhile, that was one of the most favourite nights of my life! “I sang ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Eva Cassidy and had a harpist and a choir backing me; the actor, Tim Healy introduced me, and I was on-stage with legends like Mark Knopfler, and members from Lindisfarne. “One of the first songs I remember listening to and loving growing up was ‘Run for Home,’ by Lindisfarne. “It was a surreal, pinch myself moment, when we all sang the song on stage together at the end of the concert. “A few years later and Ray Laidlaw, who was the drummer for Lindisfarne, offered me the fantastic opportunity to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ on the soundtrack for the film, Harrigan, starring Steven Tompkinson. “After college, I decided to take a year out to focus on gigging, and getting some money together to go to University. “I was actually torn between going down the musical theatre path, or the music path, then one day I got

a phone call of my Aunty saying that there was a talent competition where the prize was £5000. “I ended up winning the whole thing; I remember the final being in Derby and the talent on show was fantastic.” Recent years have seen Hayley spending time in Brighton, at the BIMM (Brighton Institute of Modern Music) and London, they becoming a part of her everyday life, before heading back north again, to Darlington, and hitting the roads, racking up many more career highlights along the way, performing at Glastonbury, Lindisfarne and Hardwick Live, as well as venues including The Cavern Club, Liverpool, Durham’s Gala Theatre, and the Newcastle City Hall, whilst also supporting Sir Tom Jones, Martha Reeves,

Scouting for Girls and Hazel O’Connor to name a few. “With that prize money, I decided to put it towards my tuition fees to study music at BIMM,” explained Hayley. “I loved being in Brighton, and it was such a creative place; I used to busk with my friend and meet loads of musicians whilst also running a popular, open mic night, which was fun. “After completing a year at BIMM I was introduced to a popular artist development course in London with Access to Music. “I made the move up to London and funded some of my travel by working as a singing waitress at Archers in Soho. We would wear polka dot dresses and get up on the tables and sing to requests. “At Access to Music I focused on

my own original music alongside peers including Jess Glynne who was also in my class. “Ed Sheeran had also done the same course as me but he was a year above and we never met; I remember seeing his portfolio and everything was orange so he was already cleverly thinking about branding.” Everybody though, and we mean everybody, has an influence or three on their life, be they personal, or familial, or professional, and that’s whether you be a musician or an actor, an athlete or a journalist. That influence can often be quite telling in what the individual does in their life. For Hayley, she has her influences also, both personally, and professionally. “I’ve grown up listening to most styles of music, in fact one of the first bands I was in was a reggae/ soul band,” divulged Hayley. “I also sang for a jazz band sometimes and that’s when I was introduced to artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington, it was an amazing feeling to sing alongside

the saxophone; and I’ve been in a bluegrass/country band where I was introduced to that of Allison Krauss and Union Station. “Over the years I have developed my own sound and that continues to evolve. I think at the end of the day it is all about the song no matter what genre. “My Grandma played folk music in the car when I was younger and I didn’t take much notice but now I really appreciate it, whilst also listening to that of Kate Bush, and Fleetwood Mac, with my own voice starting to become a bit more inventive and daring. “One of my favourite, all-time artists however, is Dolly Parton, because she has great melodies, great voice and I like her delivery when she sings her songs.” Above all however, there’s a famous quote, often well-used, and, in the case of Miss McKay, can be re-worded to that of – “you can take the girl out of Darlo, but you can’t take Darlo out of the girl.” Miss McKay is Darlington’s very own Queen of Country Music, and she almost certainly has the idyllic, voice of an angel to match.

Interested in seeing the stunning, Miss Hayley McKay, in action, and hearing that stunningly beautiful voice for yourselves (highly recommended) then check out all her dates via https://www.hayleymckay.co.uk/tour-dates/ whilst she also has an upcoming, mini-tour, in Manchester, London, and Newcastle, later this year. That mini-tour, in association with Modern Age Music Roots, dates and tickets are available via the following 10 November – Gulliver’s Manchester (with band) https://fatso. ma/UzuT 12 November - 229 Club, Venue 2, London (with band) https://fatso. ma/UzuY 3 December The Globe, Newcastle (with band) https://fatso.ma/Uzu3 Keep up-to-date with all things Hayley McKay via her website https://www.hayleymckay.co.uk/ and her socials on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hayleymckaymusic, Twitter https:// twitter.com/mckay_hayley, and Instagram https://www.instagram. com/hayleymckaymusic/

McKay continues to find herself in a song As alluded to in this issues main feature, Miss McKay has a new single in the offing, one that, although penned last year with Nashville artist, Bill DiLuigi, an artist who has worked with many Stateside, alongside having numerous cuts on movies. Recorded at Mirage Studies, with John P. Taylor, the upcoming release, due late next month, was put together (with DiLuigi) over several zoom runs, during 2020. Containing a lot of personal thought and content, Hayley said of the track: “It is about me growing up, listening to music. “It opens with the line, ‘my little shoes on the bar at my grandma’s pub, I was the girl singing with the juke box something for everyone.’ “My Grandma was the best pub landlady ever and her pub was always full, and with it, full of so many, different characters. “When I was a child, I grew up in London’s East End, Leytonstone, and there was always a party at the weekend at friends’ houses, mainly at ours.

“I would get up to sing on the karaoke for everyone and I guess this instilled in me when travelling to places, including my Grandmas’s

pub, back in the North-East; my Dad (Stuart McKay) would lift me up on the bar and we’d sing Pulp’s Disco 2000.” As mentioned, ‘Find Myself in a Song’ looks at a life, from the individuals own perspective, and how they, or in this case she, has traversed the early motions of a life well-lived. “The song also reflects my time at school,” continued Hayley. “I was quite shy sometimes, however, I was also quick to get up on stage for school concerts and festivals, even though I was nervous deep down I cracked on and did it. “The chorus of ‘Find Myself in a Song’ reflects my love for the various artists who I have listened to over the years, including Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchel, Elvis and Bruce Springsteen.

“I do love all types of music, and have sung most styles over the years, but country has definitely stuck with me. “I think this started to develop more when I got that guitar off my Grandad and Uncle, and I started to write songs; I definitely got more inspired when I went to Nashville six years ago.”

With the new offering now firmly on the horizon, what about the immediate future of a musician who’s burgeoning talent obviously traverses her youthful years. There was talk of several releases this year, Hayley hasn’t disappointed on that score, so, what is next, especially for someone who is as constantly active as she can

be, and so often is. “I have been working on other songs,” divulged Hayley. “One of those is a collaboration with producer Jez Larder, who has worked on music by artists including Amy Macdonald, The Damned, and David Bowie. “The drummer featured on the track is the same one who featured in the band, The Sundays, who rose to fame in the 1990’s. “I have also been working with the singer-songwriter Anna Neale. “Over recent months I have been gathering songs and getting them to demo format ready to take into the studio. “It’s an exciting time and I can’t wait to release it all soon; I just love being in the recording studio bringing a song to life.” ‘Find Myself in a Song’ is scheduled for a digital release later this year, along with a music video which will be premiered via Hayley McKay’s YouTube https://www. youtube.com/user/HayleyMcKay

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)

[ne 2021 artist of the Year]

After the awful year and a half that we have all gone through there is one single word that can change everything and make the world a better place, a single word that means joy, happiness, excitement and magic…and that word is ‘Panto’! So when we get the call from our friends at Playhouse Whitley Bay inviting us along to Panto Press Day, then you can understand the joy, happiness and excitement we feel at being able to pop down and chat with the stars of Blue Genie

Entertainment’s ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’. Snow White has an amazing cast for you, with the return of local lad and panto legend Steve Walls, returning for his 11th year at the Playhouse and his 25th pantomime as the lead comic helping to run the show. He is accompanied by genuine panto royalty with Linda Lusardi who is playing the Wicked Queen, a role she can’t wait to play jokingly saying ‘I love being wicked queen. I love, you know, shouting at the kids and

making them cry’. Linda rose to fame in the 80’s as one of the biggest names in modelling, and has went on to also make it big in the world of stage, film and TV, with roles on ‘Emmerdale’, ‘The Bill’,’ Brookside’, as well as appearing in various stage shows and panto’s up and down the country, a few film roles, and even winning ‘Celebrity Come Dine With Me’ as well as getting to the semi-final of ‘Celebrity Masterchef ’! The title role of Snow White is also in safe hands with another panto

regular, Linda’s daughter Lucy Kane, who hit the headlines back in 2017 when a certain Sir Tom Jones chose her for his team on The Voice UK. Lucy is no stranger to performing, as she has been doing it since she was a little girl, and she has appeared alongside her mam in several shows already, of which she said ‘it’s lovely, It’s so lovely, she’s literally my best friend and it just makes the whole process of being away from home at Christmas so much more comfortable because you’re still with your family so I love working with Mum’. Lucy is also part of girl group Nova and has released a few solo songs on her Spotify so make sure you check them out to get you all excited for seeing her play Snow White. Blue Genie Entertainment are pulling out all the stops to make sure this is the biggest Panto of 2021 as they not only bring the stars to the Playhouse, but they are even making Playhouse history

by featuring seven real Dwarfs as the magnificent seven, rather than the usual schoolkids playing the roles. Our magnificent seven are Laura Christine, Jordan Sunter, Claire Ibbitson, Bernadette Windsor, Maria Popska, Zita Ferry and Laura Philips. Dame Patsy is back too, Tyne-

mouth’s very own Daniel Mawston returns as Patsy the cook, which will be his 14th panto, his 3rd panto with Blue Genie. So you know you can expect fun and glamour from the off. Due to covid there was no panto in 2020, in fact lots of performers found themselves with no work, so

when asked how it feels to be back on stage after so long Steve said ‘Because obviously, this is our first panto for two years, but I did a comedy gig three weeks ago, right? And the first comedy gig for like 18 months and its weird because when they say go and do an hour, you’re trying to remember what you did 18 months ago and it’s sort of… I was on a river cruise, and I just remember standing as I got introduced and I thought I don’t know what I used to do. Usually when I take a break for a panto or if I’m doing ships and stuff and then I take a break and I go back to it I’m thinking what do I do? That’s like a four week break, but 18 months was like wow, you remember bits and pieces that’s the problem and you’ll start doing a gag then another gag, but that’s two routines gone because you’ve took it from a routine it’s like yeah, so it’s a bit freaky. Yeah, but at least we’ve got a script this time’.

They all admit that the nerves are there, but once that curtain raises they will be giving 100% to make sure the crowd is entertained and the kids have the most amazing time, as they create a lasting memory, as it was for Linda ‘I remember going as a child and being overwhelmed and crying when the music started because it was just so exciting and Magical’. I replied saying you never really grow out of panto, to which Linda showed off some of her quick and wicked wit saying ‘You still cry, do you?’ to the delight of Steven and Lucy who thought it was hilarious, well played Linda, well played. When asked if they have performed in the North East before Linda said ‘I’ve been to Newcastle three times in the last few weeks. I went up to see the football, because my manager is a good friend and works for Mike Ashley. So he sent his helicopter for us. So we

went to the ground by helicopter, which only took an hour from London and then back the same day, and it was amazing. I can’t believe I’ve been to Newcastle and back in the same day. And then I did a TV programme which will be out Halloween which I can’t tell you what it is because they haven’t announced it yet. But that was starting in Newcastle and then it travelled round. And then today, it’s brilliant’ ‘Mines not quite as glamorous’ replies Lucy’. We’ve got family up here. We have been up a few times to see them but I’ve never done any shows up here. So yeah, I’m excited. Yeah, it’ll be good’. To which Linda says ‘When I’ve toured with shows, you know, as you go up the M1, the audiences get better and better and better. And the further you go down from the M25. Their worse they become’ as she laughs naughtily

again, knowing she’s being wicked again, showing us how much she is going to relish playing the wicked Queen. ‘You know, in London, they sit downs and sort of say right, prove yourself! Whereas up here. They’ve already had a drink, they shout ‘come on lets go for it’, they are well up for it’.

She continues ‘there’s lots of good things up here, we’re gonna have great fun and you know, our family will be able to come and see the show because some of them are local. My husband will be up

and down and Jack, Lucy’s brother will be up down’, so it is safe to say Linda and Lucy are both really looking forward to performing here in the North East.

https://www.playhousewhitleybay. co.uk/events/rescheduled-datechristmas-pantomime-blue-genieentertainment-presents-snowwhite-and-the-seven-dwarfs/.

Tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are already flying out, plus with some great special offers on for teachers and school kids, you really don’t want to leave it too late and miss out on what will be yet another magical panto season at the Playhouse. To book tickets you can either pop along to the Box Office or book online

A big thanks to Linda, Lucy and Steve for signing our charity banner, Gary Telfer and David Kirkland for the invite and finally Limelight Studios for the official press day photos.

When the opportunity arose for local mental health charity, Fine & Dandi, to start sponsoring local talent across the region, it became somewhat of a no-brainer for founder/creator, Steven White, to add his name to that of Spennymoor Town midfielder, Jamie Chandler. Personally I’ve known Jamie, and interviewed him a few times, but not for a while, for best part of a decade, so to interview him for the Fine & Dandi website, I was not going to knock it back – it just became a game of chess between us, as to who was free when – we got there in the end, and the following is what came of that of interview (reprinted with permission, also via https://www.fineanddandi. co.uk/jamie-chandler-i-alsoknew-that-deep-down-i-neededto-talk-to-someone/) In the ever-increasing world of sporting endeavour, whether that be of a professional, or an amateur ilk, collecting a serious injury can often be career-threatening (even worse as we all saw during this past summers’ European Champi-

onship). In our quaint little corner, in Northern England however, Spennymoor Town’s ex-Darlington and Gateshead midfielder, 32-year-old Jamie Chandler, has not once, but twice, experienced such injury and, on both occasions, risen above and made successful returns

from them. It doesn’t always happen that way, as Jamie well knows, in fact, his most recent injury, a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament which was inflicted during a match between Spennymoor, and visitors Brackley Town, in February 2020, came scarily close to ending his playing

career. Fortunately, it didn’t and he’s recovered rather well, but those mental scars that come with, both through this, and his first serious injury, they’ll run deep, as he alludes to here. Jamie’s early footballing career, between 1999 and 2010, saw him on the books with Football League side, Sunderland AFC, going on to make his league debut, in August 2009, against Aldershot, before making his first start, in the

League Cup, against Leeds United a few days later – however, all of that could have gone pear-shaped when he played in the FA Youth Cup. “We were playing against Preston (North End) in the Youth Cup, and I scored in the opening ten minutes,” began Jamie, looking back at those early years. “At that time, I was also training with the first team, and, in that particular game, the ball comes to me, and somehow I’ve come off

worst (not with the ball we’ll just add). “The z-rays that were taken afterwards, at the hospital, they showed a fracture ; it came at the wrong time for me though and I was out for a good six months plus, so, when I did make my return, time had passed me by and I found myself playing catch-up in what was a tough period for young players.” As those who know the pitfalls and successes that come with being a professional athlete, in any sport, a combination of both injury, and being cut-loose by a pro club, can have a long-standing, detrimental effect – the latter most certainly does. In returning from that first injury, the midfielder found himself that far back, that he’d end up moving away from Sunderland, and onto to Darlington, where he’s previously been on loan, they being one of several options on the table. “I had numerous options, Darlington, Hartlepool and Carlisle,

but I already had a good affiliation with the Darlo fans, and I knew some of the players already, which helped a lot,” continued Jamie. “I then moved onto Gateshead where I was fortunate to be part of a really good dressing room; I love going back there and have some good friends that are still at the club.” In 2016, Jamie, who has also won 19 caps as an England Youth International, between 2005-08, make the move to the fast-rising Spennymoor Town, under the erstwhile guidance of Chairman/Owner, Bradley Groves, and their then manager, Jason Ainsley. Since his arrival at the Brewery Field the club have finished in the top eight on each of the past four seasons, promoted to the National League North (via the playoffs) in 2017, before narrowly missing out on promotion, to the National League (via the playoffs), two years later. A global pandemic, and another,

serious injury, have however, threatened Jamie’s career in recent years. “I was out of action, overall, for about 16-18 months,” added Jamie, when discussing his most recent setback. “(Current ‘Moors manager) Tommy (Miller) had made me still feel a part of the day-to-day goings-on at the club, so credit to him for wanting me to be there. “Right now, I’ve played a dozen or so matches since I returned, but at the start of it all, I’d gone from playing every single minute on the pitch, to near two years out – I’d only just said to my wife (Amy Chandler) just prior, as to how well things were going for me. “I owe so much to people like Gavin Cogden, and Andy Oates, and others at the football club, because, without them, I probably wouldn’t be back on the pitch now. “The day that I ruptured my acl, it was something I’d never felt before and, during that game (with

Brackley), once it had happened, I carried on for another five minutes or so, I wanted to give it a go – the ball whizzed past me, and I knew right then, at that moment, that something wasn’t right. “Then covid landed, and my treatment was held up; I did start some light training though, but it soon went again when I was at the beach with my son (Frankie Jnr). “It would be then that I was told that I needed surgery, and some 10-12 months on the sidelines. “That was a crushing blow for me, but I received so much support from the club, my parents, and from my wife – I wouldn’t have got through this, both mentally, and physically, otherwise.” Long-term injury is something which almost certainly affects the mental health of an individual, especially within the world of sport; an acl injury is one which very few athletes have returned from, therefore, recovery and rehabilitation can, and will, play heavily on

the mind. Even after the operation, you’ll just never know as to what the future will hold, and once you’re gripped (mental health-wise) it can also become a long road back. “There were times, yes, a few times, when I’d thought I’d just not even get the operation – I was done,” explained the UEFA A & Elite Youth Level coach. “I’m one of those people who really bottle things up as well, but I also knew that, deep down, I needed to talk to someone, and look at what options were available. “I’ll admit though, there were some dark days, and a lot of doubt behind whether I’d play again. “I read a lot as well (about the type of injury) and it was all negative, so with that I also became a very negative person, to which my Amy would readily vouch for – it was heart-wrenching, and there’d be moments, just little ones, that would just have me bursting into tears.” With that, somebody of Jamie’s calibre, his ilk, and having been a professional footballer, playing at the level he had, in those formative years, the knowledge in which he’d gathered since the turn of the

millennium, it stuck with him; in turn, that became another bugbear throughout the recent, injury and recovery process. “I’ve always had some sort of routine, I’m a routine-freak,” explained Jamie with a giggle. “Everything is the same, so losing all of that, it was really hard for me. “Amy knew that I wasn’t right, and there was a moment, a very real moment, just before I went into hospital for the operation, where she just burst into tears, and it was that moment right there that gave me a wakeup call. “Moving forward though, and to see my little boy at the Brewery Field, that was something else, that is what I am doing all this for.” Now, and with role models all around him, both on and off the football field, and young Frankie Jnr no doubt placing his father into that category, Jamie is thankful for his strong, support network. “Someone like James Curtis is certainly a role model,” added Jamie. “He’s someone I look up to, his loyalty, and someone who has been there and done it all, and still does. “Then you’ve got Brad (Spennymoor supremo, Bradley Groves),

he’s done and still does, so much for this football club. “It’s incredible and he deserves an immense amount of credit. “He’s also done so much for me, and my family; then there’s Jay (ex-manager, Jason Ainsley) who did a great job here and is a very loyal individual – people like those, they’re a rare breed, and do so much behind the scenes. “Because of that, my time here, it’s flown over, and I love it; I love the whole, ‘Moors experience. “And now, in going forward, I just want to be able to enjoy myself, play every game, and I’m proud, and honoured, to be representing Spennymoor Town.” Moors images courtesy of David Nelson (@DJNelsonPhotos https:// twitter.com/DJNelsonPhotos), whilst you can follow Spennymoor Town via @SpennymoorTown https://twitter.com/SpennymoorTown, and Jamie Chandler at @ jamie_chandler4 https://twitter. com/jamie_chandler4

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.

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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 Colin, welcome to NE, can

KUBIX FESTIVAL SUNDERLAND - HERRINGTON PARK SATURDAY 9TH JULY DANCE/ POP DAY AQUA VENGABOYS MORE MAJOR ACTS TO BE ANNOUNCED! Kubix Festival announces the first two acts of their dance pop line up moving this year from a Friday to a Saturday on 9th July – this time it’s also an all-day party! The festival returns to Herrington Park with their best line up yet that includes Aqua and returning for the second consecutive year Vengaboys! More to be announced over the coming months… AQUA: The Danish-Norwegian Europop music group featuring vocalists René Dif and Lene Nystrøm and keyboardist Søren

Rasted are best known for their 1997 multi-platinum crossover single ‘Barbie Girl’. ‘Barbie Girl’ is the first of 3 UK No 1 hits – the others are ‘Doctor Jones’ & ‘Turn Back Time’. The group have sold an estimated 33 million albums and singles, making them the most profitable Danish band ever! aquaofficial.com

‘After the huge success of this year’s festival we are delighted to move the event from a Friday to a Saturday, now as an all dayer, with a stunning line up and a headliner yet to be announced – we promise it will be the best one yet’

VENGABOYS: The Dutch Eurodance pop act features members Kim Sasabone, Denise Post-Van Rijswik, Donny Latupeirissa & Robin Pors. The group had multiple UK hits that included two No 1’s ‘Boom Boom Boom Boom’ and We’re Going to Ibiza’. Other top 10 hits included ‘We Like To Party’ (The Vengabus)’ (No.3), ‘Kiss Where The Sun Don’t Shine’ (No.3), ‘Up & Down’ (No.4), ‘Shalala Lala’ (No. 5) and ‘Uncle John From Jamaica’ (No.6).

TICKET PRESALE LINK: skiddle. com/e/35917211

https://vengaboys.com/

ALEX HUTCHINSON – Operations Director – Kubix Festival

Advance Discount tickets and details at www.kubixfestival. com. htt p s : / / w w w.fa c e b o o k . co m / KubixFestival/ h t t p s : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / K u b i x _ Festival Instagram @KubixFestivals

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)

THUNDER’S DANNY & LUKE HEADING TO THE PLAYHOUSE Surprisingly, it was only in the late eighties that Danny Bowes, Luke Morley etc got together and formed the now iconic rock band that is Thunder; over thirty years on, that pairing of Bowes and Morley are taking to the road, embarking upon a 20 plus date, ‘The First 50 Years’ UK tour, including a stop-off at the Playhouse in Whitley Bay (November 1). Having been around themselves, throughout that of the eighties, thrashing out the sounds as part of those London pop-rockers, Terraplane, it’s certainly been a rollercoaster ride, one which has seen over fifty albums, Thunder’s first being that of ‘Backstreet Sym-

phony,’ release back in 1990. Together however, you have to go back before Thunder in the nineties, and before Terraplane in the eighties, to the childhood, schooldays, of Bowes and Morley, in the seventies, to place the pairing together for the first time – and we’re talking the early seventies mind. “We met way back in ’71, when I had an interview for secondary school at 11-years-old,” explained Danny about what already a hairraising time for the unlikely of pairings. “When I got there (with parents) I was sat opposite this lad who had bright orange hair down past his shoulders; I’d had many a disagreement with my parents prior to going for the interview as they

were constantly having mine cut – they said that this other kid would never get in. “We both got in though and, although we weren’t friend immediately – it honestly took me about four years to get over his hair, it bothered me that much. “One day though, I was round his place, and he had this drum kit – it was on that night in which I decided that I wanted to be a musician, a singer. “At that time, I wasn’t anything, musically, but I talked myself into an audition for the band, and I was given the gig – that in the December of ’75.” Since those early, childhood days, their teenage years, Bowes and Morley have both kept going, and kept themselves involved in the

music scene, in one way or another, up to and including, the formation of Thunder. With Thunder, they’ve just about been, seen, and done it all, whilst keeping themselves firmly planted on, terra firma – you have to really as getting carried away can lead you down a dark and deadly path. “We did all those things that other bands did back in the day (80s and early 90s),” continued Danny. “There was a few albums, and some assumptions, with Terraplane, and we ended up on the reject pile, so we went to America instead, at the start of the metal era, and that’s what brought about Thunder. “We were the British equivalent, but we weren’t at the same time, but we were headlining places pretty quickly, and were ready for it – it was a lively, second chance for us. “There’s been so many highlights though, like opening for Aerosmith in 1989, playing Wembley

with Bon Jovi, Van Halen telling us they’d be glad to go home (that’s a story in itself), Donnington’s Monsters of Rock where I’d lost my voice not long before the show – it was a terrifying experience and became a collective

release of adrenaline beforehand, and then playing the Tokyo Dome with Metallica. “We’ve been very, very lucky though, and we keep delivering, something you can’t really say about every band, but we’ve had a

fantastic time doing it all.” But what about the here and now though? This, after all, is not a ‘Thunder’ gig, far from it, this is just Danny Bowes and Luke Morley tearing things up on stage – no doubt there’ll be some tunes, there’ll be some banter, and of course there’s a meet and greet with their ever loyal fan-base. How that started off though is something else entirely; it wasn’t planned, the best things never really are, it coming about because of happenstance more than anything. “The two-man show actually started as a result of us wanting to inspire teenagers at a school in Kent,” explained Danny. “As a band we spend a lot of time together, laughing, getting on with each other, so doing this, with just me and Ben (Matthews), was a strange experience. “Afterwards, we manager a two year run of it, and had a ball, then Mick Wall (legendary author/journalist) asked if we fancied reprising it, Ben didn’t, but Luke did (external circumstances prevent

Mick Wall from partaking the current tour). “He’d seen what we’d done (he’s even wrote a book about it) and it was very easy, very relaxed; he tries to stick to a script, and we just wreck it, so we’ll have to come up with something else this time around.” Thunder’s Danny and Luke – The First 50 Years, appears at the Whitley Bay Playhouse on Mon-

day 1 November, tickets for which are available from https://www. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/events/ thunder-s-danny-luke-the-first50-years/ Keep up-to-date with all things Thunder via their website https:// www.thunderonline.com/site/ Facebook https://www.facebook. com/thunderonline and Twitter https://twitter.com/thundertowers

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

It’s the only comedy nightEye-Eye-

HERITAGE REVAMP UNDER WAY AS BOLCKOW STATUE TURNS 140 Work is set to start on a major revamp of a key part of Middlesbrough’s historic heart. The news comes as one of the town’s iconic symbols - the statue of legendary ironmaster and founding father Henry Bolckow celebrates its 140th birthday. The figure, also set to benefit from cleaning and repair work, is the centrepiece of Exchange Square in Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter. The Quarter - focused on the Grade II-listed railway station and extending north towards Middlehaven and south towards the town centre - is now benefiting from a £2 million funding boost through Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone programme. Work will get under way later this month when contractor Meldrum Construction Services begins the full £640,000 overhaul of Exchange Square including: Enhancing the look of the square

with hard surface upgrades, trees and planting, new street furniture and better lighting Cleaning and restoring the grade II-listed Henry Bolckow statue Creating inviting spaces where people want to spend time Complementing the architecture and character of the Conservation Area and supporting local businesses The works are set to improve the area’s commercial appeal and create a positive first impression of Middlesbrough for those arriving by rail. The High Street HAZ scheme has also seen local businesses including Kalinka and Spensleys successfully apply for grants of up to £170,000 to help with repairs and restoration of empty or underutilised buildings. Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: “The Historic Quarter is one of the key gateways to Middlesbrough, so it’s hugely important that we make the most of its

huge potential. “The Heritage Action Zone funding will breathe new life into some of our most important historic sites, while ensuring Middlesbrough is ready to fulfil its 21st Century potential.” Maria Carballeira at Historic England, said: “Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter was once the heart of the town’s thriving commercial district and is home to many elegant - but now underused - Victorian buildings. “Through this grant scheme, we can help reinstate the local historic character and revitalise the area, transforming it into an attractive entrance into the town centre and a welcoming place for people to use and enjoy.” To find out more about Middlesbrough’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, email HAZ@middlesbrough.gov.uk

We are all in love with Rona, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier x American Bulldog who is aged 6 weeks in these photos sent in by Laura Jones. Laura contacted us when she was making this rainbow collar and lead made with our rainbow hardware and glitter cotton. When she mentioned she was making it for a puppy she was getting we just had to see for ourselves. To make your own rainbow collar and lead for any size dog you will find the glitter cotton here https://www.bstfabrics.co.uk/100--Cotton-Fabric-Rainbow-1-Glitter-Effect-Horizontal-1 https://www.bstfabrics.co.uk/100--Cotton-Fabric-Rainbow-2-Glitter-Effect-Vertical-1

You will find all of the Rainbow Neo-Chrome items here in different sizes.

We have double the fun now as we have teamed up with Cineworld Boldon and the new Cineworld Dalton Park to give you a quick run down on a few films that are coming soon and really have got us excited. Plus make sure you check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with their daily competitions and updates. Boldon and Dalton Park

Ghostbusters: Afterlife 18 November 2021 Running time: 123 minutes From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan. Cast:

Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, Annie Potts, Paul Rudd, Sigourney Weaver, Bokeem Woodbine, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace

Director: Jason Reitman CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

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.

Eternals 05 November 2021 Running time: 156 minutes

Cast: Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Dong-seok Ma, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry

Director: Chloé Zhao CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

Marvel Studios’ Eternals features an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” an unexpected tragedy forces them out of the shadows to reunite against mankind‘s most ancient enemy, The Deviants. Buy (2D) The Eternals movie tickets and get show times at Cineworld cinemas, on the Cineworld mobile app or online. Discover movie trailers and find out about upcoming movies at www.cineworld. com. Visit a Cineworld cinema near you today.

The Doors: Live At The Bowl ’68 Special Edition 04 November 2021 Running time: 92 minutes

On July 5th, 1968, The Doors lit up the storied stage of the Hollywood Bowl with a legendary performance that is widely considered to be the band’s finest captured on film. Performing on the back of their 3rd album release “Waiting For The Sun” and the US #1 single “Hello, I Love You”, the quartet had been honing their live performances over the previous 2 years and were in absolute peak form. Now, on November 4th, 2021, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Doors final studio album L.A. WOMAN (1971), “The Doors: Live At The Bowl ’68 Special Edition” will transform movie theaters into concert venues, giving Doors fans around the world the closest experience to

being there live alongside Jim Morrison, John Densmore, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger, who stated, “the magic that has been done to enhance the picture and sound quality of this show will make everyone feel as though they have a front row seat at the Hollywood Bowl.” In celebration of L.A. WOMAN, this special event includes a brand-new musical performance and a conversation with John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Doors Manager, Jeff Jampol, filmed exclusively for the big screen. This theatrical “Special Edition” release creates an incinema experience for fans like no other. The film has now been remastered in stunning Dolby ATMOS® (where available) and 5.1 surround sound by Bruce Botnick, the original engineer & mixer for The Doors who recorded the live performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 1968 and co-produced L.A. WOMAN. Meticulously restored from original camera negatives and

remixed and mastered using original multi-track tapes, “The Doors: Live At The Bowl ’68 Special Edition” features the concert in its entirety, including “Hello, I Love You”, “The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)”, “Light My Fire” and “The End”. Cast: Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Jim Morrison Director: Ray Manzarek CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS

The Matrix Resurrections 22 December 2021 Running time: 140 minutes From visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski comes “The Matrix Resurrections,”

the long-awaited fourth film in the groundbreaking franchise that redefined a genre. Buy (2D) The Matrix Resurrections movie tickets and get show times at Cineworld cinemas, on the Cineworld mobile app or online. Discover movie

trailers and find out about upcoming movies at www. cineworld.com. Visit a Cineworld cinema near you today. CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER

Unlimited Card Love Cinema. Join the club from only £9.99 a month. You will receive... Preferential Discounts Unlimited members get 10% off all food and drink bought in-cinema at any time of day, every day!* Plus, you’ll also receive discounts for all nonfilm screenings such as Live Opera in HD, Live National Theatre, Live sport in 3D and live gigs etc. (All discounts subject to terms) Get access to Exclusive advance screenings

As an Unlimited member, you can be among the first to see great movies at our special screenings. Just keep an eye on our Unlimited newsletter for your invitation. Discounted Meals & Shopping Unlimited members benefit from exclusive deals set up by their local cinema*. These offers vary from cinema to cinema, but are a great way to save pennies. (All deals are subject to terms) *Until further notice

Watch as many films as you like Are you mad about movies? Feed your fascination by watching as many films as you like at Cineworld every month from only £9.99. There’s literally no limit to the number of times you can visit! Apply for your card now at www.unlimitedcineworld. com/uk/pages/apply. aspx?step=1 using promo code RAF-63KG-29XM-00SB31WU.

reclaimedradio.com

Master jam maker Rosalind Waugh

MASTER JAM MAKER TO PASS ON SKILLS AT LIVE WELL CLASSES Master jam maker Rosalind Waugh’s tasty creations have landed another top award - and now there’s a chance to learn from the best. The talented chef scooped a coveted 2 Star award in the 2021 national Great Taste Awards - her seventh GTA accolade since 2018. Rosalind’s Larder has seen the Marton Manor resident turn a passion for locally-grown and home-produced jams, chutneys and preserves into a booming enterprise. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced produce, with much of it grown on Rosalind’s own Saltersgill allotment. And would-be creators of tasty treats will soon be able to pick up some of her skills when Rosalind launches a new cookery class at Middlesbrough’s Live Centre. Comments from the GTA judges included: A delightfully fruity aroma and a gorgeous thick, chunky texture. The balance of sweet and sour notes in this jam was amazing, and there was an aromatic

strawberry-forward flavour, with a touch of vegetal, earthy rhubarb to add depth. A really well-made jam with a superb balance of flavours. This jam is a beautiful combination of fruits…a great acidity, tartness and sweetness combine to make for a lovely jam. A wonderfully aromatic jam with a most appealing gloss and dropping consistency. A beautifully realised jam which would be as delightful in a sponge cake as on scones or toast. The Great Taste Awards were launched by the Guild of Fine Foods in 1994 and now attract more than 13,000 entries every year. They’re open to businesses of all sizes, with judges tasting ‘blind’ to ensure the winners are chosen purely on merit. Rosalind said: “Getting a Great Taste Award is not easy, so I was

really delighted to win a 2 Star award this year. “I have always loved sharing my knowledge and skills, firstly as a pioneering radiographer and now as a master preserve maker. “Hosting preserve making classes is a new venture for my business and I am really excited to be able to share my knowledge in making preserves. “The opportunity to use the spacious and well equipped training kitchen in the Live Well Centre in Dundas Arcade was too good to miss, so I can’t wait to get started.” Live Well Centre Manager Kerry Melling said: “The Live Well Centre and Public Health South Tees are pleased to support any new initiative that helps Middlesbrough residents live a happier, healthier lifestyle. “Lots of us have turned to home cooking and baking during the pandemic, but there’s also a real drive to get more people eating healthier, fresher food. “Rosalind’s chutneys and jams are packed with local produce, and her classes will be a great chance for people to learn how to make their own.” For more information contact Rosalind via Facebook at www. facebook.com/rosalindslarder or email rosal09@hotmail.co.uk

COMING TO An Evening with Simon & Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene, Tuesday 10th May 2022. In 2015 Ocean Colour Scene celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a sell-out acoustic tour of some of the most prestigious UK Concert Halls, it was not only their most successful for 15 years, but also their best received, with ecstatic audience reactions every night. Simon and Oscar are continuing the theme in 2022 with a tour of intimate seated venues, the perfect stages for their acoustic performances of all the big hits and anthems, including The Riverboat Song, The Circle, Traveller’s Tune, Hundred Mile High City and The Day We Caught The Train. These shows are the latest chapter in a remarkable career that’s seen OCS rise from Breton shirt-wearing Stone Roses disciples to one of Britpop’s biggest bands (their 1998 arena tour was the biggest by any UK group that year). In their 30 years together, they’ve enjoyed five Top 10 albums, six Top 10 singles and a mantelpiece full of awards. But behind all the swagger and the style were great songs, with words and melodies that found their way into your head and heart. It’s time to hear these songs again, stripped back but every bit as brilliant.

Above: Jeremy McMurray and the Jazz Pocket Orchestra. Below: Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Opposite: Snake Davis Band

MELODIES, LEGENDS AND STARS IN A TRIUMPHANT JAZZ TRIO A trio of jazz greats will be featured at Middlesbrough Town Hall this autumn in a unique line-up of musical evenings to suit all fans. Jeremy McMurray and the Jazz Pocket Orchestra return for another evening of pie, peas and jazz at the Jazz Supper. Playing a range of lyrical melodies and rich harmonies from the Great American Songbook, audiences can indulge in a taste for all their senses with a pie supper from The Greedy Soul.

Ronnie Scott’s world-famous jazz club completes the autumn jazz line-up. Mixing classics from the jazz greats who have performed at the club with tales of its 60 year history, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars is ‘full-on brilliance’ and not to be missed. Jazz Supper is on Wednesday, October 20 and Thursday, Novem-

ber 4. The Snake Davis Band is on Tuesday, October 26. Ronnie Scott’s All Stars is on Saturday, November 20. Tickets for all shows can be booked on www.middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk or via the box office: 01642 729 729.

Next in the line-up is Snake Davis, who has worked with some of the world’s biggest acts including Take That, Lisa Stansfield, The Eurythmics, Tom Jones and M People to name a few. Performing a myriad of classics such as Baker Street and Supertramp, the super saxophonist and his band also reveal fascinating insights and facts into jazz music. Legends and stars have been created there and the celebration of

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

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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).

GOMM PORTRAYS A LITTLE PIECE OF PASSION FLOWER A decade ago a ‘Passion Flower’ blossomed, a life-changing release for Yorkshire musician, Jon Gomm; ten years on, this past September 24/25, and ‘Passion Flower’ has been thrust back into the spotlight. Alongside the re-release of his 2013 album, ‘Secrets Nobody Keeps,’ and an upcoming, sixweek, UK-wide tour, the 44-yearold is readying to kick-start a career, alike most others, that has found itself hampered, in part, by a global pandemic. Although not fully halted that of the Blackpool-born, Yorkshirebred, multi-genre musician, it’s been close enough – last year would be sugar-coated with the release of some new material, arriving in the shape of the new

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album, ‘The Faintest Idea.’ “The highlight of the pandemic, for me anyway, was releasing my new album,” explained Jon. “It was finished, released, but I’ve not had the opportunity in which to tour it. “It’s been really hard though, with

these strange times that we’re going through, but I’m going into this with no real expectations, just ready and wanting to get back out there again.” The tour, which sees Jon begin in Dublin on 1 October, stopping off at places like York and Bristol, Nottingham and Glasgow, Newcastle, and Liverpool, before winding up, on 15 November, on the South Coast, in Brighton. It is a set of dates which sees a conflict, of sorts, between artist and booking agent, often clashing over choice of venue, but they make it work. However, because of what is going on, it’s still something that will perplex even the strongest, greatest of minds. “It’s going to be really weird,” explained Jon. “It’ll be strange, with all the travelling, but I’m ready to get back on

stage, as it’s the only place I can really feel myself, so it affords added excitement as well. “It also means that I can be weird myself again, when I’m up on stage. “As for the booking agent, they always want me to do a lesser number of dates but at larger venues, whereas I want to do the exact opposite. “I’m looking forward to it though (the tour), and it’s in places that I’ve been to before. “I really love this country, it’s beautiful, the people, and the cultures, so I really love playing here. “This’ll all make it emotional as well, when I do start touring; I’m just disappointed there’s places I’m not going that I’d have like to. “ As for Jon’s eternal ‘Passion Flower,’ it brings with it a connection to the iconic Stephen Fry; it was because of Fry that that specific track took on a life of its own, and went viral. “I do owe a lot of thanks to Stephen Fry for what ‘Passion Flower’ became,” delights Jon. “Before I released it, I mentioned that, and a few other tracks, to some music friends, because I’ve always been more attracted to releasing singles than I have albums. “So I did that online, through my fan-base, and some people

thought that ‘Passion Flower’ was ridiculous, with the length of it, so it did become a bit of a shock when it went viral, a few months later. “That was exciting, surreal, and a bit crazy, all at the same time,

so I’ve just continued in the same vein ever since.” Jon Gomm appears at The Cluny, on Halloween (31 October), ticket information and more available via the event page HERE and you can keep up-to-date with all the musicians exploits via his Facebook https://www.facebook. com/jongommofficial and Twitter https://twitter.com/jongomm; or visit his website via https://jongomm.com/ Photos by David Galbraith, Tom Martin and Marek Zawrotny

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Helping Hands at the Skins & Needles Academy

HAIRCUTS ON HAND FOR THE HOMELESS AND THOSE IN NEED

great way to break the ice and people really appreciate them, but it’s about a lot more than that.

Middlesbrough’s Helping Hands are offering free haircuts and other support to those who find themselves homeless or in need.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to talk, and seek the help and support they need in a friendly, non-threatening environment.

The event takes place at the Skins & Needles Academy on Linthorpe Road on the last Sunday of every month.

“They might just want a haircut or a bite to eat, but they can also talk to drug and alcohol counsellors, housing officials, and people who can help them with their finances.

Those who attend are offered a free haircut, hot drinks, food, and advice services. There is also a clothing bank on site for those who need it. Michael Harvey, from Helping Hands, said: “The haircuts are a

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“By opening our doors like this we can make a real difference.” Ngozi Sylvia Ochuba, from Stronger Communities Middlesbrough, attended the event on Sunday (September 26) and was

impressed with the level of support on offer. She was very impressed with the skills of the barbers, the care and attention given to participants,

and how rewarding Michael from Middlesbrough’s Helping Hands, Leah and Dave from Skins & Needles, Tom, another barber, and others, felt the work they were doing was. Dave had brought along his young son, Charlie, who assisted with cleaning up and even tried his hands at a bit of barbering. Ngozi said: “This is a good way of teaching children the act of community service and giving back “ Free haircuts are also available at the Academy every day of the week for people in need. Through offering these, it became apparent that there was a need not just for haircuts, but also for other support and advice services, including the opportunity for vulnerable people to have an easy way to get in touch with the council and other services. Jolande Mace, Middlesbrough Council’s Strategic Cohesion and Migration Manager, said: “This is

the second time that this event has taken place and we look forward to supporting future events. “The dedication of Middlesbrough’s Helping Hands and the Skins & Needles Academy in particular is fantastic and it provides some of the most vulnerable people in our community with a lifeline and access to support.” The next events will take place on Sunday, October 31 and Sunday, November 28. Work has also started on organising a Christmas Special, details to follow.

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NE Online Magazine Issue 53 - Linda Lusardi Panto At The Playhouse

Articles inside

Helping Hands

Jon Gomm

Save The High Street

Playhouse Whitley Bay

Cineworld Round-Up

Jazz Trio

Jamie Chandler Fine N Dandi

Danny & Luke from Thunder

Linda Lusardi at the Playhouse

Revitalising the High Street

NE AOTY 2021 Hayley McKay

Kyle Hughes & Marco Mendoza

Beyond Vinyl Newcastle

Royal British Legion Hebburn