SOUTH TYNESIDE
Hi Dale and welcome to NE, can you introduce yourself to our readers?
So my name is Dale Lincoln from South Shields and I’ve been married nine years on the 6 June 2023 and manage a pub and entertainment venue in South Shields called Armstrong’s Bar, which I love and I am proud of. Next year I turn 40 (not that I look it). I also try to give back to my home town as much as possible by supporting local. I keep giant African land snails as pets and have an amazing family who support everything I do
You are the North East Ambassador for the charity Cancer Is A Drag, tell us a bit more about the charity and what they do?
I’m so proud to be a charity ambassador for Cancer Is a Drag which provides financial support and wellbeing for people living with cancer. As we all know times are so hard at the moment, even more so for people living with cancer who physically can’t work due to no fault of their own but still have bills to pay. This is when our charity helps. Not only that, we do other things as well, like when one of my events paid for
a 12 year old boy to take a trip to Lego Land with his family to get some happy memories and family photos due to him being terminally ill with cancer. So that’s where 100% of your money goes and not to pay people who take a cut like other charities, we are 100% for the people in need.
What do you do as their Charity Ambassador?
I’m the first port of call for anyone in the North East who wants to get involved with the charity, I’m also the main fundraiser in the North East and someone you can talk to regarding the charity.
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How long have you been in the role and how did it come about?
About 10 years, I started off doing a charity night raising around £1000 and carried on from there and then the charity approached me to become their Ambassador here in the North East and I was delighted to accept.
What has been the best moment for you so far as the Charity Ambassador?
The generosity of the community is incredible; they always seem to dig so deep to help this amazing charity.
You have another of you big Cancer Is A Drag Charity nights
coming up at Armstrong’s Bar in South Shields, tell us what people can expect and why they should buy tickets?
Non-stop fun all night including Drag Queens, a DJ, a Burlesque Fire Eater, a Singer, a huge Raffle, Silent auction and lots of fun, just in case I didn’t get that point across. Everyone involved
is doing so for free which means 100% of proceeds goes direct to the charity. It is on Friday the 21st July and tickets are only £6, though they have already proved to be a success selling out fast so be quick if you want some. They are available from the venue direct.
You have some fantastic acts performing, can you tell us who you have and what they will be doing on the night?
We have Dame Darcy Twinkle and Miss Jenna Tills who are two amazing Drag queens. We will also have tunes by DJ Danny to keep everyone dancing all night long. Brit Hylton will be
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entertaining everyone with an incredible Burlesque Fire Show. We will have a live vocalist, but just waiting for confirmation, plus your hosts Baroness Von Camp & Sasha Keyworth.
Away from Cancer Is A Drag, you are also the Events Manager at Armstrong’s Bar in South Shields, tell us a bit more about the role and what events you have coming up?
I am now the General Manager and I plan to take the venue to new heights with live bands, clairvoyance, hypnosis weddings and so much more. So if you have any kind of party or event
get in touch to see how we can help you, plus keep an eye on the events we are hosting. I’m also looking to give the place a welldeserved face lift.
Have you had any events on that have stood out so far, if so why? Our local ADHD children and young adult’s discos have always been a huge success. It is great seeing everyone having such a fun time in a nice safe and relaxed environment.
When you are not hard at work what do you get up to in your free time?
I’m a strong believer of supporting local independent businesses as much as I can, so no rest for the wicked.
Tell us 3 random facts about yourself?
I was an extra in Geordie Shore playing the bar man, I have took flight in a Sea King helicopter and I have abseiled off the Tyne Bridge.
How can people follow you or the bar and keep up to date with any events?
Baroness Von Camp
Entertainment on FB baronessvoncamp@yahoo.com
Armstrong’s Bar on FB Dale.armstrongsbar@gmail.com
How can people get involved with Cancer Is A Drag as a charity or with events?
Contact the Baroness direct at baronessvoncamp@yahoo.com
Is there anything you would like to add?
Just a huge thank you to everyone involved in the event, I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.
Good luck and we will see you at the party.
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20 2022/23 Bay Plastics NortherN FootBall alliaNce camPaigN
Another season, finished; the 133rd year of the Northern Football Alliance League, since its inception, back in 1890, is done with for another summer. One thing that’s stay the same is that the football within, it never disappoints and, in the season just finished, the 202223 campaign, it’s one which saw Bay Plastics Premier Division champions, Brain Smith’s Newcastle Blue Star, threaten the quadruple, but made do with a League and Challenge Cup double.
Other clubs had aspirations of winning that league title, but couldn’t keep up with the Blue Star juggernaut; Dave Malone’s Burradon & New Fordley coming closest, but even they still found themselves a good seven points off the eventual champions.
Trevor Baston’s Wallington side, they won their last four outings to finish third, their highest league position since returning in 1995, and best since winning the league itself, back in 1977 – they have finished fourth a couple of times; whilst Alnwick brought up the rear in fourth place, adding the League Cup to their roll of honour along the way.
In winning a league and cup double, Blue Star manager, Brian Smith, who’s been ably supported by Steve Cuggy and Andy Bowman, said of his sides’
season: “It’s been good and, strangely, I’ve enjoyed it, as I’ve not been at this level since I was what, 19-years-old.
“Every club, manager is the same though, you want to win the league, and you want promotion, it’s why we do this.
“But there’s also a really good quality of club, player at this level, the likes of Burradon & New Fordley, Wallington, Alnwick Town, they’ve done great themselves.
“Our remit though, it was to win the title, and if we could it all, then great.”
Some mixed results for Blue Star, exit in the League Cup, and defeat against Newcastle Independent in the Benevolent Bowl final, didn’t dampen the season over
Scotswood, and for Smith and his charges, they’ve just carried on doing what they do.
“Both sides in the Benevolent Bowl weren’t very good that night,” admitted Smith.
“They got the goal, and that’s what won it; we didn’t deserve to though as we played poor, whereas in the Challenge Cup, against Seaton Delaval (the first of their two trophies), we just blew them away early on.
“We were at our very best in the opening twenty minutes, probably the best we’ve played this season, but there’s been some tough games as well for us – Burradon and Alnwick spring to mind.
“Our mind-set though, is to win everything and, next season
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(where they’ll play Northern League football), I know we’ll need a bigger squad, but it’s the same again.
“Promotion was the remit this season, and it’s the same next, along with progress in the FA Vase, and Northumberland Senior Cup; we know it’ll be difficult, but we’ll get through each as they come.”
Elsewhere in the league, the three other divisions were won by Stobswood Welfare (Reeves Independent First Division), Ponteland United Reserves (Team Valley Carpets Second Division), and Hazlerigg Victory (Bluefin Sports Insurance Third Division).
Stefan Townsley’s Stobswood won the First by some thirteen points from eventual runners-up, West Moor & Jesmond to record back-to-back championships, and with it, consecutive promotions; the end of season form for Welfare, who’ve put together an unbeaten run of seven matches to close off the campaign, saw Max Anderson amongst the division’s top scorers with 22 goals, just three behind West Moor’s Marc Cowley, and level with East End’s Lewis Laidler. Ponteland Reserves, the second string for the leagues’ Premier Division side, ably led by Alex Martin, took this seasons’ Second Division by storm. In finishing the campaign they racked up a ten-match unbeaten run, and were pretty much wrapped up in the season, with
the title, before others got anywhere near them, finally finishing nine points ahead of runners-up, Newcastle University A.
As for the Third, that’s been a somewhat tighter affair with, going into the final weeks of the season, any one from four sides, could have still succeeded; eventually it was to be Mark Bullock and his Hazlerigg Victory charges who snuck ahead at the last to win on goal-difference, from runners-up, Benton. The other cup competitions, and with Blue Star lifting the Premier Division’s Challenge Cup, eventually, with a 3-0 win over Seaton Delaval, in late March (Daniel Lanning brace and Craig McFarlane scoring), all provided value for money.
Newcastle East End defeated
West Moor & Jesmond for the Combination Cup, on penalties, following a 2-2 draw; North Sunderland edged Blyth Town U23s 2-1 in the Amateur Cup, whist Hazlerigg Victory came from three goals down at the break, to snatch a last-gasp, 4-3 win, in a seven-goal thriller against Ashington Reserves, in the Neville Cowey Cup.
The leagues’ George Dobbins, and Bill Gardner competitions went to Premier Division outfit, Alnwick Town, and Second Division Morpeth FC, respectively; Alnwick eventually swamping a brave Burradon & New Fordley, 5-2, at Blyth Town with goals from Martin Roper, Luke Molloy, George Hedley, Scott Shepherd and Lewis Fairbairn, the Ford’s replies via Stephen Hall and Lee Waugh, whilst Morpeth edged Third Division Wallsend Boys Club U23s 2-0, at Percy Main, thanks to goals from Zac Benjamin, ten minutes before the break, and a last minute second, from Will Pritchard.
Victory in the League Cup final was Alnwick’s first success in some fourteen years, the season in which they defeated Newcastle East End to lift the old, Subsidiary Cup, the pre-cursor to the Bill Gardner.
At Blyth, Alnwick led by just the one at the break, Martin Roper netting early on after Dominic Hayes had an early effort disallowed for offside. Burradon though, levelled upon
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the restart through Stephen Hall as, following a cagey first half, the second period completely opened up. Within the space of five minutes Town quickly found themselves 3-1 ahead when Luke Molloy headed home the second, and George Hedley fired the third into the bottom corner.
Lee Waugh, who else, kept the Ford in it with their second goal with twenty remaining, but, in the closing stages, Town wrapped up the win; Scott Shepherd grabbed a fourth, with Lewis Fairbairn wrapping up the win at the death, sealing a 5-2 win. Town boss, Richie Latimer, said of the final success: “The cup runs have been a welcome distraction, especially having not starting the season well. “To have something to play for, at the end of a campaign, it also helped us with our run-in in the league,” where they finished in a very credible, fourth place, and just four points off second place Wallington.
“These cup finals, they’re always tense affairs,” continued Latimer. “The lads were tired, but excited, and we grew into the game - we controlled the first half and our tactics worked well.
“In the second half they had to go for it, they equalised, then we got a couple, then Lee Waugh kept them in it, but we kept going and deserved the win in the end. “They put in a great performance and did the job asked of them on the night; it was reward for
everyone involved at the club this season.”
LEAGUE CUP FINAL LINE-UPS: ALNWICK TOWN – Matthew Alexander, Jordan Dobie, Joe Eggleston, Scott Shepherd, Lee Johnson, Dominic Hayes, George Hedley, Marc Jacques, Martin Roper, Luke Molloy, Brannon Patterson
BURRADON & NEW FORDLEY – Thomas Shanley, Alistair Stoddart, Matthew Tumilty, Jon Best, Harry Sawyer, Joe Besford, David Mason, Scott Bamborough, Stephen Hall, Lee Waugh, Sean McRoberts
Then there was the County Cup competitions, Northumberland FA, with both the Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) Benevolent Bowl and Stelrad Minor Cup, and Durham FA, with the Trophy as Newcastle Independent, Newcastle University A, and Winlaton Community, all tasted success. In the Benny Bowl, Michael Hughes’ Independent left it late, very late, before defeating league champions, Newcastle Blue Star, 1-0, in late April; Independent would finish the game with ten men following the dismissal of Matthew Bowles and, with the
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game looking like it was heading to penalties, Harvey Walsh popped up with a stoppage time winner.
BENEVOLENT BOWL FINAL LINEUPS: NEWCASTLE BLUE STAR –Sean McAfferty, Jack Donnison, Marc Lancaster, Gary Ormston, Curtis Coppen, Euan Anderson, Craig McFarlane, Owen Gourley, Daniel Lanning, Aaron Willoughby, Nelson Ogbewe
NEWCASTLE INDEPENDENT –Charlie Murphy, Jermaine Metz, Rhys Groves, Elliott Watson, Jordan Lavender, Matthew Bowles, Dan Bennett, Rhys Hutchinson, Henry Harvey, Wilson Kneeshaw, Harvey Walsh
The Minor Cup though was seemingly, one-way traffic for the victors, Newcastle University A; their opponents, Daniel Baxter’s North Shields Community Christians, created history in
reaching this stage, but it was to be one game too far for the North East Christian Fellowship League side.
The Uni’s second string, managed by Andy Jarman, led by two at the break, Will Corner, and a Harry Pounds penalty, with their first goals of the contest; after the restart, the floodgates opened and, once Pounds got his second ten minutes in, the outcome was only going one way.
A quick-fire brace from Chris Pearson, as the game headed into the final twenty, had the Uni five goals to the good, before two further, late efforts were registered; Corner adding his second, and Ollie Healey completing the rout with a late seventh.
Uni manager, Andy Jarman, said afterwards: “We’ve had some 50+ games this season,
counting both Alliance, and Uni Wednesday’s.
“However, we’ve got a string, three teams in which to choose from as well, so it’s great that they were rewarded with something to play for at the end of the season.
“The start of the season, that’s what really killed it for us and I honestly believe we’d have won the division if we were at full strength, so it was quite an achievement to do what we did.
“In the Minor Cup, once we’d beaten North Sunderland, who’s our bogey team, we started to feel we could win it.
“Chemfica Amateurs, they always give us a tough game, and Wideopen, we’ve played against them a few times and they’re always tight, so I changed our formation which confused them I feel.
“Then, against East End, we deserved to win that and could have been out of sight at one point; their scoring a penalty kept them in it but, with it going to penalties, we’d actually been practising all week for that eventuality.
“As for the final, I’d spoken to both Rothbury, and Willington Quay, because sides have underestimated them in the past.
“I’d also watched them a few times and, to be honest, they couldn’t cope with the pitch size,
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which helped us.
“We hit the woodwork several times, and their ‘keeper made some great saves, but we just played our game, and they respected us for doing that. “I mean, looking back, I was quite nervous in the week building up to the final, but then, I’m always like that really.”
MINOR CUP FINAL LINE-UPS: NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY A –Richard Birtwhistle, Jay Harris, Luke Simpson, Evan Griffiths, Jack McGee, Daniel Gavaghan, Will Corner, Harry Pounds, Chris Pearson, Matthew Foster, Mbako Chalashika
NORTH SHIELDS COMMUNITY
CHRISTIANS – Michael Richardson, Nathan Allen, Luke Parker, Conor Higgins, Dwayne Murray, Alan Ewart, Ben Senior, Michael Hogg, Adrian Wood, Robert Watson, Steven Thomson
Meanwhile, in the Durham FA Trophy, then-manager Danny Olsen’s Winlaton Community, having endured a torrid season to finish second bottom in the Premier Division, succeeded having won every game, including the final, on penalties. Opposing the Wearside League’s Darlington Town, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, back in late March, Daniel Candlish with a goal for the Community, with a little over twenty minutes remaining whilst shot-stopper Ricardo Mendonca
made himself a hero with his penalty heroics, the Alliance side taking the trophy, 5-4 one penalties.
Catching up with their now, former manager, he said of the season, and their lifting silverware, that: “We kind of has the feeling that our name was on the cup, especially when winning each of the previous rounds on penalties.
“There was a couple of times we looked like we were going out, especially against FC Hartlepool, in the semis, when we went a goal down.
“We had a stonewall penalty rejected in that game as well, before we equalised in the last minute.
“It’s unbelievable what we’ve achieved though; Darlington, they’re a really good side and do everything right.
“We had great prep for the final and we’re still in it at half-time; Dan Candlish then put away an easy chance before they equalised what, ten minutes later, then we both battered each other in the closing and both had chances to win it.
“Then, in the shoot-out, we missed a big penalty, and next you know, its sudden death and we needed someone to step up and our 17-year-old, Ethan Havery; I’ve never seen a better penalty, it’s so natural the way
he strikes a ball, and sent their ‘keeper the wrong way.”
Olson and company only arrived at Winlaton in October, at which time the club were close to being cut adrift at the foot of the Premier Division; it’s been a tough season, but, winning a cup for them did put a silver lining on what has been a turbulent season at the club.
“We did lose a good, five players, for most of the season through injury,” explained Olson.
“The one’s we lost, that’s a good fifty plus goals we’d lost until the closing months.
“We were bottom with only six points when we started, and there were times we just never turned up, horrible on the pitch, but the final, it was a great night and I’ll not take anything away from the club, its players, and the fans, they all deserved that success.”
TROPHY FINAL LINE-UPS: DARLINGTON TOWN – Cameron Hall, Cameron Holliday, Karl Hewitt, Ryan Coles, Ellis Husband, Sam England, Jim Wilson, Brennan Fitzpatrick, Lee Hastie, Ben Wood, James Beauchamp
WINLATON COMMUNITY –Ricardo Mendonca, Kieran Barker, Steven Tumelty, Jordan Plunkett, Adam Edgar, Kyle Wharton, Taylor Havery, David Backhouse, Daniel Candlish, Dean Hendry, Samuel Brhame
Now, it’s all systems go for next
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season, the 2023-24 campaign, where, as always, it never stops, the league should be back up to a full complement of clubs (64), across all four divisions, and everyone starts with that clean slate as the hunt for silverware begins again.
In the next issue of NE Online Magazine, alongside the preview of the new season, we’ll catch up with Alnwick Town’s Richie Latimer, and the Wallington manager, Trevor Baston, two sides looking to better themselves again, and maybe make a run for another league title (it’s been a while with both), as well as catching up with the sides that have been promoted to the top division, getting their thoughts on what’ll then be last season, and this season.
Images courtesy of Wilson on the Photography (Tara Wilson), BC Photography (Ben Cuthbertson), and Winlaton Community; keep up-to-date with all in the Northern Football Alliance League via their socials, on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ northernalliance2019 and Twitter https://twitter.com/ nfalliance1890; and the league website https://www. northernfootballalliance.org.uk/
NB – IN ADDITION, AND AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON, THE NFAL IS LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING –SPOSNORS FOR CUP COMPETITIONS FOR THE 2023-24 SEASON ONWARDS, AND, THREE, INDEPENDENT PERSONS TO JOIN THE LEAGUE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (NOT CONNECTED TO A MEMBER CLUB), THIS WILL BE IN THE ROLES OF TWO FIXTURE SECRETARIES, AND ONE ASSISTANT REGISTRATIONS SECRETARY. INTERESTED PARTIES TO EMAIL LEAGUE SECRETARY, MR DEREK BOOTH, ASAP, VIA secretarynfal@aol.com
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It was a long time in coming, but it was well worth the wait to finally see Monopoly Events bring Comic Con North East to Newcastle. Bringing their trademark mix of great props and big guests…and they didn’t disappoint. They brought geek
royalty in the form of Nick Frost, James Masters, Noah Hathaway, Colin Baker, Peter Davidson, Paul McGann, Ross Marquand, Sean Pertwee and more, though the biggest guest was having real life Superhero Milo in attendance, something we didn’t
think would happen at the start of the year.
Full props has to go to Monopoly Events as they have really went above and beyond to help support Milo and his family, not only with giving away an awe -
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some prize of photos with every single guest, but also a few tables to sell their handmade items, plus Milo was made a guest of honour so everyone in attendance got to meet Milo and have their photo taken with him. A big thank you has to go to Kerry from The Geek Asylum for making a lot of the above
happen, her work behind the scenes has been incredible, plus all money made on the GA Tombola went to Our Milo. Lastly another thanks to The North East Legion who not only collected on the day but also gave their display tables away to Our Milo so they could sell even more of their incredible hand -
made items. Thanks to everyone above and the generosity of the comic con attendees, Our Milo raised £4,054.08 and counting, which is an amazing amount that will go towards the adaptive caravan that Milo and his family are fundraising for.
The success of the comic con as
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a whole rests on the fans and how much they get behind the event. For a first event it has obviously had to get over a few bumps in the road, but the feedback and the comments afterwards have all been very positive, so much so that Comic Con North East will indeed be back,
so get the 13th & 14th April 2024 in your diary, in fact tickets are on sale now at https://www. comicconventionnortheast. co.uk/
A big part of any Comic Con is of course the fans. The people who spend their hard earned
cash on tickets, who go all out with their costumes, who bring their favourite characters and fandoms to life, so we of course want to show them off. We can’t share every single photo sadly (that would fill a full issue itself – though maybe next year we could do a CCNE Special Issue
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if Monopoly Events would like us to, we have ideas for it). So we have asked people to send in one or two of their favourite photos from the day so we can show them off and show exactly what people that didn’t attend missed out on.
To keep up to date with Comic Con North East https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1563571614083440
https://www.comicconventionnortheast.co.uk/
For Our Milo https://www.facebook.com/Milothesoldier
https://missionmilo.co.uk/
For The Geek Asylum https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1488907078027699
The North East Legion https:// www.facebook.com/northeastlegionuk
http://www.northeastlegion. co.uk/
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“The beautiful thing was the music in which we created, they’re my babies.” Tunde Baiyewu, April 2023
Performing a repertoire of both his own, solo music, and that of the legendary, Tyneside duo, Lighthouse Family, Tunde Baiyewu is heading out on tour once again.
Now as a solo artist, the man forever known as being ‘the voice of Lighthouse Family’ is taking in seventeen dates on what is known as ‘The Awake Tour,’ two of which are right here in the north-east. The Tyne Theatre, Newcastle –where else, will see those iconic tunes float across Geordie air once again on the 13 June, then, ten days later, he heads across to Teesside to play at the Stockton ARC on the 23 June.
It’s a tour, and new music, that has been sometime in the making, the latter initially shelved due to Lighthouse Family commitments, and the former, due to global is-
sues of recent years. For Tunde though, it’s music that’s been his lifeblood, music that’s kept him going, and music that the now 55-year-old continues to produce for the ever-adoring masses.
But, how did all begin, with Lighthouse Family, and for Tunde, and his then musical partner-in-crime, Paul Tucker; well, it started when they were at university, pursuing,
especially in Tunde’s case, completely different career paths.
“I was working in Presidents, on the Bigg Market, and Paul was down on the Quayside,” began Tunde, looking back on those early days of one the greatest acts of the 1990s, and beyond.
“We just did it for some extra cash whilst we were at university, to supplement our studies.
“Wayne McDonald, who’s a Radio DJ, introduced us to each other as I’d done a few things with him and, at the time, Paul had started writing some tracks and needed a vocalist for them.
“In those early days, we’d be in the studio, just chatting away, making our music.
“But we never thought that it would become what it did; that was a real bonus for us.
“Then things, they just gathered momentum; I was reluctant at first as I’d just graduated from university (Tunde earned a degree in Accounting), but, if you’re going
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to do something like this, you just have to go for it.
“The people, they wanted to buy our music, having heard the tracks being played on Radio One, and that’s when things just went completely ballistic – I’d been doing some temp work in accounting at the time, but I just really loved music, I still do.
“I’ve always been singing, even from when I was little, with the hairbrush in front of the mirror, that kind of thing.
“And people, they do encourage you along the way, telling you not to stop and to just, keep on going; it’s a stamp of approval, something which you need in music, so that’s what we did.”
There were some really heady days for Tunde and Paul, from the early nineties to early noughties, with ‘Ocean Drive’ (1995) quickly followed by ‘Postcards from Heaven’ (1997), then ‘Whatever Gets You Through the Day’ (2001) giving fans hit after hit.
The singles, they just rolled off the tongue, and where many a persons’ track to their summers, be it the opening two hits of Lifted and Ocean Drive, through High, Lost in Space, Postcard from heaven, the music was just endless beauty.
A ‘Greatest Hits’ album was released in 2002, and a ‘Very Best Of,’ a year later, followed by ‘Blue Sky in Your Head’ (2019) but the fans, they continued wanting more, and more.
Tunde though, although he has that Accounting degree, has never really looked back once he’d made that first, successful step into the world of music.
He’s released two solo albums of his own, with a third, imminent; a self-titled release in late 2004 was followed near a decade later by ‘Diamond in a Rock; (2013), as well as finding time for the ITV documentary, ‘Faith in Music,’ in late 2006, the love has been unabated for him.
His inspirations have included
the likes of Sir Elton John, Bill Withers, Van Morrison et al, and, although it’s twenty years next year since his debut, solo release, and continuing to work with Mike Peden (producer for the Lighthouse Family), the split of that duo, was perhaps, in a way, ex-
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pected, because of things happening elsewhere in the world.
“My philosophy is that nothing last forever,” continued Tunde.
“There’s always a beginning and an end; you can romanticize things, go through the sweet spots, but the people, they’ll always want you
to continue.
“However, it’s always a case of it being the right time.
“I’ve always loved solo work, and working with Sony/RCA Records, it’s been great for me.
“Doing this now, it’s nothing new for me.
“I’ve been fortunate as well, really lucky, with all that’s happened in life.
“I never really did anything with my debut solo album, but everything falls on yourself to do things.
“When you’re a soloist it’s how you want to do things, the music, the media, it’s all my decision, and that suits me fine.”
Decisions, whether big or small, are a part of life, everyone’s, and the decision to split from the Lighthouse Family, and go it alone, was hard on so many people.
It’s still rather fresh as well, but, credit to Tunde, he’s re-booted himself and continues unabated with the music he knows and
loves, even taking some of it back to his roots.
“I know how much work goes into things, and a lot of people contributed to, sometimes, more than one element,” explained the iconic musician.
“For me though, and for my own mental health more than anything, it was time in which to step off the train – you do actually realise you need to do these things and it’s not a new thing at all.
“When lockdown happened (March 2020), Lighthouse Family had just finished a UK tour, and the South African one had been cancelled.
“I then did a ‘Giants of Soul’ tour last year, somewhat tentatively, but this one though, right now, it’s been on the back-burner for some time.
“I guess I was fortunate really as I actually made the upcoming album around seven years ago.
“That was due to my having itchy fingers between Lighthouse Fam-
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ily albums and Mike (Peden) invited me out to Brooklyn, New York, and I spent a month there making it.
“Then Lighthouse Family made another album, so we held off on the solo project.
“Coming back to it though, it just needed to be freshened up a little, add some things to it, albeit remotely, which we were forced to accept.
“That was difficult to begin with
but you accept it and you do whatever works, you find a way to make things happen.
“And now (without spoiling) on the record, I had the opportunity to work with other, African artists, which was truly amazing, and it’s because of covid those doors were opened, a collaborative effort. “So, listening to it back, it does really sound like we’re all together on it, so the album has really benefitted because of that.”
A whole new set of music, inspired by that of the Tundeinspired 1970s, sees the voice of, alongside the producer of, preparing to bring forth a selection of troubadour-influenced music for the masses to adore.
Now, it’s tour time once again, with Tunde having begun in Cardiff in late-May, by the time he returns ‘home’ to the north-east, in mid-June, he’ll be more than half-way through the tour, finishing at the Manchester Band on the Wall on 24 June.
“This tour, I’m really looking forward to it,” beamed Tunde.
“It’s more of an intimate one and I really like that, it being similar to my early, solo tours really.
“Going out there, on the road again, it’s great, and I’m so looking forward to doing things that I’m able to do myself, including Blenheim Palace (Nocturne Live) with Gregory Porter and Emeli Sande, especially as I’m already touring anyway.”
Tickets for Tunde’s ‘The Awake Tour’ can be purchased via individual venues, or from his website at https://www.tundeb.com/live and you can keep up-to-date with everything via his socials on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ TundeBaiyewu and Twitter https:// twitter.com/Tunde_Baiyewu
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If there’s one thing we have always loved doing, its making a child’s day, giving them the chance to meet their heroes…or in this case villains! Seeing their face when they meet someone like Ursula, from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. When the child still believes in the magic and thinks they are meeting the ACTUAL Ursula…well, that is
just priceless and makes you smile the biggest ever smile because you just got to witness that magic. A big thank you has to go to Kerry AK from The Geek Asylum who gave up her time to join us at Cineworld Boldon for the opening day of The Little Mermaid, not only did she look amazing as Ursula, but she put on a real show for
the kids bringing the Sea Witch to life, scaring some of the kids… and even the adults, especially when she threatened to steal their voices. Such a magical afternoon.
Next up we have Indiana Jones there on Saturday 1st of July 11am-1pm so make sure you get yourselves down for that one!
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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
The Flash Release date: 14 June 2023
Running time: 144 minutes
Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life.
But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
Cast:
Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, Ron Livingston, Ezra Miller, Antje
Director: Andy Muschietti
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
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Traue, Maribel Verdú, Sasha Calle, Kiersey Clemons
Strays
Release date: 09 June 2023
Running time: 93 minutes
They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but what if the man is a total dirtbag? In that case, it might be time for some sweet revenge, doggy style. When Reggie (Will Ferrell), a naïve, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier, is abandoned on the mean city streets by his lowlife owner, Doug (Will Forte; The Last Man on Earth, Nebraska), Reggie is certain that his beloved owner would never leave him on purpose. But once Reggie falls in with a fasttalking, foul-mouthed Boston Terrier named Bug (Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx), a stray who loves his freedom and
believes that owners are for suckers, Reggie finally realizes he was in a toxic relationship and begins to see Doug for the heartless sleazeball that he is. Determined to seek revenge, Reggie, Bug and Bug’s pals— Maggie (Isla Fisher; Now You See Me, Wedding Crashers), a smart Australian Shepherd who has been sidelined by her owner’s new puppy, and Hunter (Randall Park; Always Be My Maybe, Aquaman), an
anxious Great Dane who’s stressed out by his work as an emotional support animal—together hatch a plan and embark on an epic adventure to help Reggie find his way home … and make Doug pay by biting off the appendage he loves the most. (Hint: It’s not his foot).
Director: Josh Greenbaum
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
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Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Release date: 28 June 2023
Running time: 154 minutes
Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist in the highly anticipated fifth installment of the iconic “Indiana Jones” franchise, which is directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Logan”). Starring along with Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), John RhysDavies (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”), Shaunette Renee Wilson (“Black Panther”), Thomas Kretschmann (“Das Boot”), Toby Jones (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Oliver Richters (“Black Widow”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”). Directed by James Mangold, the film is produced by Kathleen
Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981, is once again composing the score.
Cast:Antonio Banderas, Harrison
Ford, Boyd Holbrook, Toby Jones, Thomas Kretschmann, Mads Mikkelsen, John RhysDavies, Shaunette Renee Wilson, Oliver Richters, Ethann Isidore, Phoebe Waller-Bridge Director: James Mangold
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CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
Mission : Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
Release date: 11 July 2023
Running time: 165 minutes
In Mission: Impossible –Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls
into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.
Cast:Hayley Atwell, Tom
Cruise, Henry Czerny, Cary Elwes, Esai Morales, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Indira Varma, Rebecca Ferguson, Mark Gatiss, Vanessa Kirby, Frederick Schmidt, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Rob Delaney, Charles Parnell, Greg Tarzan Davis Director: Christopher McQuarrie
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
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It’s been rather quiet, readingwise, since my last column – focus has been a little wayward due to the end of the football season, and all the work in which that entails. I recall that I may well have alluded to the book that I’d just started prior to penning my last, so, other than that, there’s only really been one other book read – I don’t know what’s come over, just two books, fortunately, I’m not ill, just a little run down maybe with all that’s going on in life. There’s been a few (too many) purchases, I’m like that, but I have downgraded quite a bit earlier this year as well, well that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
So, what I have I read, I hear you asking yourselves?
Well a rather interesting paperback, close to 500 pages as well, in John Lutz’s ‘Frenzy,’ something
which Harland Coben says that he “knows how to make you shiver.”
It’s a deadly game of cat-andmouse between New York’s finest, and a sadistic serial killer with a past he’s dragged through life; the main detective, Frank Quinn, has crossed paths with this nemesis, known as D.O.A, before, the killer
evading capture, and now he’s back for round two.
Everyone is at risk, the killer, he has a type, but he’s also got a thing for Quinn, and those closest to him – a killer with a grudge! There’s many twists and turns, some shocking moments, and it’ll keep your heartrate pulsing. One of those moments, involving the serial killer, is when he abducts a victim, drives into the wilds at night to finish her off, she tries to escape, knocks herself out cold, and comes around to find she’s not alone – let’s just it wasn’t the killer her got her, but something more, slithery….
I suppose something slithery brings it nicely onto the other book I’ve read, and something way out of the usual read as well. My grandmother passed away last year; the remaining family history
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joined that of her beloved husband – I’ve quite a bit now, going back well over a century just of their own belongings. I even took possession of just a handful of books that were of interest.
What I hadn’t seen, and hadn’t surfaced until we finished clearing the house out in early-mid April, was the book I’ve not long since finished reading.
It was a David Attenborough – I did say it was outside my usual reads.
Now, for those that had read other content by myself may well remember my talking about when I was a mere lad, and holidays to my Nanas/Dads (my parents split when I was two). The local library was pretty much my first port of
call, every holiday, and I would, most the time, be sat watching wildlife documentaries, taking notes, then I’d be writing stories at the dining room table afterwards. Don’t worry, I’ve not dine that for a good few years, I can’t get back up off the floor anyway haha; anyway, this book was a hark back to those olden days, and it still the ‘ye olde smell’ to it – the book was published in the late 1950s so it’s already more than six decades old.
The book I’m talking about is Attenborough’s 2-in-1 from 1959, ‘Zoo Quest For A Dragon,’ and ‘Quest For The Paradise Birds,’ the former of which really interested me most as I’ve had a passing interesting in the subject of it, that of the Komodo Dragon.
Attenborough tells of the struggles, and the joys, of doing what he’s now universally known for doing, back in the early days of his natural world research, not just from leaving England, but gaining access to other, then lesser known, countries and continents; traveling to where, at the time, few from the ‘western world’ had even been. He tells the tales of both peoples, and the wildlife, of these far off lands, and tells it how it was, through his own eyes.
It took a lot for them back then to get to the Islands of Komodo, the
land of the dragons, a prehistoric lizard that has withstood the test of time, a modern day dinosaur if you will, that survives to this day. They say that seeing/reading, is believing and, in all honest, if you’re into that sort thing, then it’s a must read; both books are in honesty, with the second telling of a secondary trip, this time to find the Paradise Birds. Again, the peoples of far off lands, and their ways of life are told, in some detail, how they live and survive, how they court a partner, and so on; the birds, many a wondrous kind, are also detailed, as Attenborough, perhaps a real-life Indiana Jones, but with a differing purpose, began his own journey of fame and glory.
I do have other wildlife books from years gone by, that I’m now more tempted to dive into, so, who knows….. For now though, there’s other things still on my mind, family history being one which is very much bubbling away at the forefront, but that my friends, is another story (it will be).
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Books by the Beach; Scarborough, books, the seaside, what’s not to love from this, 10th Anniversary event, this coming weekend. A plethora of authors, across numerous genres, will descend on Scarborough this coming weekend, event organisers also adding a bonus run meaning the occasion now runs from the 9-11 June.
Art historian and broadcaster, James Fox, is seen to kick proceedings off on the 9 June, with his ‘World According to Colour’ at the Queen Street Church, the BBC presenter taking a look at the world through that of history and art, exploration and science. Saturday’s proceedings kickoff early, with some murder and suspense, courtesy of Luke Jennings, with Gerry
Foley the creator/author of the critically acclaimed, Killing Eve, whilst also introducing he is next masterpiece #PANIC; and from there literature lovers can, in the early afternoon, head into the wonderful world of Bridgerton, with playwright, novelist, and
Regency expert, Catherine Curzon, hosted by patron, Helen Boaden.
Gerry Foley has a busy afternoon ahead of him when he chats with Maureen Fry, an international bestselling author who’s fictional masterpiece, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry,
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was just released as a film, whilst also discussing her latest offering, Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North; it’s then back onto the crime beat for the evening as Foley chats to Alan Johnson, about the memoirs, and the novels, penned by the former Home Secretary. Sandwiched between those is the early evening trip to the seaside itself, well a couple of them in fact, as Ms. Boaden offers up Madeleine Bunting, the journalist and author taking us too, quite literally, The Seaside, from Scarborough to Morecambe.
FRIDAY 9 JUNE (19:00)JAMES FOX ‘The World According To Colour’
SATURDAY 10 JUNE (10:30) – LUKE JENNINGS
‘Explosive Thrillers’ –(13:00) CATHERINE CURZON
‘The World of Bridgerton’ – (15:00) RACHEL JOYCE
‘Fantastic Fiction’ – (17:00)
MADELEINE BUNTING ‘The Seaside’ - (19:30) ALAN
JOHNSON ‘Crime Time’
Heather French, the Festival Director, said in the welcome brochure: “We are proud to celebrate our tenth book festival in Scarborough.
“This year’s programme offers a sparkling variety of fact and fiction. To launch our festival we have a wonderful bonus event on Friday 9th June – don’t miss it!
“HUGE THANKS to our visiting writers, hosts, sponsors, partners, volunteers, audiences and our super festival patronHelen Boaden.”
The final day, and it being a Sunday, then it’s up with the larks, and a visit with the Reverend as Gerry Foley chats to Rev. Fergus ButlerGallie, a former minister of both Liverpool, and Central London, and talk about his new memoirs, Touching Cloth; Foley then brings the afternoon about in conversation with The Orchid Outlaw, Ben Jacob. Helen Boaden takes the final two sessions of the weekend with Sunday afternoon and early evening delights; first she has a beautiful, doubleheader in which to contend with, and The Power of Love with that of Jenny Colgan and Linda Green, the former, a Sunday Times bestseller, chats about her new release, The Summer Skies, whilst
the latter, having penned numerous novels, discusses her latest In Little Stars. She then closes the literary weekend with The Full English, the new release from Stuart Maconie who takes readers the length and breadth of the country, armed with his companion, JB Priestley’s English Journey (1934 study of a contemporary England).
SUNDAY 11 JUNE (10:30)
REV. FERGUS BUTLERGALLIE ‘Touching Cloth’ – (13:00) BEN JACOB ‘The Orchid Outlaw’ – (15:00)
JENNY COLGAN & LINDA GREEN ‘The Power of Love’ – (17:00) STUART MACONIE
‘The Full English’
ALL TALKS ARE £10 AND TAKE PLACE AT THE QUEEN STREET CHURCH (CHECK EVENT TIMES AS LATE ADMITTANCE NOT PERMITTED)
For information, booking details etc, of Books by the Beach 2023, visit their website https:// www.booksbythebeach. co.uk/ and follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/ scarboroughbook
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IT’S BACK!
Teesside’s The Gathering Sounds Festival announces first-wave of acts
The one-day music event gears up for its hotly anticipated return to Stockton this September
The Gathering Sounds Festival has announced its return to Teesside this autumn with an impressive line-up of artists and plans to continue its legacy of bringing local talent and national acts to the mainstage within the North East of England.
Following on from another homerun year post-Covid, the much-loved all-day festival is preparing for its fifth instalment at KU Stockton on Saturday September 30th, where the venue will play host to some of the best and brightest emerging artists from across the UK, including the high rising North East star Andrew Cushin.
Taking its cues from festivals like The Great Escape in Brighton, The Gathering Sounds Festival has positioned itself as a leading event for both music fans and industry professionals. With a line up of
new musical acts across a variety of genres, the event has established itself as a key tastemaker in the regional music scene.
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Located within the heart of Tees-
side, KU Stockton is the area’s longest running live music bar. Promoting their “proudly independent and strong belief in a true grass-routes music scene”, KU will provide the perfect backdrop to the atmosphere in which The Gathering Sounds is aiming to cultivate.
Headlining the inner-city fest is breakout local lad Andrew Cushin, whose rising profile and support from icons such as Noel Gallagher and Pete Doherty has him leading the NE music charge alongside fellow Geordie songsmith Sam Fender. Providing listeners with his kitchen-sink/ council-estate-kid songwriting style, With singles such as ‘You Don’t Belong’ and ‘Where’s My Family Gone’, Cushin’s music blends northern realism with catchy and energetic full-band arrangements, which has quickly sky-rocketed the young musician into the industry big leagues.
Joining Cushin are dirty-faced rock ‘n’ rollers The Skinner Brothers and female alt-rebels GIRLBAND. The Skinner Brothers may be Southerners on paper, but their gritty rogue soldier approach to music is Northern at heart. From their patchwork beginnings, to
their matured swagger-filled present, the band have found their voice and have no plans on staying quiet.
While GIRLBAND have a similar devil-may-care attitude to their music, this all-female trio could be described as Gen-Z’s Buffy; slaying stereotypes and music industry vampires one tune at a time. Three mesmerising voices wrapped in a lethal package, these
women are performing guerillastyle warfare on the commercial music industry.
Other acts already confirmed include The Clause, Deco, Fat Dog, Finn Forster, The Molotovs, Ruby J, Dawks, PICNIC, Bedroom Highclub, San Quentin, The Redroom, Casino, The Thieves, House of Wolves as well as many more still to be announced.
Viral pop act Deco have been earning legions of new fans this year with their sunny sounds that combine the contemporary with the nostalgia of 80s synth pop. After earning themselves millions of views for their viral 80s mashups, Deco soon appeared on national TV & radio, played BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, supported the likes of Nile Rodgers, A-ha and Boy George on tour, and garnered endorsements from their musical heroes like Noel Gallagher and Coldplay. 2022 saw the band perform their biggest headline UK
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tour to date and had their infectious saxophone anthem, ‘Rain’ played on the hugely popular reality show Love Island. One of the fastest-growing acts in the midlands, The Clause, is also set to perform, bringing their heady mix of indie disco, 60s fashion, 80s influence and 90s edge. With millions of streams to their name and two successful tours under their belt, the band are determined to become the “biggest band in Birmingham”. Having sold out a 1500-capacity show at Birmingham’s O2 institute, they’re well on the way to achieving that dream.
Joining Deco and The Clause on the line up is The Molotovs. You would be hard pressed to find another young rock band on the UK circuit working as hard as this three-piece. They exploded onto the London live scene mid-2020 and with over 200 gigs under their belts to date, they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
Representing Newcastle is one of the region’s most promising future success stories, The Redroom. Now based in Manchester, the young band have accumulated over 85,00 streams and in 2021
they performed to a sell-out crowd at Hardwick Festival - alongside Nile Rodgers and CHIC. In 2022 they opened the mainstage for Stereophonics as well as music giants Madness at Lindisfarne Festival.
Festival organiser Jimmy Beck commented: “The North East has such a wealth of musical talent and The Gathering Sounds Festival is all about championing this
talent along with tonnes of amazing artists from across the UK.
“We shine a spotlight on the artists we believe are truly doing things differently and have the potential to make big waves on the regional, national and international stage. Nurturing the next generation of music is what we’re all about and we’re so excited to bring such an amazing line up to Stockton in September.”
Stockton-on-Tees has a reputation for nurturing emerging musical talent, and The Gathering Sounds Festival plays a huge part in supporting and expanding this endeavour. This inner-city festival’s 5th year is all about the journey, as TGS continues to act as a vessel for artist development.
Tickets for The Gathering Sounds Festival (30 September) are on sale now from:
https://www.seetickets.com/event/ the-gathering-sounds-2023/ ku/2449716
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Text or WhatsApp 07831279886, messenger, or by email enquiries@yycnortheast.org www.yycnortheast.org Come with us to learn our superpowers! They truly are the secret to a more contented life, we run free to attend stress busting group sessions weekly, drop in and meet us!
Fat Freddy’s Drop: “Brass has always meant a lot to us, we can’t wait to arrive in Durham to celebrate it!”
World-renowned New Zealand band to headline Durham Brass Festival this summer
Monday 10 July 2023
The internationally renowned, party-starting band, Fat Freddy’s Drop have said they “can’t wait” for their headline performance at this summer’s Durham International Brass Festival.
The festival headliners will open the week-long event with a huge show at Durham’s Gala Theatre on Monday 10 July, bringing their singular sound, infectious stage presence and groove-laden improvisation to the festival’s opening night.
The genre-colliding band brings together the sounds of reggae, soul, jazz, disco, indigenous Māori music and other far-reaching styles to create a unique and euphoric live performance that
has taken the band to some of the world’s biggest stages.
The Kiwi outfit has performed over 1000 shows since forming in the early noughties, clocking up more than 500 appearances in Europe, 34 Australian tours and over
300 shows in their New Zealand homeland. Last year, the band headlined shows across the world, including sold-out performances at Alexandra Palace in London, Sydney Opera House and Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
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Fat Freddy’s Drop is known for their unpredictable, virtuosic and wildly entertaining sets where live improvisation has led to the formation of some of their greatest songs. The band’s award-winning albums, ‘Blackbird’, ‘Dr Boondigga and the Big BW’ and the iconic ‘Based on a True Story’ were almost entirely created on tour through their ever-inventive live improvisation.
With brass instruments making up almost half of the band, the seven-piece outfit has said the North East festival is a show they
are particularly excited for.
“We have some amazing shows coming up in the UK but one we’re really looking forward to is the Durham Brass Festival,” Chopper Reedz, saxophonist for Fat Freddy’s Drop, commented. “We have a horn section with trombone, trumpet and saxophone and as a band, we’ve listened to a lot of brass music that has inspired us musically. Brass has always meant a lot to us and we can’t wait to arrive in Durham to celebrate it with you.”
Promising a week of spectacular performances, free concerts, community events and a full programme of high-energy street bands, the summer festival is set to once again bring the streets of County Durham to life with the sound of brass music.
The festival, organised by Durham County Council, is a mainstay in County Durham’s event calendar
with people of all ages and backgrounds taking to the streets and filling up venues across the city to celebrate the sound and history of brass music.
Fat Freddy’s Drop will open Durham Brass Festival on Monday 10 July 2023 at 7:30pm.
Tickets are priced from £35.
For more information and to buy tickets, head to: https://brassfestival.co.uk/brasspost/fat-freddysdrop/
For more information about the festival head to:
https://brassfestival.co.uk/
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BRASSED ON
Durham Brass Festival announces emerging artist commission combining internationally renowned brass bands with North East rising stars
Friday 14 July 7pm @ Durham Town Hall
Durham Brass Festival has announced a unique showcase event which will see some of the region’s brightest new talent team up with professional brass players to give their music a whole new dimension.
Featuring Darlington’s Luke Royalty and Middlesbrough’s Sisi, Brassed On is set to take place on Friday 14 July at Durham Town Hall, the venue of festival organisers Durham County Council,. The two rising stars will perform their biggest tunes but not like they’ve ever been heard before. Two renowned brass outfits - The Original Pinettes Brass Band and Loud Noises - will work with the artists to produce brand-new brass arrangements, taking their live show to new heights with punchy trumpets, bass-heavy sousaphone and powerful trombones. Luke Royalty is one of the hottest artists from the North East. Since
the release of his acclaimed debut EP, ‘my blue room’, Luke’s music has made a big impression on the UK’s leading musical tastemakers with the likes of NME, Clash Magazine, Far Out Magazine, The Independent and The Line Of Best Fit championing the young artist.
Heartfelt, honest and always catchy, Luke’s music is inspired by the likes of Mac Miller, Amy Winehouse and Bill Withers. His jazz-inflected sound will be married with the high-octane sound of Loud Noises, a band that bridges the gap between contemporary
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brass music and high-octane dancehall-inspired improvisation. The party-starting four-piecehailing from Leeds - is known for blurring the line between band and audience to create one of the most interactive and engaging live shows on the live music scene. Meanwhile, Teesside native Sisi will team up with the all-female brass outfit, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, who will be travelling all the way from New Orleans to perform at this year’s festival. Despite being at the very beginning of her career, the 18-year-old artist has already earned backing from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Youth Music and PRS, and last summer saw her perform her biggest show yet at Reading & Leeds Festival.
Known for bringing together farreaching genres, from Afropop to Garage, it’s no surprise that Sisi brought home Song Academy’s prestigious ‘Young Songwriter of the Year’ in 2022.
Sisi’s sound, which incorporates soulful vocals, contemporary production and afropop beats, will be the perfect match for the powerful and infectious New Orleans Jazz that The Pinettes are universally adored for.
Formed in 1991, the band have made a huge name for themselves in their home city and further
afield, challenging the stereotypes attached to the male-dominated world of brass bands. Their status as one of the best street bands in the country was consolidated a decade ago at the highly competitive Brass Band Blowout contest which saw the award change name from ‘Street Kings’ to ‘Street
Queens’ as The Pinettes snatched first place.
Soho Radio residents and vinyl connoisseurs, Noble & Heath will be spinning an expert selection of rare soul, funk & disco throughout the event.
The Brassed On showcase commissioned by Durham Brass Festival has been spearheaded by the festival’s Jennie Brewis. A musician, songwriter and cultural producer best-known as one of the co-founding members of North East pop folk favourites The Cornshed Sisters. Jennie describes the concert as her “dream gig”
“The event will be an amazing new showcase of two fantastic young artists who have collaborated with brass players on their music for the event,” said Jennie.
“Sisi has been creating music for a short time but her sound is incredibly mature and sophisticated.
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We have teamed her up with The Original Pinettes from New Orleans. This is the first time The Pinettes are playing at Durham BRASS and it’s a real privilege to work alongside them and Sisi. What a match!
She added: “Luke will be collaborating with Loud Noises of Leeds. We knew that Luke’s Music was right up their street and they were excited to be arranging brass for him. We can hear elements of The Specials, The Streets, Elvis Costello and his music was just ready to have brass incorporated. “Adding to our fantastic lineup is DJ’s Noble and Heath, I am so genuinely excited about seeing all of these artists on one bill. It really is a dream gig. Not to be missed.”
Alison Clark, Durham County Council’s head of culture, sport and tourism, said: “Durham Brass Festival is about bringing together talented musicians both locally and from across the globe to celebrate the boundaries that can be pushed and experiences that can
be created through music. “Celebrating the talent we have in the region is part our ambition to make County Durham the culture county, and Luke and Sisi are two young North East artists who are going from strength to strength in the music world. We are delighted to be hosting them with Loud Noises and The Original Pinettes, in what is sure to be an excellent night.”
The festival, organised by Durham County Council, is a mainstay in
County Durham’s event calendar with people of all ages and backgrounds taking to the streets and filling up venues across the city to celebrate the sound and history of brass music.
BRASSED ON will take place at Durham Town Hall on Friday 14 July. Doors open at 7pm and the show will start at 7:30 pm. Tickets are £10 / £8 (conc) and are available via: https://brassfestival. co.uk
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IRELAND - THE SHOW
Tuesday 8th August 2023 / 7.30pm��
Now seen by a live audience of over 250,00 to nightly standing ovations and rave reviews, join us for ‘Ireland The Show’! Featuring an all-star Irish cast of the Emerald Isle’s most talented award winning performers,accompanied by the fabulous Keltic Storm Band and world champion Gael Force Irish dancers!
This unmissable production will take you on a journey through the decades of a globally loved culture.
The show, which has received high acclaim, will feature all the wellknown ballads and foot stamping singalongs from the legendary ‘Pogue’s, Furey’s, Dubliners, Makem and Clancy”, to name but a small few. Add to that a string of hilarious stories and jokes from our award-winning Tyrone comedian and topped off with energetic reels and jigs from our fiddling Derry maestro and the supremely talented vocals of our Keltic voice from Donegal! If it’s all things Irish you like, then this is certainly the show for you. Guaranteed to take you to Ireland and back in
one night!
“The Ultimate music, song, dance and comedy celebration of a globally loved culture” - The Irish World.
“Superb from Start to finish and will have you clapping and singing all night long, this show is going to be a global success” - Stage Magazine
‘Absolutely magical, I don’t know where they get the energy from!’ Rothes Halls,Glenrothes.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS
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@2.30pm
Sunday 17th September 2023
New footwear styles from Loake, Clarks, Lacoste, LMNTS and Saucony, plus more new stock arriving daily so make sure you pop in store or keep checking the website’s LATEST PRODUCTS
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Hypnotherapy, but what is Viking Hynotherapy?
Viking Hypnotherapys’ business motto is having “The Strength to Conquer Anything”. Wherever
you are today this is just a situ ation you’re in now, this is not your life, we all have the power to change our lives and I am basically your guide for this. Utilising the power of positive suggestion to bring about subconscious change to your thoughts feelings and behaviours. NLP is an approach to communication, personal devel opment, psychotherapy and also Life Coaching.
How different is Hypnotherapy compared to a hypnotist, is it the same thing or is it completely dif-
physical conditions.
Have these comedy hypnotist shows, where they put you under and then get you to do silly things
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THE MANY FACES OF DENNIS HEWITT THE MANY FACES OF DENNIS HEWITT
Hi Dennis, welcome to NE, though you have featured in several issues in many various disguises, but can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I’m Dennis Hewitt, also known by my Equity name Dennis Baer, Ford Anglia Cosplay and I’m on Instagram as @denbaer. Most people just know me as Den.
I’m a supporting actor, writer, film maker and cosplayer from Gateshead.
You are linked with several costuming groups, which ones are you currently part of?
I’m a member of the North East Avengers and North East Legion charity costuming groups. The
North East Legion are a Star Wars group. The North East Avengers originally started out as a Marvel costuming group, but we have now branched out to cover various different franchises, or multi-
What made you get involved in the whole costuming scene, how did you get started in the first place?
I was into acting and film making before I got involved in costuming, but I see one as an extension of the other. In each case you are performing as a different character.
I had been considering dipping my toe into cosplay, but it was Amy Mains who finally convinced me. I’m sure your readers are aware of Amy and her alter ego Strange Porcelain Cosplay. Amy and I were collaborators on several film projects. When a Comic Con
verses.
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came to Newcastle Arena in 2014 Amy persuaded me to come along. I had my Indiana Jones costume, which I wear when running in The Great North Run, so it seemed only natural to wear it at the convention. From that moment on I was hooked and my cosplay journey had begun.
You cover several major fandoms with your costumes, but which one is your favourite?
I don’t think I could name a single favourite. Marvel was an early inspiration. I first met The North East Avengers at Newcastle Comic Con and before long I was part of the group, initially portray-
ing Agent Phil Coulson. A later favourite was Hawkeye, as I have done archery as a sport. A few years later I joined the North East Legion, and Star Wars is also a favourite fandom. There are also other favourite characters that just seem to be a good fit. Like Nick Sax from the Netflix series Happy. But in all honesty it’s hard to beat my original obsession - Indiana Jones.
Now it’s not only the costuming side of things you are well known for, you have also been an extra in several major Hollywood films, how did that all come about?
As mentioned, the acting started
before the costuming. I’m signed with several agencies and that’s how you get work in the industry. Originally I worked just in the North East, but there isn’t that much work up here. Saying that, I have been a police officer on Vera since the pilot episode. Signing with agencies in London gives you access to the big budget movies. I’ve been lucky enough to work on a couple of Star Wars movies, in addition things like Men in Black International, Wonder Woman, Doctor Strange, Ready Player One, Dumbo, The Woman In Black, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Downton Abbey, as well as what I call the JB spy trilogy - James Bond, Jason Bourne and Jack Bauer. Then a lifelong ambition was fulfilled when I got a few days on the New Indiana Jones film.
What is the overall aim?
To get some bigger roles in films. I’m hoping there will be a big expansion in the Industry in the North East, following an increase in studio space available here. I’m working more on my writing, with a hope of getting something produced for the screen.
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If you could feature in any franchise on film or tv, what would it be and why?
I’ve achieved a few ambitions, with appearances in Star Wars, James Bond and Indiana Jones. I’d like to work on some more Marvel productions or a Star Wars TV show and maybe Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Doctor Who would be nice ones to add to
the CV.
It’s not just Hollywood that you are involved with, but you are also a regular around the independent film/tv scene, tell us a bit more about that?
I’ve been involved in the local independent film scene for quite a while. There is an awful lot of talent up here that deserves wider recognition and I’ve worked with several film students who have real potential. As well as my own productions I’ve been a regular collaborator with Eighties Doubt Productions, Couch Potato, Team Beard Films, Wandering Kane, but I’ll help out with any interesting project. Along with acting I’ve been involved with writing and I’m quite well known in the area for supplying props and costumes, especially anything involving police.
I’m now a member of Newcastle Film Club. This is a really friendly group, with great potential. Last year I was lucky enough to have my script for ‘The Island’ made
into a short film by the club. It’s now on the festival circuit, so look out for it at local film festivals. This year’s winner at our pitch day was Amy’s script ‘Nails’. Really looking forward to being involved with this and any future Film Club projects.
What advice would you give someone wanting to get involved with costuming?
Just take the plunge. You don’t
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have to start out making your own costumes, there are some quite good costumes you can buy online. Find a character that really interests you and put your own spin on it. I can turn my hand to making props but when it comes to tailoring I have to rely on friends. That’s another good reason to get involved with costuming, the amazing friends you’ll find along the way.
And also with wanting to be an extra or go for roles in film and tv? The first step is to join an agency. In the North East NE1 4.TV get a lot of the work up here. If you want to take it further you’ll need to have good availability and the ability to get to remote locations for early call times. After that sign up for some acting classes, or look out for student productions, which could give you valuable experience on set.
When you are not costuming or working on film and tv parts, what
do you get up to in your spare time?
That probably takes up most of my time. I used to play a lot of sport, but injuries acquired playing
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football and cricket have curtailed that. Need to get back into my archery again. I still do the Great North Run every year.
Tell us three random facts about yourself?
I have completed every single Great North Run, in recent years dressed as Indiana Jones and collecting for St.Oswald’s Hospice. My first TV appearances were on quiz shows. I’ve been a contestant on The Krypton Factor, The Crystal Maze and Who Wants to be a Millionaire, amongst others. I am a performer at Kynren: an Epic Tale of England. This is a massive outdoor show, at Bishop Aukland, covering 2,000 years of history, myth and legend. If you haven’t seen it yet I highly recommend it. In 2025 the aim is to expand it to a theme park, with many added attractions. I can’t wait.
Where can people follow you and keep up to date with events and roles you are involved in?
I have Facebook pages for Dennis Hewitt, Dennis Baer and Ford Anglia Cosplay as well as an Instagram profile @denbaer.
We will see you at Cineworld Boldon on Saturday 1st July for the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Yep, Indy will be out promoting the film, especially since I’m in it. Although it could be difficult to spot me (as usual).
It will be a busy weekend. The plan is to make appearances at Dalton Park on the Friday, Boldon on the Saturday, and the Metrocentre on Sunday. It’s not the years honey, it’s the mileage.
I’ll be cropping up in Vera, The Dial of Destiny, and the new Wonka movie.
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Live After Racing presents TOM GRENNAN
‘Live After Racing’ plays Newcastle Racecourse show on Saturday 1st July 2023!
We are delighted to announce singer, songwriter TOM GRENNAN is to perform at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday 1st July 2023!
Tom Grennan is stepping into an exhilarating new creative chapter with planet-sized ambitions. Looking ahead to his forthcoming new studio album, ‘What Ifs & Maybes’, and his first headline UK
arena tour, beginning in March 2023.
Speaking about the new album, Tom says: “I’ve called my new album What Ifs & Maybes. It’s about going with your gut, not your head, because you never know what’s going to happen. I’m not afraid to jump into the unknownbecause it’s exciting! It’s about rolling the dice and living your best life with nothing to lose. I’m in a new creative space, and I know I’m finally the artist I want to be. I’m so buzzing for these shows, my biggest gigs to date. I can’t wait to get out and play these new songs
to everyone. Let’s go!”
2022 has been a defining year for Tom Grennan. The chart-topping BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated star has already seen four UK Top 10 singles. Two of his platinumselling anthems ‘Little Bit Of Love’ and ‘By Your Side’ scored in the Top Three most played songs of the year - both taken from Tom’s breakthrough UK #1 album ‘Evering Road’. Where August saw Grennan take another Top Ten smash in the UK singles chart, writing and collaborating with KSI for ‘Not Over Yet’, the blockbuster breakout British artist has now
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stepped up to festival headliner status. Performing to a 30,000-capacity crowd at Godiva Festival earlier this month, it capped off a summer live season of global proportions. From a sold-out headline tour of North America and two of Australia, Isle Of Wight Festival mainstage, a homecoming headline show to 15,000 fans at Bedford Park, the Radio 1 Big Weekend, Margate’s Dreamland, TRNSMT, Kendall Calling, Boardmasters and more. Not to mention
fulfilling boyhood dreams joining the England squad for Soccer Aid 2022, where Tom was awarded Player of the Match for his sensational performance.
Get ready for the ride as Tom continues to scale stratospheric new heights.
Tom Grennan promises a superb night of entertainment performing all the hits. Don’t miss your chance to see him perform live
after racing on Saturday 1st July.
Tickets for the TOM GRENNAN – Newcastle Racecourse – July 2023 show are available from: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ event/1F005E3AC9C26265
Gates Open – 11.00am / First Race – 1.00pm approx. / Artist onStage Time – 4.30pm approx
Ticket price - Adult Premier
Advance - £59.50 + STBF / Adult Grandstand - £39.50 + STBF / Children - £30.00 + STBF (Under 5’s free admission) but must be accompanied by an adult 18+
For further information on TOM GRENNAN, check out the following websites / social media links: www.tomgrennanmusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ TomGrennanMusic
https://twitter.com/Tom_Grennan https://www.instagram.com/tom. grennan/ https://www.tomgrennanmusic. com/videos/
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Celebrating 40 years, Indie Rock legends James performed a sold out show at Newcastle City Hall on their “James Lasted” tour with the now nine-piece James band accompanied by orchestra Orca 22 and choir Manchester Inspirational Voices Gospel Choir all conducted by Joe Duddell. This is no ordinary tour for James the scale of this operation means that it is being done as a celebration of their forty years rather than a financial money-maker. An event fans will cherish forever as its unlikely to happen again. Luckily the new arrangements of some of the bands most loved and recognisable songs have been captured in the new album Be Opened By The Wonderful .
As the audience wait in anticipa-
tion, we hear the voice of Saul Davies announcing that James politely requests everyone to put their phones away for the duration of the performance in order to live in the moment and lose themselves in the music. The orchestra and band take to the stage and open the gig with a trio of Dust Motes, Hello and Alaskan Pipeline which demonstrate the pure beauty of this extraordinary collaboration the band has made by rearranging these songs with an orchestra and a choir. The songs still very much recognisable left the audience speechless.
Ten Below and Riders songs which don’t usually make the setlist from the large catalogue, haven’t been performed live for several years. Having been written almost a
quarter of a century apart they are two of the most exciting and vibrant rediscoveries from the past 40 years. The latter, written about Tim Booth’s time at the boarding School Tim sings the lyric “you tell me it’s the making of me, that’s a fucking lie” the audience can feel the power from this lyric as Tim reminisces about his school days less favourably. The orchestra are then left to their own devices by Joe as the band open Riders. The orchestra tag on the end spontaneously jamming along with the band. Although you wouldn’t think it as the talent from the orchestra would have you think they were following sheet music not improvising.
The first half of the set finishes with Tomorrow and Nothing
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But Love, both of which have the crowd up on their feet dancing and singing along to the iconic songs of most James gigs. Tim invites the Choir down to the front to help lead new members of the ensemble the audience into Nothing But Love. The audience are involved in the opening and build up of the song with different sections of the audience invited to perform different harmonies building the song into full swing which is positively uplifting and powerful. The opening line “Nothing but love gives the world some meaning” reminding us all that love always wins and the world can be a better place if we all love instead of hate. The gospel choir’s voices really coming to the fore and lifting it up and giving the song new life with its new orchestrated arrangement. A fitting end to the first half of the gig. The second half starts with the band, choir and orchestra taking to the stage. Missing frontman Tim. Until darkness in the auditorium with a single spotlight into the crowd with Tim appear-
ing in the audience at the back of the stalls for Magic Bus, slowly making his way down through the aisles and then as the orchestra blast into full swing dancing down to the front and then onto the stage stage with the biggest of smiles across his face taking in the moment. Someone’s Got It In For Me starts with just Saul Davies and Adrian Oxaal on guitar before building and growing with other parts of the band, orchestra and choir coming together as one giving the audience the chills as they hear the song as they’ve never heard it before.
The string section then burst into Love Make A Fool, a new song written and composed especially for this tour and for the new album Be Opened By The Wonderful starts with the audience and choir clapping along with energy that runs throughout the song. Its key line - “we’ve got love, we’ve got love, we’ve got love, as much as you need” feels like a message to the fans. Also the lyric “look up from your phone, beautiful
souls” reminds fans to live in the moment and be truly lost in the music.
Nobody has even considered taking out their phones to take photos. Forty years into their lifetime any other band might be resting on their riches and previous hits. But not James they still want to produce new and more exciting music for their adoring fans. You can download this new song on Spotify and Apple music now ahead of the release of the new album. Or checkout the new song, along side its music video which was created by a fan for the band HERE
Of Monsters And Heroes And Men makes its tour debut, with its sombre piano intro from Mark Hunter the song tells a dark story, the audience are in absolute concentration and immersion in the music.
Tim then dedicates the next song to anyone who has ever lost someone, Jim Glennie leads the band
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into Moving on with his fuzzed up bass joined by Saul’s violin a song that’s even more emotional in this stripped down form. The song originally from their album La Pettie Mort, a song about death and saying goodbye. This part of the performance is very emotional as many fans hold this song close to their hearts. The lyrics “I’m on my way, soon be moving on my way, leave a little light on” continues to pull on the heart strings of fans as the album version did. The added orchestra gives the song new meaning and emotion. Tim and Chloe Alper sing to each other holding hands and turning to face the audience.
The Lake, a b-side from the Laid album, an already beautiful piece of music is transformed into a is truly a spine-tingling moment. The song has been transformed into a thing of beauty, with the band and orchestra coming together creating a magical moment leaving the audience once again speechless.
With Joe being a long-term fan of the band like everyone in the audience, he has been able to revisit material from their days of the 1980s before they broke through with Gold Mother in 1990 which is really welcome by the fans. Stripping the songs back to the bare basics and rebuilding them to suite the orchestra. The treatments of Hymn From A Village is opened by Andy Diagram on the balcony playing a trumpet solo including a snippet of Dirty Town before the uplifting, fun 1985 single is transformed by strings and Debbie Knox-Hewson, who wasn’t even born when the song was re-
leased, takes over drums from David Bayton-Power. The choir turn and watch her completely lost in the music whilst the strings dance along and provide the contrast to the rawness of the drums.
The main set finishes with Sometimes, a true James anthem and the crowd rise from their seats and find their voices. The audience join the choir to sing the chorus
“Sometimes when I look deep into your eyes, I can see your soul” Tim looks in awe at his adoring fans taking in the moment and indeed looking into their eyes and seeing their souls. Tim then signals for the choir and band to drop down; the strings take over for one final flourish giving a new verse of the song especially composed for this new arrangement. The band then come together and take a bow as a roar of applause fills the room.
As the band leave the stage the orchestra and choir sit down leaving the audience in suspense that there is more to come. After a short wait Tim wandered back on and enquires as to where Joe is with the orchestra. They shrug their shoulders and Tim finds Joe’s baton and picks it up. As he picks it up the orchestra come to life. Tim plays around with the orchestra lifting the baton high and low with the orchestra following his direction. He then starts to conduct the orchestra seriously through a section of Ravel’s Bolero
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before he is quickly interrupted by Joe who takes back his baton and Tim takes his microphone and takes a seat at the front of the stage. Joe lifts his baton and the strings start playing into iconic song Sit Down, but this isn’t Sit Down as all would know it this is stripped down to the bare bones of strings and more poignant and affecting as fifteen hundred people sing along to the iconic lyrics. A truly beautiful moment for the fans old and new.
The night comes to an end with All The Colours Of You which flows into Many Faces. Many Faces ends with the room singing the chorus “there’s only one human race, many faces, everybody belongs here.” That message of unity feels quite apt given the night has seen musicians from very different walks of life coming together to create something beautiful.
James have recently had their 40 year career recognised at the Ivor Novello Awards with the PRS for Music Icon Award.
If you want to catch James during their summer tour to hear some of their iconic hits and new material you can catch them at their shows at Swansea In It Together Festival (28 th May), Wolverhampton The Halls (20 th June), Bristol Sounds (23 rd June), Liverpool Pier Head (2 nd July), Halifax Piece Hall (7/8 th July), Thessaloniki Moni Lazariston (12 th July), Laois Forest Fest (21 st July), Dundee Slessor Gardens (28 th July), Y Not Festival (29 th Juky), Darlington Arena (5 th August), London Crystal Palace South Facing (11 th August) and Jersey Weekender (3 rd September).
James are: Tim Booth, Andy Diagram, Saul Davies, Jim Glennie , Adrian Oxaal, Mark Hunter, Dave Baynton-power , Debbie Knox-
James releases their new orchestral album Be Opened By The Wonderful on 9th of June 2023. You can pre-order the album on Vinyl and CD as well as the usual streaming sites. You can pre order the new album HERE
JAMES FANZONE
If you are already a fan of James be sure to join the fan group James Fanzone on Facebook. During the various tours, we were among the first with announcements, exclusive photos and footage and set up prize draws of unique and oneoff memorabilia, in the format of raffles that all could participate
in, with all money raised going to causes chosen by band members. At James Fanzone we hope to encourage a community of fans who will share their love of the band. We welcome photos, videos, chat, questions and discussion. James Fanzone are running an exclusive raffle to win one off exclusive Setlists, AAA passes, posters, VIP gifts and much more from the event. With the proceeds going to Charlie and Carter Foundation. CLICK HERE to enter our raffle https://ko-fi.com/s/c06d66f9a1. Join us on Facebook or on twitter @james_fanzone.
Article by Liam Christopher Walker
Hewson and Chloë Alper
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Thursday 19th October 2023
The talented Adrian Edmondson will be captivating audiences at the Tyne Theatre and Opera as he discusses his life in the limelight. From his turbulent childhood, his friendship with Rik Mayall and the success of cultclassic shows such as The Young Ones, this evening will be filled with anecdotes from his upcoming memoir, Berserker! How did a child who was brought up in a strict Methodist household, who spent his formative years incarnated in repressive boarding schools –end up joining the 80s revolution of comedy? Live on stage, Adrian Edmondson will tell his own account on the events that have led to his career. Tracing his spiralling career journey from TV, film, theatre and music, Edmondson will have fans on the edge of their seats as he explores the avenues of his career. Celebrating the publication of his new memoir Berseker! Edmondson will share stories on the stage that have never been told before. With the opportunity for fans to ask their own questions to the comedy legend, this
is a one-of-a-kind evening that is not to be missed. All top-priced tickets will include a copy of Berseker! which can be collected from the venue on the night of the event.
Adrian Edmondson will come to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Thursday 19th October 2023. Theatre Director Joanne Johnson exclaimed “Here at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, we are absolutely thrilled to be hosting
Adrian Edmondson. With such a vast career with iconic British shows to his name, such as The Young Ones, we are excited for Newcastle to get to know the man behind the screen.”
Final remaining tickets are priced between £39-£26 and can be bought from: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/events/ an-evening-with-adrian-edmondson-berserker/
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British comedy legend Adrian Edmondson to share stories from his life at Newcastle show
Global superstar Dame Joan Collins takes centre stage at Tyne Theatre & Opera House to celebrate her new memoir.
Sunday 1st October 2023
Dame Joan Collins is embarking on a UK tour to coincide with the release of her much-anticipated memoir, ‘Behind the Shoulder Pads’.
The Golden Globe winner will be accompanied by her husband, Percy Gibson, whilst she has an intimate discussion with lucky audience members about the highs and lows of the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.
Coming to the Tyne Theatre &
Opera House on Sunday 1st October 2023, Dame Joan Collins is best known for her role as the always-scheming Alexis Carrington Colby in Dynasty (1981-1989) and is an award-winning actress, author, producer, humanitarian and entrepreneur.
On tour, she will showcase rare and fascinating footage from her seven decades in showbusiness alongside telling never-before-told tales. The British born Hollywood legend is guaranteed to bring a glamourous night to Newcastle, full of wit, charm and candour. The memoir ‘Behind the Shoulder Pads’ is set to be released on 28th September 2023, with the tour
corresponding with its publication. Read the memoir and then come along to the Newcastle theatre for more anecdotes on Sunday 1st October – this is simply not an event to miss!
Theatre Director Jo Johnson commented: “It is a great honour for Dame Joan Collins to be returning to the Tyne Theatre & Opera house on her upcoming UK tour. This will be an experience that fans are sure to enjoy as they can learn more about both her fascinating career and the woman behind the silver screen.”
Tickets are priced at £55 - £45 and can be bought from: https://www. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/ portfolio/dame-joan-collins/
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Fantastic comedy acts added to Tyne Theatre & Opera House programme for 2023/24
The Tyne Theatre & Opera House have a fantastic range of upcoming comedians coming to its heritage stage. With great success from previous sell-out shows, such as Tim Vine, the Tyne Theatre & Opera House is becoming a goto comedy venue in the heart of Newcastle.
Tom Davis, most well-known for co-creating and starring in the cult classic BBC Three comedy Murder in Successville, has announced an additional date at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House. He will now be performing at the venue on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September 2023, embarking on his biggest tour to date. Tom Davis: Underdog will be exploring his life as the longshot; leaving school with no qualifications to acting in blockbuster films! His return to com-
edy is anticipated to be a roaring success, with him already selling out his show at The Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle.
The hilarious Jen Brister is also coming to the theatre this autumn for her new stand-up tour The Optimist, where the frequent TV panellist will be discussing the impact of the pandemic on her optimism levels. Brister has previously supported Frankie Boyle on his 2018 tour, and has
since started her own podcast and continued touring her own shows. Whilst she might be the same old pessimistic naysayer as always, we can be assured that Brister will make the night one not to forget. The BBC Two’s Live at The Apollo star will be coming to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Thursday 5 October 2023.
Award-winning comedian Sophie McCartney ventures into the perilous world of parenthood in her new stand-up show Sophie McCartney is Tired and Tested. The Scouse comedian has over 1.3 million followers across social media and over 250 million views of her online content. Due to phenomenal demand, her tour has been extended into 2024, with many shows already sold out. Sophie McCartney performs at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Wednesday 22 November 2023, and the night is sure to resonate with parents who didn’t know what to expect when expecting… or anything after that.
Standing up so we don’t have to take it lying down anymore, household name Al Murray returns to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in his brand-new stand-up UK tour Al Murray: Guv Island. The always-hilarious Pub Landlord will be back on Saturday 22 June 2024 to make sense of the questions you probably already have the answers to. Having previ-
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ously sold-out shows at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Murray is also a regular on British TV and radio.
With more stand-out names on the Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s comedy listings, such as Frankie Boyle, Adrian Edmondson, Gavin Webster, Iain Stirling and more, the comedy scene has never shone brighter in Newcastle. Theatre Director Jo Johnson commented: “We are proud to host some of the UKs best comedy names – from upcoming talent, to established stars. We could not be happier with the quality of the performers at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, and we strive to continue to bring great entertainment and worldwide talent to Newcastle.”
To check out our recently announced shows, head over the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/whats-on/
Children’s favourite ‘Tales from Acorn Wood’ stage adaptation comes to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House Tuesday 26th – Wednesday 27th September 2023
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tales from Acorn Wood stories are being re-imagined for the stage at Tyne Theatre & Opera House this September. Following the success of other Donaldson and Scheffler stories that have been brought to the stage, such as Zog, The Gruffalo’s Child and Stick Man, Tales from Acorn Wood is bound to be enjoyable for all the family. Packed with toe-tapping songs, puppetry and all the faces audiences have come to love from the Acorn Wood series, this show will be perfect for children of all
ages. In their enchanting lift-theflap experience, you can help find poor old Fox’s socks, join Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the surprise that Postman Bear is planning. Norwell Lapley Productions have previously put on acclaimed shows of Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa, so fans are promised a treat from this production too!
Tales from Acorn Wood will be performing at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House from Tuesday 26th –Wednesday 27th September 2023. Julia Donaldson, author of Tales from Acorn Wood, says: “I am
really happy that the Tales from Acorn Wood are now moving to the stage. Fans of the books are bound to enjoy seeing the four main characters – Fox, Bear, Pig and Rabbit – brought to life through NLP’s clever staging. Live performance and songs are both very close to my heart and I am sure this production will delight children and families.”
Tickets are priced at £16 for adults, £14 for children and £11.50 for school groups and can be bought from: https://www. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/ portfolio/tales-from-acorn-wood/
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