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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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/

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

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 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 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

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/

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/

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- 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/