Through A Lens With Denise Angel Through A Lens With Denise Angel

In this, the first of two parts, NE Online’s Senior Writer, Peter Mann, gets up-close-and-personal with a local artist and photographer, a fashion designer by trade, who enjoys the finer things in life, living each day to its fullest, County Durham’s Denise Angel. The mother of two, grandmother of one – don’t let that fool you, has certainly built a resume on which to match the work in which she does, both her art, and photographic work beginning back in her teenage years. We’ll delve a little into both, but in this, first part, is a look into Denise in the world of wildlife photography, and that of her very recent, photographic escapade, to Northern Spain, and the retreat of ‘Hides de Monegros.’

“Photography, it’s like art to me,” began Denise.

“It’s something in which I can easily get lost in, caught up in, the moment just takes over.

“I actually used to do a little photography back when I was at school, then again as part of my foundation course in art & design; although with cameras now integrated into mobile phones, I do tend to take pictures all of the time.

“I only really learnt how to take (proper) photographs when I got my NIKON camera, about a decade or so ago, and I’ve a good friend who’s been mentoring me also.”

As you’ll see in part two, in our October issue, Denise tends to be just as critical about her photographic skills, her eye for detail, as she is with her artistic abilities; seeing though is very much believing and the proof, it’s very much in the pudding where Denise and her work is concerned, with what she produces on a regular basis. “Yes, I’m very critical about my work, and do tend to get rather upset with it as well,” continued Denise.

“I’m pretty much the definition of a perfectionist though, but, unfortunately, I don’t get out nearly enough because of all the art I do, as well as teaching, among other things.

“That’s why, well, one of the reasons anyway, I jumped at the opportunity of the recent excursion to Northern Spain.” Amongst her family and friends, Denise is well-known for her stunning work; although doing what she has, for as long as she has done, it’s surprising that she, and her work, is not known much further afield – it deserves to be. Images taken across the region alone are stunning enough, visibly so, and as she continues to grow, the spread in which she achieves will also expand. Images taken in Northern Spain certainly affords more weight to that fact, and was a chance worth taken, even if the trip itself was as tiring as they come.

“We were up at 5am, out by 6am, and in the hides for like, five hours a time, every day we were there,” explained Denise.

“No matter it being in the mountains, or on barren lands, it was repetitive until 930/10pm, dusk, every night.

“So sleep, it was minimal, we weren’t getting to bed until gone midnight, then starting early again.”

Going off early images alone, the wildlife in which Denise was presented with, leaves little to the imagination, with birds of differing kinds aplenty – they’re a topic of Denise’s stunning repertoire. “It was an incredible experience and I learnt so much from it,” beamed Denise over a steaming latte.

“I was invited to attend, and it was something completely differ- ent, but I certainly enjoyed every second of it.

“I’d spoke to a few friends who’d done similar, but even that doesn’t actually prepare you for the experience itself – it’s intense, and there’s a lot for you to do.”

The wonder of wildlife, it can do a lot to a person, there’s so much out there, a lot of which is still untouched, and for Denise to get even a glimpse of that, continues to show how far she’s come.

“Seeing so many different types of wildlife though, that was an incredible experience in itself,” smiled Denise.

“There was so much happening all at once and there was two-tofour of us, locked in a hide, for five hours at a time, although there was also a few people who did solo sessions as well.

“The bee-eaters were just incredible; I’ve never seen them before and they dive just like the kingfisher does, just beautiful in movement, and in colour.

“The turtle doves were stunning, and the lighting at the time, just changes the shot completely; there were also eagles and vultures, marsh harriers, kites, it was endless.

“The vultures, they are huge, and there’s definitely a hierarchy, a pecking order, but, overall, I had so many enjoyable experiences out there.

“The whole lighting, the beauty of it all though, that’s what excited me the most.”

And then there was that culture shock of returning home, in Northern Spain, temperatures were at a searing, 36+, and on a daily basis; upon coming home, back to Durham, we all know what the north-east weather can be, and is like. That and the sleep deprivation really caught up with her, fortunately though, Bracken, her everloving springer spaniel, hasn’t suffered too much – although you’d think so with his canine reactions when she went to collect him upon her return – that however, is a different story completely. Now though, with plenty of both photographic, and artistic ideas filling her beautiful mind, Denise is excited for what the near future at least, holds and, as she continues to flex her artistic mind, in any form, you can check out her works via her ‘Iridescent Moon Gallery’ https://www.facebook.com/petportraitsbydenise Meanwhile, in our next issue, we go back to Denise in what is a stunning, end-of-year twoparter, to talk about her life in art, and maybe give our readers ideas aplenty for the upcoming Christmas rush – her work is most certainly worth it. cials on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100036783717282 and Twitter https://twitter.com/wallington1877

Comedian and television presenter Leigh Francis steps on stage with his iconic characters, including Keith Lemon, for his first ever live tour!

Thursday 28th March 2024

Leigh Francis, former host of Celebrity Juice (2008-2022) and hilarious sketch show creator is embarking on his first ever live tour. The comedian is coming on stage as himself, but will be joined by fan favourite characters, such as Keith Lemon, in what is set to be an incredible 18-day tour.

The BAFTA-Award winning comedian will come to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Thursday 28th March 2024. The Yorkshire-born star is infamous for his portrayal of various characters and celebrity impersonations. From Keith Lemon, Bear and Avid Merrion to ‘David Dickinson’, ‘Ant and Dec’ and Myrtle, this tour will be packed full of hilarious sketches with buckets of audience interaction. Leigh Francis has work that has spanned decades of entertainment, ranging from Channel 4’s sketch comedy show, Bo’ Selecta!

(2002-2009) to ITV’s Celebrity Juice (2008-2022) and Through the Keyhole (2013-2019). His character Keith Lemon proved to be popular and has been the attention of several spin-off shows and even a full feature film, Keith Lemon: The Film which was released in 2012. Francis has become a family name in the comedy scene and is expected to be popular on tour. As his first-ever live tour, fans will not want to miss the experience to see his hilarious antics in-person. For the highest price-ticket band, dedicated fans can even exclusively meet Leigh Francis, alongside having a photo opportunity.

Leigh Francis exclaimed that “I’m doing my first ever tour! Never done one before. It’s gonna have masks in it! The Bear, Avid Merrion, Amanda Holden’s Gran, not her actual gran but me playing her. I’ll also be playing Keith Lemon; I look just like him! It’s me doing all the characters I do that hopefully have the intent to provoke hilarity!” Tickets are priced between £38.50-£26, or £86 for a VIP meet and greet ticket, plus fees. These can be bought from: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/portfolio/leighfrancis-my-first-time-tour/

Please note that this show is for audiences 16+.

Britain’s Got Talent Winner Viggo Venn set to shine in his hi-vis jacket at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Friday 2nd February 2023

Impatient Productions are thrilled to announce that recent Britain’s Got Talent winner, and newly anointed national treasure, Viggo Venn, will embark on his debut UK tour with brand-new show British Comedian. After blowing away the UK and judges alike, Viggo is asking audiences to don their hi-vis vests one more time as he heads across the country, performing at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Friday 2nd February 2024.

From balloons to clowning, Viggo has captured the nation’s hearts with his joyful and spirited performances and his upcoming show promises to delight and inspire audiences night after night.

Norwegian clown Viggo Venn moved to this country with one dream: to be a British comedian. The rest, you already know about. After blowing away the competition in an explosion of hi-vis jackets, balloons, and joyous idiocy, Viggo became the most talked-about new entertainer in the country by winning Britain’s Got Talent in June 2023. Don’t miss him as he staggers bewildered into Newcastle for his first national tour.

Viggo Venn is a Norwegian clown and comedian who won the sixteenth series of the ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent this year. In 2022, Venn won the New Act of The Year Show in London and was runner-up in the Leicester Square Theatre’s ‘New Comedian of the Year’. His solo show Pepito was nominated for Best Comedy at Fringe World in Perth and Brighton Fringe in the UK in 2017. He trained at French clown school École Philippe Gaulier and for four years he toured in a double act ‘Zach and Viggo’ with Zach Zucker (of Stamptown). The duo won the Best Comedy Award at the 2016 Brighton Fringe. But all he wanted was to be… a British comedian. And here we are.

Viggo exclaimed, “I have been receiving thousands of videos on Instagram from young and old dancing around in hi vis vests and nothing makes me happier! So excited to bring a show full of fun, quirkiness and surprises for everyone! Can’t wait to meet people and go on a highly visible UK tour! (I will bring Viggo-vests with me, if you forget yours!)”

Tickets cost £21 plus booking fees and can be bought from: https:// www.tynetheatreandoperahouse. uk/portfolio/viggo-venn-britishcomedian/

Please note that this show is recommended for audiences 12+

Love Island narrator Iain Stirling brings his stand-up show Relevant to the Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Friday 26th May 2024

The BAFTA-winning comedian, ‘national sensation’ (Evening Standard) and ‘extremely funny’ (Daily Telegraph) Iain Stirling is bringing his intuitive razorsharp humour back on tour with a brand-new stand-up show for 2024. He will be taking to the stage at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House on Friday 26th May 2024, after previously performing a very successful show in 2022. As the iconic voice of Love Island, Iain Sterling has become infamous for his witty one-liners and sassy dialogue. The Scottish comedian is set to bring audiences to tears with his hilarious new stand-up show, featuring an hour of all-new material. After previously performing at The Stand, The Comedy Store, Off the Kerb and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sterling is a wellseasoned comedian with many years under his belt. Iain Sterling is also a star and writ- er of the sitcom Buffering on ITV, and with his own stand-up special, Failing Upwards, on Prime Video. Fans of Gogglebox may recognise the comedian as a regular on Celebrity Gogglebox, where he has been a cast member since 2020. It’s hard to avoid the witty Iain Sterling on the small screen, and now he’s set to be in Newcastle live for one night only.

Iain hits the road once more with a brand-new hour (of jokes) in his biggest tour to date! (It’s called RELEVANT if you’re interested).

Theatre Director Jo Johnson commented: “We are thrilled that Iain is stopping at our Theatre as part of his new stand-up tour. His previous show had our audience laughing out loud and we can’t wait to hear his new material for 2024!”

Tickets are priced at £23.50 plus fees and can be bought from: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/events/iain-stirlingrelevant/

Please note that this show is for audiences 14+.

Podcast stars Two Mr P’s return to Newcastle with The Show and Tell Tour

Wednesday 1st November 2023

Join the Two Mr Ps as they take their award-winning podcast on the road again with the ultimate show and tell lesson.

As well as sharing their own experiences and stories from the classroom, the two Mr Ps will be telling some of the most embarrassing, cringey and downright hilarious stories from teachers all over the UK. Audiences can also submit their own tales to be read anonymously to the rest of the class… Mr P has been a primary school teacher for over 14 years. He still works part-time in school and leads training in schools all over the UK and beyond. From sharing ideas and funny insights into life in the classroom he has now become the most followed teacher on social media in the UK. 3 years ago, alongside his younger brother (who also works in school) he started the award winning podcast – Two Mr Ps in a Podcast. In a year, it has been the number one education podcast and amassed over 4 million listens. Their debut book – Put a Wet Paper Towel on it: The Weird and Wonderful World of Primary Schools is a Sunday Times Best

Seller.

Theatre Director Jo Johnson commented: “The Two Mr P’s got a great reception last time they visited us, and we’re sure their new show will be as much as a treat as that! We’re excited that we’re hosting more and more podcasters at the theatre, as historically we’ve been a forum for conversation and debate.”

Tickets are priced at £22.50 and can be bought from: www. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/ events/two-mr-ps-in-a-podcastlive-the-show-and-tell-tour/ Please note this show is strictly 16+.

To check out more recently announced shows, head over the Tyne Theatre & Opera House website: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/whats-on/

South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service (STARS) offers a service for adults affected by substance misuse who live in South Tyneside. North-East-based charity Humankind leads the new service, working in partnership with Spectrum Community Health CIC.

They are doing some amazing things in the region working with other groups, charities and organisations to try and get the info out there so that people understand the issues behind drug use and all of the after affects it causes. As well as hosting regular drop ins and events, they are really trying to push the SMART Family & Friends Programme (F & F) which has used the four key points of SMART Recovery and adapted these to suit the needs of family & friends of people with a drug and/ or alcohol addiction.

Rather than focusing on the loved one, the F & F Programme invites participants to spend time con- centrating on themselves and their goals, an area they may have been neglecting for some time.

The F & F programme explores ways participants can look after themselves better; even in difficult and stressful circumstances, and establish healthier relationships with their Loved One.

Taking steps to make changes in life requires considerable courage. Participating in a supportive environment, comprised of people sharing similar experiences, will hopefully lessen feelings of isolation and instil a sense of hope.

For more info please visit https://smartrecovery. org.uk/smart_family__friends/

You can also follow STARS on facebook and keep up to date with the various drop ins and events at https://www.facebook.com/SouthTynesideAdultRecovery

As well as the website http://stadultrecoveryservice.co.uk/

MTB Brickwork was set up in march 2023, myself Michael and my business partner Lee. Having both been working in the building trade for 20 years, working together building houses for the past few years, we decided to take a risk and set up our company. MTB BRICKWORK Ltd was formed.

We earned an excellent reputation working across various new build housing sites in the north east, winning an NHBC pride in the job award in the process.

We both wanted a fresh challenge and are adapting well to the different daily routine of pricing work and dealing with customers.

We offer all aspects of building work and while we may not do every part of the work, we over see each project to make sure any trades we bring in, meet our own very high standards. Our reputation is built on quality, and trust.

For more info please drop us an Email to Mtbbrickwork@outlook.com