SOUTH TYNESIDE
REEN BJJ: The Premium Choice for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners
In the dynamic and ever-growing world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one brand is redefining what it means to combine performance, style, and quality: REEN BJJ.
Born from a passion for martial arts and a vision to create gear that reflects the discipline and resilience of its practitioners, REEN BJJ offers a range of premium clothing and equipment tailored for those who demand more from their training and competition wear. With its sleek black-and-white aesthetic and meticulous attention to
detail, REEN sets itself apart as a brand synonymous with professionalism and high-end design.
Crafted for Excellence
Every piece in the REEN BJJ collection is designed with both form and function in mind. Whether it’s a competitionready rashguard, durable training shorts, or stylish lifestyle apparel, REEN prioritizes quality and comfort. The brand’s commitment to innovation ensures that practitioners can perform at their best, whether they’re rolling on the mats or representing their craft off them.
A Brand Beyond Gear
REEN BJJ isn’t just about clothing—it’s about embracing the culture of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From sponsoring local events like the Submission Series to collaborating with athletes
who embody the values of dedication and perseverance, REEN is building a community that supports the growth and spirit of the sport.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just beginning your journey, REEN BJJ invites you to roll with a brand that’s as committed to the art of BJJ as you are.
To explore the collection and learn more about the REEN movement, visit the site or connect on their socials! www.reenbjj.com
Hi Isobel and welcome to NE, it’s great to finally get you in the magazine for a feature rather than just your great images. How about starting things off telling our readers a little bit about yourself? Thanks for having me! I’m Isobel—property professional by day, combat sports photographer by night, and occasionally tangled up in a gi as a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Originally from the sunny South of England, I’ve traded sunnier climes for the bracing winds of Yorkshire. I’ve been
training BJJ for three years now, so I’m pretty familiar with being arm barred into oblivion or being caught in the worst pressure passes ever: I have my boyfriend to thank for that. Though it is great prep for handling stressful photoshoots - I know I can survive !
We have featured your work before when we had Submission Series in an earlier issue. How did you come to be involved with the event?
It all started with a chat with the
Submission Series team at the start of 2024. Dion invited me to photograph one of their shows, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. What began as a one-off gig turned into me becoming their go-to photographer. Now, I’m an integral part of the team, capturing chokeholds and emotional moments from behind the lens. It’s been an amazing ride and I am so grateful to the guys for having me on each time.
A lot of your work is martial artsbased. Is that all you do, or do you
do any other kinds of photography?
While martial arts is my bread and butter (and let’s face it, I love it), I’ve dabbled in other areas too. I’ve shot property press releases, smaller events for Rotary clubs, weddings, birthdays, concerts—
you name it. If it’s got people, emotions, and good lighting, I’m there. That said, as a BJJ practitioner, I naturally gravitate toward combat sports. There’s something poetic about capturing the intensity of the mats.
So how did you get started in photography?
By accident, really! It all began with me snapping photos of clouds and Japanese import cars—quite the niche combo. From there, I fell in love with the art of visual storytelling. Eventually, I found myself at live gigs, boxing show and things just snowballed from there when I started doing BJJ. It’s been a journey full of surprises, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What was your aim when first starting out?
Honestly? I didn’t have a grand plan. I just wanted to capture great
moments and see where it took me. Over time, my aim evolved into telling visual stories—capturing people as I see them and exploring the beautiful contradictions of human emotion. It’s all about freezing those fleeting mo-
ments that speak volumes.
Are there any photographers who have/still inspire you?
Absolutely! Bruce Weber is a big one—his black-and-white portraits are iconic, especially his images of Clint Eastwood. I’m also inspired by Yousuf Karsh for his timeless elegance and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. And of course, Annie Leibovitz— her storytelling is next-level.
What is your biggest pet hate when it comes to photography or other photographers?
Oh, easy. Over editing. There’s a fine line between enhancing an image and making it look like a video game character. I like my photos as natural as possible. Oh and red and blue lights at events, I get the worst sense of dread!
What is the best part about doing events like Submission Series?
The energy. There’s nothing like the adrenaline of a live event. The athletes are giving their all, and I get to be part of capturing their journey. Plus, the camaraderie in the martial arts community is
second to none—it’s like one big, sweaty family. Not to mention the amazing feedback from fighters when they see their fight photos.
And what is the worst or hardest part about doing these events?
Definitely the lighting. Combat sports events aren’t always in the most photographer-friendly venues. Balancing fast action with less-than-ideal lighting can be a challenge. Also, the risk of getting too close to the action—I’ve almost taken a rogue armbar to the camera lens and been the victim of several nearly squashed by giant humans!
If you could photograph anyone, or any event, who or what would it be and why?
I’d love to shoot Rugby Six Nations, or even the IBJJF Worlds or Euros but I am not that great, yet. The scale, the intensity, and the stories behind the athletes would be incredible to capture. On a more whimsical note, Clint Eastwood—imagine a black-and-white portrait of him in a BJJ GI Iconic, right?
When you are not busy behind the lens, what do you like to get up to?
If I’m not photographing or working, you’ll probably find me training BJJ, exploring new places, or hunting down a great place that serves red wine or damn good whisky to decompress with my long suffering boyfriend; who has been a rock in supporting me. I’m also partial to a good book or binge-watching a series when I get the chance.
Tell us three random facts about yourself.
1. I tore my MCL whilst on a mat as a photographer, I thought I could try a wrestling technique out. True story.
2. I do not like chocolate.
3. I take a Donnie the Red Panda (he is a stuffed toy) with me to all photography events: he has been
lucky to have been photographed with some amazing BJJ athletes.
Where can people follow you and keep up to date with what you are doing?
You can find me on Instagram at @Rhesusbel, where I post my latest work and behind-the-scenes shots. It’s the best place to keep up
with my photography adventures.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Just a huge thank you to NE Online for the feature! And to anyone out there considering picking up a camera or trying BJJ—go for it. You never know where it might lead.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, and we look forward to catching up with you at the next event.
Thank you—it’s been a blast! Can’t wait to see you at the next Submission Series event. Bring your game face; I’ll bring my camera!
NEIL FINGLETON - BIG SMOOTH
“I’d just like to think that people would have follow the dream like he did,” Neil’s mother, Christine Fingleton – BIG SMOOTH documentary.
Our paths in life were bound to cross, eventually.
After all, he was brought up and schooled in Gilesgate, County Durham and, although I myself was born in Esh Winning, my mother, brother and I moved to Sherburn Road at the time he was born (brought up on Newton Hall, not a million miles from Neil and his family); I even had family living in Gilesgate. However, it wasn’t until our late teens, early twenties, and those nights out in ‘Dirty Durham’ did mine and Neil Fingleton’s (1980-2017) paths truly cross.
That in itself was a lifetime ago now, what, the late nineties, early noughties; by which time Neil
had already carved a career for himself in the world of basketball, stateside no less and it’s that which forms the basis of the upcoming release of, on 18 December, what would have been Neil’s birthday, BIG SMOOTH.
The documentary, put together so brilliantly by Paul Stainthorpe and the team at Hazy Pine Pictures, is one which has earned rave reviews across the globe since it hit the big screen – and now it’ll be made readily available on the small
screen as well.
So, for those who’ve not had a chance to see BIG SMOOTH yet, what is it? (warning, the rest of this may well contain a few spoilers) ….
At a little over eighty minutes long, and worth every darned second of that time, Stainthorpe and his team have put together, with the help of around fifty interviews, the story of Neil Fingleton’s life and career.
“I travelled the world and spoke to 48 people who knew Neil, and, due to the pandemic, the film took three and a half years to complete,” said Paul.
“BIG SMOOTH is an inspirational story of chasing your dreams, never giving up, and ultimately the footprint we leave on each other’s lives.”
On the main, the film charts the unexpected rise of Neil, from
humble beginnings in County Durham, to basketball star in Worcester, Massachusetts, and begins with haunting soundbites of Neil, in action, on-court, during those heady days of the late nineties.
Interviews and thoughts plenty, be
they from team-mates across the pond, where the loveable giant of a man first made an imprint on the world, or from those who knew him best, his family and close friends back here in Northern England – people like Christine, and Michael Fingleton, Neil’s mother and brother, and friends like John Hopper, Neil Harrison, and John Anderson, they’re all there, they all played a part, no matter what it was, in Neil’s life.
As is mentioned in the film however, Neil’s life perhaps wasn’t meant to go that way, his incredible height playing a huge factor in making that decision; in fact, Neil never really played basketball until he was what, 13-14-years-old.
“(Known as the tall family) the height attracted too much attention at one point…..school though, they were really good at protecting him,” explains Neil’s brother, Michael; Neil meanwhile, he was said to be more into foot-
ball, ice hockey, and judo, in his youth.
Mind you, Durham has, for manya-year, been more known for its football and ice hockey than any other sport, period.
Overcoming obstacles once he arrived stateside, the film goes on to
discuss how Neil made the transition from one place, to another, and how well looked after and liked he was by those he met at Holy Name, then in turn at North Carolina, and at Holy Cross –Neill really was, just that loveable guy, and that’s how he came across anywhere he went.
(Basketball career, 1997-2007 – Holy Name Central Catholic, North Carolina, Holy Cross, Boston Frenzy, Tees Valley Mohawks, CB Illescas, CB Ciudad Real)
Once the story of Neil’s life in basketball is finished, the film then looks at how he made the (BIG) SMOOTH move into the world of acting – stage, commercials, television, and film.
Roles included appearing in the like of ‘47 Ronin,’ with the legendary Keanu Reeves, entering the Marvel Universe in both X Men First Class, and Avengers: Age of Ultron, or even playing the giant Mag the Mighty in the TV series, Game of Thrones, a show he appeared in for three years (20142017), whilst in 2015, there was the pièce de resistance, alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman, playing the part of The Fisher King, in the Doctor Who episodes, Under the Lake/Before the Flood (Ninth Season).
Actress Jenny Platt said of Neil, with whom she’d worked with, that: “Neil is a lesson in how to take something that could be your
burden, and could be the thing that weighs you down and stops you enjoying life, and just use it to make your life a hundred times better.”
Just as his acting career is taking off, everything changed, Doctor Who was in 2015, and, within two years, Neil had passed away; the closing fifteen minutes or so of the film focusses on those tributes, from many who knew and loved him, providing lasting memories of such a gentle giant, both at work, and at play.
With brother Michael talking about the ‘actual cause of death’ of his brother, the closing is heartfelt, tearful, and very much tugs at those heartstrings, Christine Fingleton providing a beautiful thank you, to everyone, before closing with the words of Neil’s favourite poem, ‘If,’ by Rudyard Kipling “And - which is more - you’ll be a Man, my Son!”
Overall, this is up there with the best biographical documentaries I’ve watched; Paul goes straight for the topic(s) at hand, works through them effortlessly, and provides that, on-the-ground, personable moments which really hit home – whether you knew Neil Fingleton or not, you kind of,
will, by the time you’ve watched this one (maybe have some tissues at the ready as well, if you’re that kind of person).
BIG SMOOTH is set to be released on 18 December, Neil’s birthday, you can keep up-to-date with all goings-on in the world of Paul Stainthorpe and Hazy Pine Pictures via their FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/HazyPinePics X https://x.com/HazyPinePics and WEBSITE https:// www.hazypine.com/
As some of our readers may remember, back in October 2016 we covered a north east convention called King Con, which was held at The Stadium of Light (Sunderland) and featured several guests including Game of Thrones’ Bronn
(Jerome Flynn) Voice of Mario, Luigi and friends (Charles Martinet), Syrio of Game of Thrones (Miltos Yerolemou) Tessek Squid, Mon Calamari Officer from Star Wars and Mr Muscle (Gerald Homes), and Mag the Mighty of Game of Thrones and more (the mighty 7ft 7 Neil Fingleton)!
It was at this convention where our editor, Wayne, met Neil and had the photo taken that graces this issues’ front cover, bearing in mind Wayne is himself 6ft 2, and yet he looks tiny compared to Neil. Wayne though, has fond memories of the meeting, saying: “Neil really was a gentle giant with a giant heart.
“He took the time to chat with all of his fans, including myself, in fact we chatted for ages and Neil kindly signed our charity banner, explaining that he himself does a lot for charity and at his convention appearances always collected
for St Cuthbert’s Hospice.
“In fact, we had planned on doing some charity work together once he got a break from filming and work, something I was very much looking forward to doing as Neil really was a very genuine and
friendly guy.
“Sadly, Neil was taken from us a few months later. Even though I only ever met him once, he really did make a lasting impression, in fact the photo of me looking up at Neil is one of my favourite photos, which I show everyone.
“I even got such a shock when that photo appeared in the documentary, about an hour into it, I really did not expect that.”
Wayne’s comments reflect pretty much everyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting Neil, which goes to show the kind of person he was.
LOOK OUT, ON 18 DECEMBER, FOR BIG SMOOTH, GOING LIVE ON HAZY PINE PICTURES OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL VIA https://www. youtube.com/@HazyPinePics (images courtesy of Mark Garfinkel)
We have teamed up with Cineworld Boldon 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
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 21 December 2024
Running time: 110 minutes
Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With
their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet. Director Jeff Fowler returns along with our all-star cast including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub, newcomers Alyla Browne and Krysten Ritter, with Keanu Reeves joining
the franchise as Shadow the Hedgehog.
Cast: Jim Carrey, Idris Elba, James Marsden, Adam Pally, Keanu Reeves, Krysten Ritter, Ben Schwartz, James Wolk, Tika Sumpter, Lee Majdoub, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Alyla Browne
Director: Jeff Fowler
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
Better Man 26 December 2024
Running time: 135 minutes
Better Man looks at the rise, fall and resurrection of Williams – one of the UK’s bestselling artists of all time. Michael Gracey will shine light on the incredible highs and lows of celebrity and the journey to stardom,
inspired by Williams’ life and how he sees himself. The fantastical musical will be filled with reimagined versions of Williams’ musical hits and iconic performances, with spectacular set pieces and stunning visual effects created by the Academy Award® winning team at Weta FX (Avatar, Lord of the Rings trilogy). Williams stars alongside Jonno Davies (Hunters, Kingsman: The
Secret Service).
Cast: Anthony Hayes, Damon Herriman, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Robbie Williams, Kate Mulvany, Jonno Davies, Raechelle Banno Director: Michael Gracey
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
Nosferatu 01 January 2025
Running time: 132 minutes
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession
between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
Cast:Willem Dafoe, Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson,
Ralph Ineson, Bill Skarsgård, Simon McBurney, Lily-Rose Depp, Emma Corrin Director: Robert Eggers
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
Flight Risk 24 January 2025
120 minutes
In this high-stakes suspense thriller, Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg (Actor in a Supporting Role, they seem.
2006 – The Departed) plays a pilot transporting an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery) accompanying a fugitive (Topher Grace) to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who
Cast: Topher Grace, Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, Monib Abhat Director: Mel Gibson
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS AND WATCH THE TRAILER
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Over the past decade or so, of writing that is (they’ve known each other much longer), Nicky Black has put together and released, onto an unsuspecting world, their Valley Park Trilogy.
From the glowing embers that evolved into the 2015 publication of ‘The Prodigal,’ through the 2018 release of their second publication, ‘The Rave,’ fans were made to wait some before book three emerged and, very recently, Nicky Doherty and Julie Blackie, have provided ‘The Flower House’ (2024).
The beginning of it all, for Nicky Black, goes back somewhat further than their working together on this trilogy, and, with more in the pipeline moving forward, catching up with just one of the pair, Nicky Doherty, was insightful enough.
“We (Nicky and Julie) actually met at work back in the mid-90s, in Newcastle’s West End,” began Nicky, looking back at those early days of friendship.
“Both of us were working on the city’s regeneration project and she (Julie) was already writing scripts; so, it’s because of her really that I started to write plays myself.
“I then moved to London in 2002, where I stayed for
some fourteen years, and it was during that time we began to write ‘The Prodigal,’ something initially done for television but which never came to fruition.
“We ended up selfpublishing both that, and our second book, ‘The Rave,’ and it’s safe to say, we’ve never looked back.”
They’ve certainly come a long way since those heady days of the 1990s, a time when everything was so very different than it is now; but their friendship, it continues to withstand the tests of time and, they now being oft-labelled as “bringing a new voice to Geordie crime fiction,” whatever is next will surely excite.
“Back then, I used the scripts which Julie had in order to write the first two books,” explained Nicky.
“Whilst with this one (The Flower House), we plotted it out together, I took on the writing myself as Julie was super busy. It did take quite a while because I was working full-time and plotting isn’t necessarily my strong point! I didn’t really
get going until late in 2021 once I could decrease my hours at work.
“I stopped working myself in December last year, eventually biting the bullet and deciding to really giving this writing lark a go.
“That afforded the time needed in order to knock everything together, do any edits, and re-writes; as for Julie, she retired earlier this year, so we can once again combine our writing skills: me doing the narrative (the “fluffy stuff” Julie calls it), and her doing the plotting and polishing all the dialogue.”
‘The Flower House’ is certainly worth the read though, maybe one of those holiday reads, or something to cosy up to throughout the winter; and, on a personal
level, the character forever known as ‘Grandude,’ he’ll be taken to your heart, of that it’s certain.
“We’re still confident that, although something of a slow-burner, this is going to be a big hit,” continued Nicky.
“I’ve sat down, picked it apart line-by-line; the THEN and NOW segments were done separately as well and, overall, we wanted the Valley Park series to come to an end with this one.
“Julie is the one that’s into the older fashion and music, that’s her thing, but she does tend to watch crime dramas more than she reads; overall though, for me, it’s the WHY something happened that’s really important in storytelling.”
Now, with a potential new series in the pipeline, and less time elapsing between release, Nicky, and Julie, will continue their forever blossoming, working relationship –think gritty, crime, two female detectives (although Nicky insists it’s not really based on themselves in an alternate universe).
Their friendship though, that is something that will always be a priority, to both Nicky, and to Julie, no matter what happens with the writing.
Although, so far so good where that is concerned, Nicky said of the friendship vibe: “If it gets in the way of it, then we just won’t do it anymore.
“It’s friendship first-andforemost; I’ve listened, we’ve compromised, and we’re certainly much better together.
“Our friendship is more important and I trust Julie, and her opinions, she really does keep me grounded and has taught me a lot over the years and we’re both quite excited for the next series.
“The plan though, for both of us really, moving forward, is to focus on the books, and that’s great.”
Before the next series of crime books begins from Nicky Black, there’s the small matter of the upcoming, Newcastle NOIR, the tenth anniversary of the event which takes place between 4-7 December, and held at Newcastle City Library.
“It’ll be the first we’ve done together at NOIR; I’ve been
on the panel before, and we’ve done other places also, but this is a big deal for us and, whilst I get nervous, Julie, she can talk for England (giggled Nicky).”
Crime fans, avid readers and the like, they can keep upto-date with all that’s going on in the Nicky Black world, via their socials on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/AuthorBlackNE and X/Twitter https://x.com/ AuthorBlackNE
SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2025
The Straightener Show has fast become one of the biggest shows in the north east…on only it’s fourth show! Bringing a mix of combat sports and entertainment the show has seen the Walker Dome packed to its rafters and the crowd going wild to both the action inside the cage as well as outside of it too.
The forth event, held on the 7th of December proved so popular that they even had to open up the balcony for the first time, as the show sold out fast and people were still desperate to be there. Building on a mix of top fights, a mix of styles of fighting (past shows have featured MMA, Boxing, K1, Hybrid Rules and even bare knuckle. They have even added some crazy fights with a two v two fight for
the men, followed the next show with the ladies getting in on the action. This show they upped the crazy again by holding the UK’s first ever Chained fight. Basically both fighters were literally chained together so they
were less than arms distance at all times, this meant that fighters had nowhere to go and had to stand and bang, if that wasn’t mad enough it was one untimed round with the fight only stopped if someone was knocked out
or unable to continue! The fighters in question were BKFC fighters John Ferguson (who took the win) and David Round, with guest referee Danny Christie, also a BKFC Fighter. The crowd were going mental every time a punch was thrown,
as both came to win and they really did entertain… so much so that there have been plenty of interest from fighters to take part in that next time.
As well as the fighting, the crowd were treated to a
phenomenal half time show, with a DJ set from Schak who played some absolute bangers and had the crowd going mental, followed by resident DJ Chrissy G, and MC’s Stompin and Ace. If that wasn’t enough Olympic BMX Silver medallist Kieran Reilly pulled off a few tricks on the stage and in the ring. Not many shows can say they have had someone pulling BMX tricks in the ring, but now The Straightener Show can say they have. Plus guests were treated to free Santa Hats, one person won a huge TV on the Punch Machine competition and all fighters left with a goody bag packed with branded merch!
With a mix of fights including a few title bouts, we saw new champions crowned and some defended theirs, but since the show, promoters Andy Davidson, BKFC
Heavyweight Champion of the world Michael Terrill, Mark Bailey and Marvin Campbell have been inundated with fighters from all over the UK (and beyond) desperate to get matched on their next show
which will take place once again at The Straightener Show’s home, The Walker Dome on Saturday 5th April 2025. To keep up to date with announcements make sure you follow their socials where you will see updates
from the media team including the one and only Jack Bart, his crazy videos will keep you all entertained whilst you wait for the next show.
Photos by Karn Loyd You Can Fly Photography.
When it comes to Christmas you can’t beat seeing the wonder and excitement in a child’s eyes as they meet Santa, so that is why we teamed up with Cineworld Boldon and Bede’s Helping Hands Foodbank K.A.V.S. for a third year to put on an affordable Santa’s Grotto for those families who are struggling. The prices for Christmas events to meet or see Santa is getting crazy expensive, so we put on a great event where the children not only get to see Santa, but will walk away with a selection box and a Christmas Eve box, all for only £5. Not only that but we had characters like The Grinch and the Naughty Elf to meet and entertain them whilst they waited, along with several stalls including a tombola, an affordable toy and crafts stall, all raising money for Bede’s Helping Hands Food Bank K.A.V.S. plus we had a few other stalls selling geeky items like Funko Pops and Comics to
Hand Made and Crafty gifts. Over the two days we managed to raise £1327 for Bede’s Helping Hands food Bank K.A.V.S. so thank you to each and every single person who visited Santa, bought a toy
or played the tombola helping us to raise such a fantastic amount.
Watch this space as we are already planning next year’s event which will be even bigger and better.
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Kingsley A Vision of Elvis - Tribute Show returns Saturday 7th June 2025
Rob
Tuesday 15th April 2025
Dreamcoat Stars brings four sensational singers together from the global hit show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for an unforgettable evening of musical theatre. Featuring West End and Broadway classics such as Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing, Hairspray, West Side Story, ABBA, The Greatest Showman, and the toe-tapping Jersey Boys.
Experience the UK’s biggest and best night of musical smash-hits in this star-studded concert, featuring brand-new songs and arrangements. Relive all your favourite productions in one epic evening.
This mega mix production is guaranteed to leave you wanting more, while singing along to your favourite songs! The show includes a hand-picked selection of non-stop hits with
phenomenal vocal arrangements, incredible four-part harmonies, slick choreography, and memorable stories from the star’s time in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Grab your coat of many colours and join us on a journey where Any Dream Will Do. This is a show that will raise your spirits for a night of theatre you’ll never forget.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Tuesday 20th May 2025
AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN
MATT GOSS ANNOUNCES
DATES FOR HIS BRAND-NEW UK TOUR FOR 2025
Wednesday 19th March 2025
Phil McIntyre Live are thrilled to announce that ‘The New King of Las Vegas’ and award-winning musician Matt Goss will embark upon a brand-new tour for 2025. Matt Goss: The Hits & More will be a celebration of all Matt has achieved in his music career and beyond. Kicking off in Plymouth, Matt will take in a further 20 dates including a night at Newcastle’s very own Tyne Theatre & Opera House on Wednesday 19th March 2025.
This tour will mark an eagerly anticipated return to the live UK music scene for Matt following his smash hit tour in 2023. Matt, who has performed in the States for an astounding 11 years initially headed to the Palms Casino for one year only. The show became an instant success, and he subsequently performed the show at the iconic Caesars Palace for the remainder of his Vegas residency. Whilst in the US, Goss performed in world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden and even officially hailed August 8th as Matt Goss Day in Las Vegas. Bringing sensational songs, and an electric atmosphere this show promises to be the biggest and
best night out with this celebrated artist.
On announcing the UK tour
Matt Goss said: “Trust me, what I’ve learnt over the years being on countless stages around the world, this will be your best night of the year!”
Matt Goss burst on to the global entertainment scene as lead singer of the English pop sensation, BROS. Goss quickly became the youngest artist to sell out and headline the world-famous Wembley Stadium, performing to a crowd of more than 77,000 fans. He played 19 consecutive nights to more than 200,000 fans at Wembley Arena and broke a world record selling out 2 nights at the O2 Arena in London, (40,000 tickets) in an unbelievable 7 seconds. He performed twice for Her Majesty, the Queen and has taken his award-winning
shows to the most prestigious venues around the world including the Royal Albert Hall. 2018 saw the release of the BAFTA-winning movie about his and his brother’s life entitled ‘After the Screaming Stops.’ Following a national theatre release, the movie went on to become the most downloaded BBC production in 2018 and it has been roundly hailed as “The greatest music documentary of all time” by GQ Magazine.
Standard tickets cost £78.50£38.50, and fans can even add a bolt-on Meet & Greet ticket package for an extra £65, subject to avaliability. Tickets can be purchased from: https://www. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/ whatson/matt-goss-the-hitsmore/
IMAGES PAUL HARRIS
JOANNE MCNALLY ANNOUNCES HOTLY ANTICIPATED NEW STANDUP SHOW - ‘PINOTPHILE’ Fri 3 & Sat 4 Oct 2025
Record-breaking queen of Irish comedy Joanne McNally announces her hugely anticipated return to the stage with new stand-up show ‘Pinotphile’, coming to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in Newcastle on Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th October 2025 ‘Pinotphile’ follows the runaway success of Joanne’s smash hit ‘The Prosecco Express’ - a show that set off on its maiden voyage in initial previews back in 2019 before becoming a critically acclaimed global riot - touring across UK, Ireland, Australia, Dubai, Canada and the US - where media giant Variety tipped Joanne as one of
its comedy ‘Ones to Watch’. Back home, Ticketmaster IE crowned the show its ‘Comedy Event of the Year’ following an unprecedented 78 show run at Dublin’s Vicar Street. Since then, McNally has been keeping herself busy by ruining men’s lives (and her own) - still single, still unfertilised, and laden with irreverent, ridiculous and hilarious war stories, join Joanne for a wild ride in ‘Pinotphile’, as she navigates situationships, revenge, frenemies and rejection in her ‘terrifyingly funny’ (London Standard) and ‘joyously nuts’ (Irish Examiner) trademark style.
One of podcasting’s best-loved names, Joanne is the co-host of the award-winning ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me’ alongside best friend Vogue Williams - since launching in 2021, the podcast reaches over 2.5 million listen-
ers per month and has toured across the world, culminating in an extraordinary run of 5 sold out nights at Dublin’s 3 Arena. Elsewhere, Joanne also hosts the hugely popular BBC Sounds format
Joanne McNally Investigateswith two series under her belt - ‘Who Replaced Avril Lavigne?’ and ‘Do Furbys Spy On Us?’. A primetime TV regular, Joanne is best known for her riotous appearances on Taskmaster, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Big Fat Quiz of Everything, and many more.
Tickets cost £33.50 and can be purchased from: https://www. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/ whatson/joanne-mcnally-pinotphile/
Somebody Feed Phil star Phil Rosenthal to share his incredible career story on stage
Thursday 10th April 2025
An Evening with Phil Rosenthal will be an entertaining evening filled with the award-winning creator’s stories from his vast career, and he’ll be coming to Newcastle’s very own Tyne Theatre & Opera House next spring.
Phil Rosenthal is the award-winning creator, executive producer, and host of Somebody Feed Phil, as well as a 2x New York Times Best Selling Author. Somebody Feed Phil – one of Netflix’s most popular food and travel shows has garnered a cult-like following, and currently has 7 seasons on Netflix. Following its immense popularity,
it has been renewed for an eighth season and is one of Netflix’s longest unscripted series.
This Emmy-nominated series combines Rosenthal’s love of food and travel with his unique brand of humour and has become a must-see TV for foodies, restaurateurs, travellers, and armchair enthusiasts all over the world. Rosenthal was recently nominated for a 2024 Critics’ Choice Real TV Award, after winning Critics Choice Real TV Awards in 2022 and 2021 for “Best Travel/Adventure Show” and “Male Star of the Year” on behalf of the series. He also garnered a 2022 James Beard Award nomination for “Visual Media—Long Form.” Rosenthal’s early writing credits include the comedy series
Down The Shore and Coach. In 1995, Rosenthal created the hit CBS comedy Everybody Loves Raymond which premiered the following year. He served as the showrunner and executive producer for all nine years of the show’s very successful run, which ended in 2005. During its original run, the show was nominated for over 70 Emmy Awards, and won 15 awards, including two for “Best Comedy Series” in 2003 and 2005. Rosenthal won the 2002 Writers Guild Award for “Excellence in Television Writing” for his Italy script.
Fans of Phil Rosenthal won’t want to miss An Evening with Phil Rosenthal on Thursday 10th April 202 – tickets are sure to sell fast, so don’t miss your chance!
Jonathan Higgins, CEO of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, exclaims, “Phil Rosenthal has been very successful with our audience in previous years, and we can’t wait to see the star return to Newcastle! Next year’s line-up is looking spectacular at the Tyne Theatre, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests with our high-quality selection.”
Tickets are £39-£33 each for standard seats or £116.50 for the best seats in the house, plus an after-show meet and greet. These can be purchased from: https:// www.tynetheatreandoperahouse. uk/whatson/an-evening-withphil-rosenthal/
1 Cheapside, Spennymoor, DL16 6QE
