NE Online Magazine Issue 38

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself?

- Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am.

So there.

At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far?

- Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves.

I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out?

- Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor.

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Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents?

- Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about?

- My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out.

How has the response for Hebburn been so far?

- Overwhelmingly positive.

And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

You are now embarking on your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this?

- Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about?

- The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

We l c o m e N o t e .

We l l a b ra n d n e w y e a r i s u n d e r w a y, fo r s o m e i t h a s g o t o f f t o a g r e a t s t a r t , fo r o t h e r s n o t s o m u c h , b u t i f t h a t ’s t h e c a s e h a n g i n t h e i r, t h i n g s c a n a n d w i l l g e t b e t t e r, y o u j u s t h a v e to ride the storm. So we have a jam p a c ke d i s s u e t o g i v e y o u p l e n t y t o l o o k fo r w a r d t o ; - ) As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n ’ t fo r g e t t o d r o p u s a n e m a i l t o wayne. groves@neonlinemagazine. com P l u s r e m e m b e r t o fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k , Tw i t t e r & I n s t a g ra m fo r our regular updates on events and competitions.

Till next time Ta ke c a r e Wa y n e

EDITOR & DESIGNER Wayne Groves wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com

The Theatre Royal Newcastle & Newcastle City Hall www.theatreroyal.co.uk/ Ocean Beach Pleasure Park www.oceanbeach.co.uk Quasar Elite South Shields www.quasarsouthshields.co.uk For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com Plus you can catch up with us online for news, events, blogs, competitions and more at www.neonlinemagazine.com Follow us on Facebook - www.facebook. com/pages/N-E-Online-Magazine Join us on Twitter @NEOnlineMag1 And Instagram @neonlinemagazine

CONTRIBUTORS Peter Mann BSc Inside Mann Media & PR petermann78@hotmail.com Nicholas Dunn NJDunn Photography SPONSORS Sergeant Clip www.sergeantclip.com Facebook - Sergeant Clip F.ound Digital Website: ino.digital Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk

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WAYNE.GROVES@NEONLINEMAGAZINE.COM

THIS ISSUE P6 Soul Strong Real Retreats P14 The Life Of Reilly P18 Venus P25 The North East Guitar Show P28 Lea Williams P36 NE Artist Of The Year Lucinda Grange P48 Cineworld Film Round Up P62 Vonda Shepard & Sharon Corr P68 NFL’s Alex ‘Shaggy’ Gray P76 Holly Rees P82 Talk Like Tigers 5

Hi Colin, welcome to NE, can

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When it comes to fitness people often only think of the physical kind of fitness, when in reality there is a lot more to it, so it is great to see 4 people joining forces to bring something unique to help us all improve our lifestyles.

Sonia Strong from Soul Strong World has teamed up with former Gladiator Diane Youdale, who is known to millions as everyone’s favourite Gladiator Jet, Anna Parkin who is now infamous as the Boss from Geordie Shore and finally Sue Brierley who owns the Gables which is the home of ‘Real Retreats’.

learn and to relax in.

you know you are in safe hands.

Diane Youdale together with Soul Strong World brings you these reboot retreats at the Gables in beautiful ancient Escomb, in the North East of England. Diane’s been teaching and facilitating wellness seminars and has been a practising Fitness and Psychotherapist for 30 years, so

At ‘Real Retreats’ you’ll get chance to – • Be fed up to date knowledge on your Mind/body relationship and your Microbiome • How to get the best from your food to feed spirit and soul

‘Real Retreats’ is the result of our fab four getting together and coming up with a great idea that is ideal for anyone wanting to improve their lifestyle bringing together a wealth of knowledge and the perfect setting for you to

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• You’ll have a choice of activities from a guided Mindful walk to Pilates for Core and spinal health • Understand the principals of eating right for your body type • Sound healing and a self empowerment workshop to return refreshed and renewed.

Diane also runs ‘Jet Loves’ so even if you can’t make it to one of the ‘Real Retreats’ you can still learn more about improving your life from the comfort of your own home from a person who really knows her stuff.

Jet Loves is a twice weekly online training facility from where ever Diane is to where ever you are.

No tie-ins, only access to knowledge of how to get the best from your training and have Diane’s considerable experience as an educator, facilitator in wellness to help with growing your health habit.

She is also a psychotherapist and coach to help with any barriers to life goals and your happiness.

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‘Consistency is key’ to achieving

wellness in life, for life.

For more info on ‘Real Retreats’ and to book a place visit www. soulstrongworld.com For more info on Jet Loves visit www.patreon.com/jetloves and her website www.dianeyoudale. co.uk/jet-loves/ or follow her on Facebook The location of ‘Real Retreats’ is The Gables which you can

find out more about at www. thegables-podcamping.co.uk

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www.cmd-studios.co.uk

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“What’s it like to have autism? I don’t know, what’s it like not to?

The Life of Reilly returns to the Northern Stage This February will see Newcastle’s Northern Stage venue play host to the critically acclaimed ‘The Life of Reilly,’ a theatrical performance centred on autism.

Having taken on a life of its own since its inception, a short film having already been brought to life and a feature film hopefully to come (the short film includes a stunning soundtrack headed

by The Longsands’ North South Divide) they’ve sold out previous performances as the brainchild of Alison Stanley, alongside close friends and sisters-inlaw, Christine Stephenson and Kelly Best, offer on-the-ground insight into the autistic world.

Described by the Northern Stage as being; “Based on actual events, this heart-warming play will have you laughing and crying in equal measures as you join Reilly and his family on their journey with autism.

“What’s it like to have autism?

I don’t know, what’s it like not to?”

Penned by Alison Stanley across late 2016, early 2017, the northern playwright, actress and musician provided insight into ‘The Life of Reilly’ saying: “I write from an observational stance and wrote this because I wanted to show family dynamics of what life is like with autism.

“I wanted to keep it very real, gritty, and have set it on a council estate.

“It’s about a mother who’s accepting, a father in denial, a sister who although resentful loves her brother, whereas gran, she doesn’t really understand anything.”

Split over two, one hour parts, the consensus is to provide that all-important insight into life on the autistic spectrum and, although diverting slightly from

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the progression of the films’ portrayal of Reilly, the point is the same.

“In the stage play Reilly is in his early twenties (compared to the child in the films) and reverts back to different, youthful ages which is actually rather effective,” continued Alison.

“Whilst the story tells itself on stage, the point from this is that we’re also using a diverse crew and cast.

“It affords the opportunity for people to work with the autistic, removing the myths and broadening peoples’ horizons.”

Of those making a cameo appearance is Scott Ritchie, himself an actor with autism who, along with Katie Carruthers and Ellie Clark, play just as important roles no matter how minimalistic.

In following a dream Scott began acting a few years ago, and it helps him forward a message to his own family and friends.

“It can be upsetting for them so they need to know about it, care for, and to look out for autism awareness,” explained Scott.

“I was diagnosed myself at 7 and didn’t really know what it was until I was 15, and that was whilst enduring bad experiences, first at school, then at college.

“When I began acting in 2014 I was working as a zookeeper at the time.

“I signed up for this two years ago now and was really excited to get the call to play Craig – he lives in a council house and is a victim of hate crime but is frightened to

tell his father and friends.”

A step on his own path to fulfilling an acting dream, Scott’s goals are of a similar vein to other actors whilst also dreaming of writing or directing.

“I’d love to be on television one day,” Scott adds.

“I’d like to maybe play an autistic man in Vera but the main dream is Emmerdale for a couple of years, or somewhere like Casualty or Midsummer Murders.”

Whilst also looking at a northern tour over a half dozen dates, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, Alison is thankful to those at the Northern Stage.

“They’re extremely supportive of not only myself, but also the business, so what we’re achieving together is fantastic,” smiles Alison.

there so it’s great to be able to go back again, whilst also being able to look at differing options such as spinoff plays to go into schools.”

The cast for ‘The Life of Reilly’ is as follows – Cameron Fraser (Reilly), Rod Glenn (dad), Alison Stanley (mum), Jackie Dawson (gran), Jay Turner (friend), Brooke Armstrong (sister) Scott Ritchie, Kate Carruthers, Ellie Clark (cameos) Taking place on February 8 there are two performance times of 12:00 and 19:00, priced at £14 (£12 concessions) they are available from www.northernstage.co.uk

“We’ve had a few sell-out shows

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GRRRLS are Deranged A five-piece, all-GRRRLS punk band from differing parts of the UK are preparing to take the scene by storm this month when, on January 26, they released their debut single, ‘Deranged.’

As punk rock goes, Yorkshirebased quintet, Venus, are well and truly looking at upsetting the norm, and if early signs of their appearance on the scene is anything to go by, it won’t take them long to make an impression.

Twelve months this February since they debuted at the Lending Room, Leeds, as support for Peach Club, a riot girl band from Norwich, Venus are fast becoming the GRRRLS on everybody’s lips – and

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if they’re not, then the dangerously brilliant debut offering, Deranged, will make sure they are.

Two from London, two from Yorkshire, and one from County Durham sees Venus GRRRLS bring differing styles and skillsets

to the genre in hand.

Emanating from their respective tenures at Leeds College of Music, where all five are studying music degrees, they happened across each other at the end of their first year, kind of by accident really.

One tried but to no avail, two followed and the rest is history, punk history.

Fronted by Grace Kelly (vocals) alongside Hannah Barraclough (bass), Jess Ayres (guitar), Grace Stubbings (synths) and Gabby Cooke (drums)….two became instant friends, a pair of Grace’s from the start, whilst Gabby is attributed as being a catalyst of sorts.

“During the summer, at the end of our first year, we started looking at putting a band together,” became Grace Stubbings.

“Unbeknownst to us, at that time, Gabby had posted similar a few months earlier – I guess it was fate, and Gabby really started it all.

“So, the perfect opportunity was there and, with Hannah and Jess also joining us, we began practicing in late 2017.

know which direction things were going to go.”

In signing to Monomyth Records at the end of their first year as a fully-fledged punk band, the release of debut single, ‘Deranged,’ took place at Hyde Park Book Club on 26 January, certainly ushered in the start of a new era.

Ross Pearson UFC

“There’s always been female rock musicians, all-girl bands, but they’ve not had the recognition they deserve,” continued Grace Kelly.

“So, with our debut single, we want to make an impression, not only as to who we are, but also what we are about.

“Surprisingly we managed to get our first gig rather quickly and we would soon be supporting Peach Club at the Lending Room in Leeds in mid-February last year (alongside Cat Apostrophe and Nala).

“It was nervous, stressful, but a really good experience and certainly gave us the kick up the backside we needed, more as we didn’t

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“It’s a double edged sword really as we’re not only promoting ‘Deranged,’ we’re also promoting the band as a whole.”

So, how exactly doe five GRRRLS come together and put out music, and aim for a debut single, more in such a short space of time.

“We wanted to release something that we are really proud of,” continued Grace K. “Having knuckled down on individual parts, all done in separate sessions, so we’re really pleased as to how the final version of ‘Deranged’ actually does sound.”

For Grace S the addition of synths makes the track stand out above all others, she added: “To me, synthetics adds extra to a production.

“It certainly makes things sound

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different and, because I also produce music, I know what I’m looking for in the final product.

Prepare for mayhem, enjoy the madness, and punk out with the GRRRLS…..

“We’re definitely getting more into this as well and we all bring something unique, different, to the project and you can hear that from our differing musical influences in Deranged.”

Although still relatively new to cut-throat world of the music industry Venus have recently been signed to Leeds label, Monomyth Records and their debut offering, ‘Deranged’ is available from all outlets now….

Now, having come from seemingly nowhere, these GRRRLS are preparing a takeover, it could get messy, but it’ll be fun all the same.

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/VENUSGRRRLS/

TWITTER - https://twitter.com/ VENUSGRRRLS They’re in this for the long-haul as well, and, with them being a bunch of raucous, talented twentysomethings, the single launch being something special indeed, and where they were ably supported as well, Leeds’ alt rock trio, Lunar Sounds, and a garage punk quartet in Zgulls, joining the GRRRLS on stage.

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For 2019, THE NORTH EAST GUITAR SHOW returns to the superb, purpose-built event complex at Rainton Meadows Arena, Mercantile Rd, Houghton-leSpring DH4 5PH, and will be on Sunday 10th March from 10am to 4.00pm.

This prestige and spacious location is close to all the North East major routes, provides superb facilities and has the advantage of easy load-in for exhibitors, excellent catering, licensed bar and free parking.

With space for more than 100 dealers the show is a wonderful opportunity to buy, sell and trade new, vintage and second-hand guitars, amps, effects and accessories. There will be bargains and special show deals. Free appraisals of instruments and amps will be available.

There will be bands, duos and

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solo performers all day in the live music pavilion: Back by popular demand after his astonishing performance in 2018, the amazing Aziz Ibrahim (Stone Roses, Simply Red, Asia, Paul Weller) will be playing the ‘Digital Asian Blues’ interpreting the blues through his DesiGuitR style.

Vintage Guitars showcase contemporary acoustic based folk/rock

from The Carrie Martin Band.

The North East’s own award-winning sensations, The Mitch Laddie Band will present their unique brand of blues/rock.

Plus, a live duo performance demo of the new Bose S1 Pro multi-position PA system along with the all new T4S and T8S mixers..

The event is sponsored by J G Windows, PMT, BluGuitar, JHS, Fret-King Guitars, Supro, Vintage Guitars, Guitar.com, Reflex Print, Acoustic Review and the Musicians’ Union. PA is provided by Bose Ltd. Many major retailers and distributors will be attending together with a host of second-hand and vintage dealers, parts suppliers and luthiers.

Registration is open to any business with guitar-related products including retailers, distributors,

manufacturers, luthiers, boutique makers and private collectors and dealers.

To book a stand email gail@ guitarshows.co.uk or phone 01925 813185 or 07403 346409.

The Show promises to be a treat

for any guitar enthusiast. Café and licensed bar. Free parking.

Public admission £6 at the door.

Enquiries 07403 346409.

Web site; www.guitarshows.co.uk Email: info@guitarshows.co.uk

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International Music Artist, Lea Williams, head to Rainton Meadows ‘’Why reach for the stars when you can take the whole galaxy,” Internationally acclaimed fan artist, Stoke’s Lea Williams, is heading to Rainton Meadows on March 10 as part of the NE Guitar Show Exhibition ran by Gail & Peter Hoarty of northern Guitar Shows Ltd. Lea, who has been a fan artist for the past six year, only began portraits over the past three years and has reached international acclaim

pretty fast with fellow Potteries musicians, Robbie Williams and Slash, owning pieces of her work.

It’s not just portraits in which she turns her hands to either, Lea often seen adding colour and context in coffee art, converse, and even onto the framework of guitars, such is the nature of her work.

She’s also been known to dabble in the worlds of professional wrestling and science fiction, however, it’s the former passion with which she’s become internationally recognised.

“I do what I do to invoke memories and to celebrate the past,” began Lea.

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“These musicians have defined who I am so there is always a connection there for me.

“But I started by pure accident, painting converse (trainers) for my daughter six years ago and, after putting a post on social media about them friends started asking if I could do some for them and their family.

“I was actually studying towards teaching business studies, was looking at doing a degree then the PGCE and one of the units for the degree was relating to creating independent businesses, so I guess that, in my own, subconscious mind, I decided to just that instead.

“It was my minds way of saving me from what was going on in my life.”

Be it Lemmy Kilmister or Robbie Williams, David Bowie or Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Prince and even the iconic Slash, Lea has donned her own imitative style and painted them all.

Her hometown pop icon, Robbie Williams, of Take That (yes, she done them as well) is accredited as being the first, full-sized portrait

in which the UK’s leading fan artist has painted.

“Yes, Robbie Williams was my first piece, a one which I titled ‘Freedom,’” added Lea. “It was when he was awarded the keys to the City of Stoke and I decided that I would do that as it meant something and it signified a new start for me and what I was doing.

shows though, and meeting people that these places allow you to, then I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go into that kind of arena.

“Doing so has certainly inspired a lot of things and has shown that you don’t need the classical training to achieve your aspirations, everybody can dream.”

Among her lengthening list of friends Le can count that of leg-

“Although there’s a lot of significance behind it, I did it sell it. Do I regret selling it? Yes, of course, but we can’t live life on regrets.

“I’ve had to teach myself and, up to three years ago, I’d never done a portrait but I’m always looking to improve my abilities, my knowledge and I’ve had to make some serious decisions in life to get to where I am now.

“If it hadn’t been for the guitar

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endary American rock manager, Vicky Hamilton among others.

Holding her dear to the heart the pair share much in common – music, art, mutual friendships 9and all because of social media) – read Lea’s blog about their special meeting via https://leawilliams. co.uk/vicky-hamilton-formerguns-n-roses-manager/ and one thing to take from that alone is her close: “Meeting people is important. Network!

“Don’t dismiss what you don’t know. You never know who you are going to meet. Something special happened in that room that day.”

Just three months ago Lea was nominated in the ‘Outstanding Business of the Year’ category at the Midlands Business and Community Charity Awards which was held at Villa Park, the home of Championship high-fliers, Aston Villa FC. The NE Guitar Show has been held in the region for the past fifteen years, and over twenty years across the North as a whole, the husband and wife duo hosting shows across the country, several of which Lea now attends.

All the shows are seen as the place

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related art, is a wonderful artist, and has become a special friend of ours.” for the public to buy, sell and trade guitars, amps, effects and anything guitar related with exhibitors including retailers, distributors, manufacturers, luthiers, boutique amp and effects makers and private dealers and sellers.

Alongside the exhibition side they also have live music and try to feature superb guitarists and bands from all over the UK and Europe while including local performers when possible.

Speaking of Lea, co-organiser, Peter Hoarty, said: “Lea is doing well and she is a good supporter of our shows.

“She has now established herself in the industry with her music

The event is sponsored by J G Windows, PMT, BluGuitar, FretKing Guitars, Vintage Guitars, The Guitar Magazine, Reflex Print and the Musicians’ Union. PA is provided by Bose Ltd. Public admission for the event which takes place on Sunday 10 March at Rainton Meadows Arena is £6 (free parking) and further information can be ascertained via 01925 813185 or via www.guitarshows.co.uk whilst those interested in Lea Williams work can visit www.leawilliams.co.uk and to purchase artwork visit https:// leawilliamsart.bigcartel.com/ or social media channels Facebook https://www.facebook.com/leawilliamsart/ and @leawilliamsart (Twitter).

All media enquiries contact Peter Mann via petermann78@hotmail. com

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NERG is the biggest retro gaming event in the North East, held at Gateshead Stadium over the course of 2 days, this event is as big as it gets for retro gamers or just the big kids re-living their youth playing the games they used to play, after all, they don’t make them like they used to. 2017 will be the fifth year of NERG and it will be a big one. With 100 video arcade machines, 35 pinball machines and 60 consoles and computers this really is an event you do not want to miss!.

The event is held over the weekend of 1st & 2nd of July.

Entrance is £15 per day or £25 for the full weekend. Children aged 5-13 years can also get in for only £10 on the Sunday.

All the machines are set to free play so once you pay the admission fee, it’s free gaming all day., so no need for those pockets full of change.

CLICK HERE TO TICKETS ONLINE.

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PURCHASE

or you can pay on the day if the event hasn’t sold out.

More details can be found at w w w.northeastretrogaming. com Machines are announced on a regular basis through the social feeds so make sure you keep checking to see what games will

be there, though with so many we are sure your favourites will be there.

CLICK HERE FOR FACEBOOK For Twitter - @NERGOfficial

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{2019} {Artist} {of the} {Year} {Lucinda Grange}

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NERG is the biggest retro gaming event in the North East, held at Gateshead Stadium over the course of 2 days, this event is as big as it gets for retro gamers or just the big kids re-living their youth playing the games they used to play, after all, they don’t make them like they used to. 2017 will be the fifth year of NERG and it will be a big one. With 100 video arcade machines, 35 pinball machines and 60 consoles and computers this really is an event you do not want to miss!.

The event is held over the weekend of 1st & 2nd of July.

Entrance is £15 per day or £25 for the full weekend. Children aged 5-13 years can also get in for only £10 on the Sunday.

event hasn’t sold out.

More details can be found at www.northeastretrogaming.com

All the machines are set to free play so once you pay the admission fee, it’s free gaming all day., so no need for those pockets full of change.

CLICK HERE TO TICKETS ONLINE.

PURCHASE

or you can pay on the day if the

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Every Picture Tells a Story The term ‘Artist’ covers many definitions and, more-often-than-not, most individuals can lay claim to be an ‘artist’ in their own specific field of employment.

An artist can be a person who creates paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby; a person who practices or performs one of the creative arts; or is a person skilled in a specific task or occupation.

Throughout 2018 the NE Online Magazine Artist of the Year was local soul sensation, Beth Macari, this year we have gone a

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little global, in every sense of the word, where we’ve chosen Urban Photographer, Lucinda Grange, to adorn our pages over the next twelve months.

Here is just some of Lucinda’s incredible story in an interview with PR specialist, journalist and author, Peter Mann…..

Lucinda Grange is the Lara Croft of Urban Photography, and she wouldn’t change a thing, she loves every second and, whatever people say can’t be done, can be.

At the tender age of 30 she’s done most things as an Urban Explorer

Photographer that most people can only dream of doing, and then some.

The dangers are there for all to see, whether it is in glorious technicolor or in scintillating black and white, Lucinda will go to any lengths to get ‘that’ shot, that image, the coup de grace which tells a thousand and one words.

Ask her why though and she will simply say: “It’s always been to leave a legacy; a body of work that will have a positive effect that people will look at and be inspired by, or look at themselves or the world differently.

Within the eye of the lens she carries all but everywhere with here, Lucinda Grange has been everywhere you can think of.

bird and that freedom has seen her traverse the heights of the Chrysler Building in New York or the Great Pyramids of Giza, even plumbing the depths of the Paris Catacombs and the City Hall Loop in New York.

Underground or over ground she has been as free as the proverbial

One of those experiences, seven years ago, would see Lucinda scale

“That’s always been what I’ve wanted to do.”

the Manhattan Bridge; affording her own personal insight into that she explained: “Years ago, on a long flight to Rio, I found myself unable to sleep so I passed the time watching random movies, somehow, all I chose appeared to have been filmed in New York.

“With only time to watch one more before landing I selected the new Men in Black which was filmed while I was in NYC; I couldn’t help but wonder, as the scenes played depicted the cityscape during the night, with the bridges in the background - ‘Am I in this movie, a couple of pixels on top of a bridge?

“Jumping back to 2012 and my first trip to the Americas and, upon arrival in New York City, seeing this bridge with its pretty little globes on top, I knew it warranted a closer look if any bridge

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ever did.

“So, after a river-side scouting mission, my mind was set and my plan was made. I went back to where I was staying, napped until about midnight, and all that was left to do was to execute!

“First problem! The subway.

“Usually I’m quite good at getting lost, but this time it was through no fault of my own as I ended up being forced to get off at a different stop and meander through the streets on my own; it was dark, the middle of the night, and a little intimidating to me, at only 23, from a small village and it was my first time out of Europe.

“I kept my wits about me and kept moving until I found my desired destination.

“Luckily plenty of police officers were about to assist in directing me, if only they know why I was going there.

“Some things to remember while climbing bridges; first, the traffic - on the minuscule (in comparison, but I still adore them) bridges of Middlesbrough, traffic is just a nuisance, the less there is, the better.

“Nobody likes a wobbling bridge top photograph, but here, in NYC, traffic is good. In the city that never sleeps, the traffic never stops ... unless you’ve been seen!

“Having climbed the ladders and stairs all the way up to top of the Williamsburg Bridge the previous night, I thought to repeat might be boring, and so I decided to climb the structure.

“It took longer than I initially

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expected, but having slowly pulled myself up the structure, I got to the top of the Manhattan Bridge!

The air was cool and refreshing, and I was warm from the climb.

“The second thing to remember when in bridges in New York; helicopters!

“Being distracted by capturing the view, it was almost on top of me when I heard the most disturbing noise - there was still traffic noise, it wasn’t the lack of vehicles, it was the addition of a different type of vehicle.

“A helicopter was fast approaching and nearly overhead. I’d been warned about them searching bridges as they passed by.

“In what felt like one swift movement I detached my camera from the tripod and bagged them, and I clambered down the little hatch and into the structure as far as I could before it started.

“With my heart beating in my eardrums, and stomach in my throat, I watched the search lights sweep through the metal frame work towards me, beams of light

and dark moved round the structure. I could no longer hear the helicopters blades, just my heart and lungs.

“I managed to remain unseen, the light stopped shining, my heart slowed, and I held my breath so I could hear the air traffic pass by and slowly fade into the distance, until there was only my increased heartbeat and road traffic below left to be heard, and that was a good sign. And exhale....

“I re-packed my camera bag and a slow climb back down back the

way I went up.

“Going down full of adrenaline, I quickly found myself in New York City, by myself, in the middle of the night, on a bridge with only two ways off, one going the wrong way, the other with what appeared to be someone loitering, possibly having seen me climb down.

“I could see the silhouette of what appeared to be a man halfway down the path, in the middle, between me and Manhattan, and he wasn’t moving towards or away from me, just staying there.

“At this point I think back to the travel advice all my friends gave me, about never being alone, not staying out too late.

“But there were no other options, I needed to go that way, I had to get past this guy!

“So I tucked my long hair into my hat, I adopted my best man pose and began to strut along the bridge as I imagine a man would walk.

“With this new adopted walk (probably looking like something from Monty Pythons ‘Ministry of Funny Walks’ sketch) and all the while considering the value of my camera and how stupidly vulnerable I was on my own, I approached the silhouetted stranger...

“What an idiot I felt! Upon getting closer, I dropped my shoulders and hair, deflated my chest and stopped the silly walk. It wasn’t a man, it was a young lady, also alone, with the same amount of kit as I had; just hers was all out and on display as she shot landscapes of NYC from the bridge.

“Feeling relieved, I took it upon myself to make a quick introduction and talk rubbish as only I know how.

“Her name was Stephanie and she was studying photography, and had been out many times on her own, and it was perfectly safe.

Had she known how scared I was approaching her, I might have thought she was gloating.

“After the pleasantries were aside, we each continued on our own separate photography missions.

“Mine took me to the Brooklyn Bridge where I ran up the cables to

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stand next to the flag poles, on top of the most famous bridge in the world....but that’s a different story.”

However, when she was a teenager she harboured aspirations of entering the world of mechanical design engineering but revealed a family loss changed all that.

“Following the passing of my grandfather the family and I received his camera, we joined a local camera club (Hartlepool Camera Club), and it was like a light clicked in me,” she explained.

“I’ve skydived as a 16-year-old so not had a fear for heights although doing something like this is a completely different experience.”

For every door in which the svelte young lady opens a new opportunity will present itself, and, no

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matter the danger or the extreme nature of such an occasion, Lucinda Grange will no doubt go in all flashes blazing.

“It’s become more of a lifestyle than a hobby or a profession,” she explained.

“I started doing it more for myself and it’s just progressed with the interest growing in both myself and in others because people crave the adventure and I can share that with others.”

documenting football culture I crossed a bridge (Hercilio Luz Bridge in Florianopolis, Southern Brazil) and things just took off,” Lucinda continued.

“We (my couch-surfing host and I) sneaked off during the first night to do a recce of it and then went back the following night to climb it. There was a lot of giddiness and my inner child coming out on this one from me that’s for sure.

With Lucinda, and other photographers of her ilk, then who knows where any path will take her, even if doing something for a completely different venture then the chances are something will be just around the corner.

Now, as part of the burning desire to leave a legacy she “advocates the increase of photography and the arts as potential career paths around the region. This is not to say she encourages others to do as she does, she prefers people to live these adventures vicariously through her and her work.

“When I was working in Brazil,

“You can do great things with it

and it should be considered more as an avenue to go down for people.”

As for the future of Blackhall’s finest photographer, then her ideal destination, somewhere she really wants to go is the Great Wall of China and “see the parts that other tourists don’t get the chance to see, to go to sleep and wake up there.”

Technicolor dreams indeed.

You can see more of Lucinda’s work at her website www.lucindagrange.com following her Facebook page www.facebook.com/ lucindagrangestudio/ or following her Instagram www.instagram. com/lucindagrange/

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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 Kid Who Would Be King 15 February 2019 Old school magic meets the modern world in the epic adventure THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING. Alex (Ashbourne Serkis) thinks he’s just another nobody, until he stumbles upon the mythical Sword in the Stone, Excalibur. Now, he must unite his friends and enemies into a band of knights and, together with the legendary wizard Merlin (Stewart), take on the wicked enchantress Morgana (Ferguson). With the future at stake, Alex must become the great leader he never dreamed he could be.

Cast:

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Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Dean Chaumoo, Tom Taylor, Rhianna Dorris, Angus Imrie, Patrick Stewart, Rebecca Ferguson

Director: Joe Cornish CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

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Captain Marvel 08 March 2019 Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN MARVEL is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s

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most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom.

Gemma Chan, Jude Law, Lashana Lynch, Lee Pace, Mckenna Grace, Samuel L. Jackson Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck

Cast: Annette Bening, Ben Mendelsohn, Brie Larson, Clark Gregg, Djimon Hounsou,

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

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Dumbo 29 March 2019 From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure ‘Dumbo’ expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to

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care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus.

But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular

aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

Cast: Danny DeVito, Colin Farrell, Nico Parker, Finley Hobbins, Michael Keaton, Eva Green Director: Tim Burton CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

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Shazam!

05 April 2019 We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Angel) case, by shouting out one word—

SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body— Shazam revels in this adult

version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Strong).

Cast: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong Director: David F. Sandberg CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

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Hellboy 12 April 2019 Hellboy is back, and he’s on fire. From the pages of Mike Mignola’s seminal work, this action-packed story sees the legendary half-demon superhero (David Harbour, ‘Stranger Things’) called to the English countryside to

battle a trio of rampaging giants. There he discovers The Blood Queen, Nimue (Milla Jovovich, Resident Evil series), a resurrected ancient sorceress thirsting to avenge a past betrayal. Suddenly caught in a clash between the supernatural and the human, Hellboy is now hellbent on stopping Nimue

without triggering the end of the world.

Cast: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Daniel Dae Kim, Sasha Lane Director: Neil Marshall CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

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Unlimited Card Love Cinema. Join the club - £17.90 a month. You will receive...

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

As an Unlimited member, you can be among the first to see great movies at our special screenings. Just keep an eye on our Unlimited newsletter for your invitation.

Discounted Meals & Shopping Unlimited members benefit from exclusive deals set up by their local cinema*. These offers vary from cinema to cinema, but are a great way to save pennies. (All deals are subject to terms) *Until further notice

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VONDA SHEPARD & SHARON CORR TO DO A WHISTLE-STOP 2019 UK TOUR Sit back and relax this March with the magical, musical talents of LA’s Vonda Shepard and the Irish legend, Sharon Corr.

As a star of the late-nineties, hit TV show, Ally McBeal, providing amongst other things the theme track, Searchin’ My Soul, Vonda is as talented as they come and, with numerous albums and collaborations to her name, her name in the upper echelons of music history is warranted; as is that of her tour partner, Sharon Corr, one quarter of the famed Irish pop-rock band, The Corrs, who is also a supremely talented violinist in her own right – just ask Vonda.

Combined, then music lovers certainly in for a treat.

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Beginning at The Stables, in

Milton Keynes on March 4, Vonda Shepard and Sharon Corr will take on half-a-dozen venues on their whistle stop UK tour for what is, quite simply, the feel good evening of all feel good

evenings.

Speaking of the impending tour Vonda and Sharon, friends away from the music as well as on stage, are understandably excited about what lies ahead, Vonda saying: “Sharon and I are very good friends, and love each other’s company and music.

“We thought it would be fun to combine our musicianship and voices, she feels almost like a sister to me, and our voices should blend really beautifully.

“Mostly we want to hang out in the van together…

“No, seriously, we thought we’d each do a set of material, where we each sit in on a couple of songs, and of course both of us will play our hits within our sets, then at the end come together for some really deep, rich songs that will feature our vocals.

“It should be really intimate, but also fun and at times a big party.”

Although Sharon, it’s more about the food and soul and friendship, off-stage of course, whilst serving up a delectable main course on stage, adding: “Vonda and I are super excited we’ve been talking about doing this for years and now finally we are!

“We are dear friends so getting to hang out more - doing what we both love is amazing. Vonda and I often talk about how blessed we are to do what we do - sing- play - perform - express ourselves and it’s a job!

“Also we can have dinner every night now!

A show not to be missed and will feature songs from their solo catalogues alongside some of the most memorable songs they have become so closely associated with. Tell Him, Dreams, Maryland, Radio, Hooked On A Feeling, Smalltown Boy, I Only Want To Be With You,

Baby Don’t You Break My Heart Slow, Take A Minute, Walk Away Rene, We Could Be Lovers, You Belong To Me and So Young.

Vonda Shepard and Sharon Corr appear at Sage Gateshead on March 10, tickets available from sagegateshead.com

“You can expect a truly intimate and fun show from us!

“We will each play a set of our own songs - and then come together to sing songs we both love.

“I think the show will be very dynamic and it’s always incredible to explore working and collaborating with another artist - Vonda being one of my favourites.

“The audience are in for a treat!

Let’s call it Food for the soul!”

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this one. Massive thanks to all involved. I couldn’t do it without you. Y’all know who you are.

Georga Spottiswood CLICK HERE TO GET ISSUE 7

Probably the toughest edition we’ve produced yet - but when you strive for the stars, you have to climb those stairs Savour: Issue 7 is finally here with a complete NEW REDESIGN. Celeb chefs, The Artisans, recipes, top restaurants, the best hotel stays and lots of local talent too.

Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay, James Martin, Savour: The Cook Off (where we’ve challenged four chefs to cook dishes using sustainable food) and, of course, THE GIN EDIT. Well, it wouldn’t be my little (it’s

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becoming a monster!) magazine if I didn’t include my favourite things would it?

Nothing short of blood, sweat and tears has been put into

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The Falcon continues to fly - Stateside “Once a Falcon, always a Falcon,” that’s the claim of Bishop Auckland’s NFL star, Alex ‘Shaggy’ Gray.

Having begun his sporting career on Tyneside at Kingston Park alongside the likes of Jonny Wilkinson with the Newcastle Falcons in rugby union, Alex, 27, recently signed a two-year extension to his reserve contract at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium alongside NFL star quarterback, Matt Ryan, and the Atlanta Falcons.

It has certainly been a groundbreaking journey for the lad whom was schooled at Barnard Castle from a gritty, hard-working family environment. An uncle who played for West Hartlepool as rugby was turning professional, can lay claim to sparking interest

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in a young Alex, and he’s ran with the ball, literally, ever since – the NFL though, was a mere pipedream.

“I loved sport growing up and it was rugby the whole way for me,” began Alex.

“I dabbled in cricket, and football,

and participated in a lot of athletics (I’d advise any kids to play as many, and any, sport possible) but American Football, it wasn’t even a dream,” “Then, when I was at Barney, that’s when the realisation struck that I wanted to be a part of rugby; I recall sitting in a geography lesson on the top floor at school, looking out over the rugby field, and daydreaming.”

Whilst at Barnard Castle was when a young Alex was first scouted, by the Newcastle Falcons, aged just 14 years, under John Fletcher and Peter Walker. Alex would then go on to make his Falcons firstteam debut against the mighty Harlequins, scoring with his first touch at Kingston.

A dream start to his career indeed but, as time progressed, the need for a challenge grew stronger,

with first a move to London Irish in 2011, then changing it up and turning out for the England Sevens from 2013, the young Shaggy adding more to his international stature.

Captain of England at U16 and U18 level, winning Grand Slams, captaining them through an undefeated 2008 Home Nations clean sweep among other accolades before, quite devastatingly, just missing out on the GB Squad for the Rio Olympics.

“Making the jump to the Sevens, for me, was my resurrection, and the focus was on the Olympics,” stated Alex.

“What happened though, for me, was much deeper than just missing out; that was for my family, my repaying them and I was pretty down for a long time after that.

“I knew it would either make, or break me, and it was a mixed journey but my proudest moment was as to how I came back from it, and to do what I am now, it’s still crazy.”

After a brief spell at Yorkshire Carnegie Alex, looking at prov-

ing a point to himself more than anything, a random conversation, in jest, with his agent, changed the life he knew into what it had become.

“I thought that, after watching a few programmes on the sport, that yeah, I could do that,” joked Alex.

“I spoke to my agent, we joked about my doing it and making us loads of money, then, a few weeks later, I get a call saying that some scouts from NFL UK were interested in me and the rest, as they

say, is history.

“The universe was screaming at me to go and do it and I want to play as long as possible but physically I’m a late developer anyway so I’ve been quite lucky.

“The hard part was the learning because, with rugby I didn’t have to whereas here, it’s a very intricate game of chess so trying to learn all that, and do the physical aspect……

“But, getting the chance to go to the (Atlanta) Falcons, was a dream come true even if I didn’t know what was going on.”

Since signing with the NFL’s NFC South outfit, the four times divisional and twice conference champions (1998 and 2016) Alex has knuckled down, hard, continues to learn the tricks and intricacies the sport involves, and has even made several first-team appearances – a debut when coming on in the third quarter at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, then the ultimate honour, captain to the Falcons at his home stadium,

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in the 14-28 reverse to the Kansas City Chiefs.

“It was pretty cool making my debut against a team as iconic as the Dolphins but, to captain these Falcons, a year to the week later, was something special indeed,” beamed Alex.

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“Being captain is something I enjoy doing and believe I’ve probably been captain at every side I’ve represented.

nity and I’ll be looking at doing all I can and be the player I know they want in order to make the first team.

“And now, signing this new contract, it’s a great way to start the year and it shows that they have faith in me – it’s a great opportu-

“Having been caught cold a little last time around, I know what to expect now and I’m prepared for that.”

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Northern songbird continues to spread her wings Northern songbird, Holly Rees’ career takes on a whole new meaning the first half of this year when, having begun in the Durham Dales and taken in London, Newcastle, and the Isle of Wight, heads across the Atlantic, to Canada.

Throughout the year not long finished Miss Rees, 26, has performed gigs at the O2 Academy, Think Tank and Surfcafe Tynemouth; an EP tour with Matt Dunbar, support slots aplenty, and radio appearances. Now, she’s off to pastures new, by has told her increasing fan base she’ll not be forgotten, and there’s new music coming.

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“Don’t worry, I’ve got a few releases up my sleeve so listeners won’t have to wait until I’m back from Canada in the autumn for new tunes,” began Holly.

“I don’t have any concrete release dates yet, but things are in the works for whilst I’m away as I’m flying off to play some tunes and have some adventures.

“I’m going for a bit of an adventure and some exploration first; I

want to go see the Northern lights!

“Then, when the weather is better, I’ll be buying a van and touring my way across the country, east to west.

“I’m so excited to play to a whole new audience, and see and experience all these new people and places, more after I absolutely adored my UK tour last year with Matt (Dunbar) so I can’t wait to be back on the road again, albeit in a different country.”

It was a year which saw several single releases in Magpie, Missing Out, and Stick Around, as well as the stunning EP, her second, Slow Down (a perfect follow-up to Ilex, a record which came about by

chance), although Holly’s career has seemingly occurred by chance.

“My 2017 New Year’s Resolution was to do things that scared me, so in the January I went along to my first open mic night and soon realised it was something I loved,” she continued.

“I was writing songs before that but just for myself really, and I didn’t have any plans to record or release anything.

“A very good friend of mine surprised me with a studio day in the May and that became the Ilex EP (Holly’s debut offering consisting of four tracks).

“I’m really proud of this second EP though, and I’ve worked really hard on it.

“I think Slow Down is definitely a step up from Ilex, my friend Matt has produced it so it’s definitely a tighter sound, and there’s tracks with harmonies and even some drums out so it’s a fuller, more rounded sound which I’m really excited about.

“Now it’s just following up on an absolutely amazing, insanely busy year, but a brilliant one and I’m proper blown away with the reception the new tunes have received,

I’m so pleased people have been enjoying them.

“A pretty intense year and a big year of firsts.”

For now though, it’s all about heading to Canada, and those Northern Lights, well after visiting her grandparents on the Isle of Wight, heading off in late January for pastures new, short-term at least.

You can join in the travels of Holly Rees via her social media pages on Facebook www.facebook.com/hollysounds/ and Twitter.com/hollysounds, also, check out her website www.hollyrees.co.uk

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When you think of Bare Knuckle Boxing I’m sure most people will think of travellers fighting in car parks or some of the call out videos, both of which you often see popping up on youtube and facebook. What people don’t realise is that over the last few years a company called UBBAD have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring BKB out of the shadows and into the mainstream.

fight defeating Cowboys Michael who was undefeated in 200 BKB fights. There have been a few occasions where Terrill was due to face current UBBAD Champion Michael “The Real Deal” Ferry on other promotions but it has yet to happen, hopefully now that they are both signed to UBBAD there’s nowhere to hide and this eagerly awaited fight won’t be far away. It will be a fan favourite fight when it happens seeing as Ferry’s fans think there is no competition left for him to face, whilst Terril’s fans think Ferry is ducking Terril because he knows that he will lose his title and has been avoiding the hard fights to keep it. With this kind of talk there can only be one outcome and that is for the fight to take place, which will be great news for neutral BKB fans.

They already have some top level fighters on their books, but in recent months they really have pulled out all of the stops with signings like North East fighter Michael Terrill, who is a Champion Kickboxer and who this year won his first ever Bare Knuckle

Another of the big name signing is former UFC fighter Melvin Guillard who is a well-known striker and a massive household name to be added to the UBBAD roster.

He will be taking on the winner of the upcoming Jimmy Sweeney and Dann Henry-Welsh fight. Sweeney

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Talk Like Tigers are North East duo taking the music scene by storm, so first off can you introduce yourselves to our readers?

CW: We are twin sisters, Charlotte and Stephanie. We are from a little village called Lanchester (hardly anyone knows where it is!). Some Northern people think we’re not from the North East, apparently our accents aren’t strong (maybe because we lived in London for a bit?) and sometimes we are mistaken for being Australian and American…

So how did Talk Like Tigers come about, whose idea was it to start performing as a duo?

SW: It happened naturally. We both adore music, we love writing, playing instruments and performing and we naturally harmonise together. It’s brilliant working together as we understand each other, we know what the other likes musically and we vibe off each other.

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Your sultry vocals and synth pop sound has caught the attention of BBC Music and you’ve had your

music played on BBC Radio 1 so you are clearly doing something right, but what is next for Talk Like Tigers music wise?

CW: We’re going to be braver this year and go for it with our releases. No more holding back. This is our year. The year of the Tigers :-) Will “Fruit” be a download/stream only song or will your fans be able to get a physical copy of your new single?

SW: Fruit will be available to download and stream! We’d abso-

lutely love vinyl in the near future.

Physical copies, maybe CDs could be a possibility.

As well as the release of “Fruit” you also have an upcoming gig at the Sage in March, playing alongside Martha Hill, can you tell us a bit more about that and how people can get tickets?

SW: We’ve just performed at the Sage for the New Year New Artists gig with BBC Introducing. It’s going to be amazing to play there again! The gig on 22nd March is

a night curated by the Sage where you can “See some of the North East’s exciting up-and-coming artists” (Sage Gateshead). We are extremely happy to be a part of this line up! We can’t wait to hit the stage again there and we will be sharing new material with the audience, as well as performing our new single Fruit (out on Friday 15th March).

You can get your tickets from our website: www.talkliketigers.com/ live or from the Sage website: www.sagegateshead.com/event/ martha-hill/ When it comes to music, past or present, who would you say are the people that have influenced you the most?

CW: As musicians, we listen to a lot of different music, so we have been influenced by artists and bands from many genres... from Queen to Britney Spears! Vocal wise, we love the harmonies of First Aid Kit, Destiny’s Child, TLC, Sugababes and lots of Motown. We are inspired by unique artists and bands who are not afraid to be different, absolutely own their creativity and have really strong songwriting skills: Kimbra, Lykke Li, Sia, Roisin Murphy, Bjork, Prince, Janelle Monae, Little Dragon and Lady

Gaga. Bands such as Glass Animals and Friendly Fires inspire us rhythmically (both musically and lyrically) and their dancing skills are pretty quirky!

If you could record with anyone who would it be and why?

SW: It would be great to travel back in time and work with the pioneering Delia Derbyshire to see what we could create! It would be incredible to sing in the studio

with Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner or Beyonce. The songwriting legend that is Carole King, Cathy Dennis, Max Martin, Friendly Fires, Everything Everything, Kimbra… the list could go on and on...

When you are not recording or performing what do you like to do in your free time?

CW: We don’t have a lot of time outside of music, but when we do you can find us doing yoga, checking out art (we find it really inspiring!) and we love fashion.

We find art really inspiring and put together a playlist for the first Gateshead Open Studios last year.

We’ll be involved in that this year too.

Tell us 3 random facts about yourself?

CW: Stephanie has a fear of walking up and down steep hills. This did not go down too well when she was in San Francisco!!

We can read each other’s minds.

We are recovering chocoholics

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and tea addicts.

SW: We met Akon once at an airport and Charlotte called him…

Acorn.

Where can people follow you and keep up to date with new music and gigs?

SW: Follow us on Spotify and you’ll get a notification when we upload new music. We are also on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud and YouTube. You can track us on bandsintown to get notified when we announce new live dates. Sign up to our

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mailing list on our website and you will receive a present from us… a free download!

Website: www.talkliketigers.com Spotify, Instagram, Twitter: @ talkliketigers Soundcloud: https://soundcloud. com/talkliketigers Youtube: www.youtube.com/ channel/UChn06dT5PuUBqAvnCiMF79Q Facebook: www.facebook.com/

talkliketigers Bandsintown: www.bandsintown. com/en/a/4787422-talk-like-tigers What can people expect from you in 2019?

CW: New releases, new videos, more gigs! We’re going to be releasing music quicker and more often! We’re really excited about this year. We’re going to be taking more risks.

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ALL ROUND TO THE HAIRY BIKERS’ FOR A NIGHT OF COOKING CONVERSATION WITH SI KING AND DAVE MYERS TICKETS ONSALE 10AM FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 National Treasures Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers have announced a huge nationwide tour. With their irresistible enthusiasm, An Evening With The Hairy Bikers will be an epic night of cooking and conversation.

Big hearted, down-to-earth cooks with a love of good food, Si and Dave have been cooking

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together for more than twenty years. They have created haute cuisine dishes with Michelinstarred chefs and travelled the world in the pursuit of great food. They’ve also explored the length and breadth of the British Isles to discover brand new recipes and create their own fresh takes on cooking classics.

The stars of several hit television shows, they are the UK’s most popular cookery duo with series including The Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure, The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Book; Best of British; The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure; Everyday Gourmets; The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of and two major

prime time series of Mums Know Best all drawing millions of audiences.

No strangers to the live arena, The Hairy Bikers performed their sell-out Big Night Out show in theatres across the UK in 2010 and completed another ambitious nationwide theatre tour in April 2013.

Tickets for The Hairy Bikers are on sale Fri 28 Sep from 10am and can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).

ROMESH RANGANATHAN COMES TO THE CITY HALL FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2019 WITH A BRAND NEW SHOW TICKETS ON SALE 10AM FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 Romesh Ranganathan is back with a brand-new show, The Cynic’s Mixtape, and it’s his most brutally honest show yet.

Fresh from The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, A League Of Their Own and Judge Romesh, he’s putting showbiz aside to deliver a carefully-curated

selection of all the things he has found unacceptable since his last tour, including why trying to save the environment is a scam, why none of us are truly free, and his suspicion that his wife is using gluten intolerance to avoid sleeping with him.

Romesh’s cynicism has become his trademark, but since being nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards this deadpan humour has become one of Britain’s most respected and popular comics.

Now, though, it’s time for the

Asian Provocateur to return to his stand-up roots for a while – there’s things he needs to point out, discuss and have a good moan about. Care to join him?

Show drops 2019, don’t miss it.

Tickets for Romesh Ranganathan are on sale Fri 28 Sep from 10am and are £26.50.

Tickets can be purchased online at www. theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge)

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