*This is not an advert I paid for the CD and I am reviewing it* I had forgotten about The Shires till I saw them pop up on Mrs Browns Boys and heard their new track Lightning Strikes from their new album Good Years. So I bought the album and yes it is not an essential… Continue reading Review: Good Years Album, The Shires

This post is sponsored  When I heard that The Overtones were launching their Christmas Party at Gateshead, I knew I was going to be in for a festive treat. Dedicated fans aka ‘toners’ will know that there has been a lot of changes in the band- including a new member, Jay James. Jay has known… Continue reading Review: The Overtones at Christmas @ Sage Gateshead

Image: Reasons To Stay Alive – Matt Haig (publicity image).jpg *This post is sponsored* I never like to include myself in reviews as I feel it can be vain and unprofessional. But with this performance of Reasons To Stay Alive I have no choice but to involve me.  For those who follow me on social… Continue reading Review: Reasons To Stay Alive @ Northern Stage

Gary Clarke’s Wasteland was the sequel to Coal, it focused on two generations on how they coped in this era of radical upheaval. We see the miners at a loss as the result of the strike and follow the new rave generation dancing and taking pills in abandoned spaces.  The piece was emotive, Clarke managed to emulate… Continue reading Review: Wasteland @ Northern Stage

I was walking through Newcastle towards Northern Stage,  I heard a busker singing Coming Home Newcastle and it put a massive grin on my face.  It made me think how proud I was to be a Geordie, English and British. I would never want to live this city or this country ever- I am so… Continue reading Review: Status @ Northern Stage

Image: (L-R) Giles Cooper, Katy Federman – photo credit Piers Foley.jpg *This post is sponsored content* As I am waiting in Northern Stage, ready for the show to start and all I can smell is Toast. And I immediately think of that time my brother put the toaster on to get the cat in the… Continue reading Review: Nigel Slater’s Toast @ Northern Stage

Image: Members of The Watermill Ensemble. Photo by Scott Rylander_45 *This post is sponsored* When it comes to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I have seen many a version of this Shakespeare play. But I don’t think I have ever seen a version quite like this before. Fear not my readers for I am not comparing… Continue reading Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Northern Stage