Songs inspired by Stokesley, Middlesbrough and the Durham coalfield are being performed in a new show celebrating the music of the North-East.
Songs of the North East stars internationally renowned concert and opera singers Graeme Danby and Valerie Reid. The show arrives at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on Tuesday, April 29 as part of a ten-date tour.
Traditional songs such as ‘Aad Stokesley Toon’ and the Durham miners’ lament ‘Rap “Er Ta Bank’ feature alongside more contemporary numbers including Ron Angel’s ‘Chemical Workers Song’ and Mark Knopfler’s ‘Sailing to Philadelphia’.
Writers Graeme Thompson and Tom Kelly describe the show as a celebration of North-East heritage and culture, as chronicled by generations of musicians and songwriters.
It’s a home-coming for Consett-born Graeme Danby, much in demand on the major opera stages of the world because of his rich, bass voice.
“I am really enjoying this show, not least because it’s a rare opportunity to spend time on stage with my wife. We’re performing songs dating from the 1800s to the present day and each one tells its own story.
“Audiences are loving the music. Of course they recognise many of the songs like Bobby Shafto and Blow the Wind Southerly. But it’s a real thrill to perform beautiful numbers like Stokesley Toon and Sally Wheatley, which deserve to be heard more often.”
Writers and producers Graeme Thompson and Tom Kelly are adapting the show for individual venues. The Yarm show therefore has a different running order to the ones performed earlier this month in Berwick, Blyth and Hexham. One of the highlights of the Yarm show is a performance of Elton John’s ‘Deep Into the Ground ‘from the musical Billy Elliot. The vocals are illustrated with mining images from the Yorkshire and North East film and television Archive.
“It is such a treat to hear this music interpreted by world-class voices,” said Graeme, whose theatre credits include the Great American Songbook musical The Audition.
“Graeme and Valerie’s vocals are extraordinary. And although some of the songs date back to the days of mining, shipbuilding and heavy industry, they still resonate today. And audiences will discover the stories behind the songs as well as hearing them performed.”
Tom Kelly, whose plays and musicals includes Tom and Catherine said; “It is a joy to tell the stories of this part of the world through words and music.
“Audiences will hear songs reflecting the days when the region was at the industrial heart of the economy with its steel-making, chemicals, mining, agriculture and fishing fleets.”
Graeme and Valerie will be joined on stage by accompanist and arranger Andrew Richardson.
Valerie said: “Taking this show on the road is an absolute labour of love. We have songs that will tear at your heartstrings and others to leave you helpless with merriment. And we are so looking forward to meeting the Teesside audience in Yarm.”
Graeme and Valerie will be hosting a vocal workshop with students at Yarm School ahead of their performance at Princess Alexandra Auditorium on Tuesday, April 29.
And the show will be part of the opening programme of the restored Redhills Miners Hall in Durham on Saturday, September 6.
The tour visits:
Princess Alexandra Theatre, Yarm – Tuesday, April 29 at 7pm – www.thepaaonline.org
The Customs House, South Shields – Thursday, May 8 – www.customshouse.co.uk
Arts Centre Washington – Wednesday, May 21 – artscentrewashington.co.uk
Ponteland Methodist Church – Friday, May 23
Redhills, Durham – Saturday, September 6 (as part of the venue’s opening programme)
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