Region's musical heritage to be celebrated in new show
The North East songbook will fuel a new production showcasing the music of the region.
Songs of the North East (if in doubt, make sure the tin accurately describes what’s inside!) will see concert and opera stars Graeme Danby and Valerie Reid perform songs and ballads dating from the 1800s to the present day.
Meanwhile the stories behind songs like Joe Wilson’s Keep Your Feet Still Geordie Hinny; Mark Knopfler’s Sailing to Philadelphia; Sunderland songwriter Eric Boswell’s I Waited on the North Dock; and the traditional Durham folk song Rap ‘er te Bank will also be told.
Writers Tom Kelly and Graeme Thompson describe the show as a celebration of North East heritage and culture as revealed by generations of musicians and songwriters.
“It’s been a joy to tell the story of this part of the world through words and music,” said Tom, whose plays and musicals include I Left My Heart in Roker Park and Tom and Catherine.
“There are so many wonderful songs which capture a particular time, event or character in the life of the North East.”
Graeme, whose writing credits include the Great American Songbook musical The Audition, added: “It is such a treat to hear this music interpreted by world class voices.
“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 with their themes of courtship, ambition and extolling the beauty of our distinctive landscape.”
A raft of Spring 2025 dates all over the North East have already been announced, with more to come.
The production offers a homecoming for Consett-born Graeme Danby, much in demand on the major opera stages of the world because of his rich, bass voice. He and his mezzo soprano wife Valerie Reid last appeared together in a show celebrating the life of their composer friend Eric Boswell.
“We realised during the tour of The Donkey, the Whippet and the Giant Leek there’s an enormous appetite for songs rooted in North East England,” said Graeme.
“And we’re delighted this new show allows us to perform beautiful ballads such as Waters of Tyne as well as comic songs like The Ghost of St Mary’s and The Geordie Love Song.”
Valerie added: “We can’t wait to take this show on the road. It’s an absolute labour of love. We have songs that will tear at your heartstrings and others to leave you helpless with merriment.”
Audiences will hear songs reflecting the days of fishing, shipbuilding and mining along the east coast, including Blow the Wind Southerly, The Keel Row, Dance to your Daddy and the title song from Sting’s musical The Last Ship.
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There are also songs about the countryside – My Girl from the North Land and Bird Fly High. And love songs such as Katy Was There and Sally Wheatley.
Tour dates announced so far are:
The Phoenix Blyth (April 3); The Maltings, Berwick (April 4); Consett Empire (April 5); Queens Hall, Hexham (April 11); Princess Alexandra Theatre, Yarm (April 29); The Customs House, South Shields (May 8); The Exchange, North Shields Friday (May 9); Arts Centre Washington Wednesday (May 21); and Ponteland Methodist Church (May 23)
There will also be a special event including the screening of film, In The Veins - capturing the story of coal mining in the region - at Tyneside Cinema on April 6. Graeme and Valerie will perform Songs from the North East as part of proceedings.