Live Theatre's new season

Plus exciting playwright opportunities with Papatango

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[Image description: Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Lindsey Kelk - The Bridesmaid Blues by Tracey Sinclair]

Live New Season

Live’s new season is now online. Ishy Din’s Champion opens tonight, and I look forward to seeing it next week. The story of Muhammad Ali’s visit to Tyneside in the 70s and its effect on one family, this looks really interesting. You can read a piece Din wrote for the Guardian about the visit and the play here.

Coming in May is the splendidly titled Dogs on the Metro, by Emilie Robson. This was the winner of the inaugural North East Playwriting Award, of which I was lucky enough to be one of the judges, so I’ve already had a sneak peak and am excited to see how it looks when it hits the stage.

Live will continue its Live Writes nights throughout spring, giving you a chance to see shorter pieces by local artists. Full disclosure: the format of the night I saw didn’t work entirely for me, as I felt the night couldn’t quite decide whether it was aimed at the audience or the artists. Each piece was followed by a feedback session from three established playwrights, which is great for the creatives, but not exactly thrilling for a general audience (the people next to me were fidgeting as soon as each session started, and I admit I used them as a chance to nip to the loo). This also slowed the pace considerably – a combined session at the end would have worked better, I think, not least because those of us not interested could just see the pieces and then skip. Still, it makes for a super cheap night out and a chance to see some fun work, so worth checking out.

Live will also be launching a new Artist Development celebration in May, Unearthed Festival, which I’ll talk about once there are more concrete details available.

One show that should definitely be on your list to see is Penguin. Hamzeh Al Hussien’s true story of his journey from Syria to Gateshead (via a refugee camp in Jordan) is performed with heart, wit and bundles of charm, and got a 4-star review from me when it first premiered at Live. It is touring, too, so do catch it if you can.

I admit I’m feeling slightly over football as a metaphor for life plays – I’ve enjoyed all the ones I’ve seen over the last couple of years, but I have seen a LOT of them. Still, I heard nice things when Jeff Brown’s The Bench first premiered (at the Customs House, if I recall correctly), so it’s good to see it being given another outing. It comes to Live as part of a wider tour.

Other shows to keep an eye out for are Josie Lawrence in one-woman play What Next?, comedian Mark Thomas in Ordinary Decent Criminals, which is set in the aftermath of the Strangeways riots, and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, by the same people who brought you Gwyneth Goes Skiing. I’m also excited to see that Doctor Who themed drag cabaret The Gallifrey Cabinet is coming in July, among a host of touring shows.

Papatango Playwrights’ Studio

I’ve long admired the ethos and commitment of Papatango, a company that seems both genuine in its mission to support playwrights, while clear-eyed in assessing the obstacles such support involves in the current climate. So it’s exciting to see their new initiative, which includes digital workshops, networking events, funding, mentoring and online live chats, giving playwrights a chance to build and boost their profile. And it’s FREE!

I’ve been lucky enough to have several IRL chats with Papatango’s Chris Foxon (whose show The Watch House had a successful NE tour last year) and have always been impressed by his passion and insight, so I’m excited to see how this unfolds.

Where I have been eating

Back to an old favourite last night, Little Lobo in Jesmond, to celebrate the birthday of my lovely friend Ellie. A cosy vibe, friendly service, delicious food and cracking frozen margaritas make this one of our regular go-tos for a night out. They now have several outlets around the NE, but this one gets very busy so I recommend booking.

[Image description: a drink in front of a Little Lobo menu]

What I am reading

Work has been so busy I haven’t had much reading time – I have finished a measly ONE book so far this year! But I just started I, Julian, Claire Gilbert’s fictional autobiography of Julian of Norwich, the medieval religious writer. I’m only a few chapters in, but so far it’s well-written, capturing the religious fervour of an uneasy time.

Speaking of books, if Valentine’s Day has you in the mood for something romantic, check out MY books. Please! I could really do with the money!

From Newcastle-set romcom The Bridesmaid Blues to sexy vampire shenanigans in Dark Dates. Or, if you hate love, check out Doll or my collection of short stories No Love is This. I cater to all audiences!

[Image description: I, Julian by Claire Gilbert]

What I WILL be watching - Buffy is back!

I’m excited to read about the Buffy reboot. I rewatched some of the show recently, and while it’s inevitably tainted by the revelations about its creator (and some of it has NOT aged well), it still actually (mostly) holds up as hugely entertaining and I’m intrigued to see what they do with the character now she is older.

So in honour of that, please enjoy my less than serious poem, inspired by Buffy’s iconic line, ‘if the Apocalypse comes, beep me’. (Yes, you didn’t think you’d signed up for poetry, but I had fun sharing that poem last week).

If the Apocalypse comes, trip me*
(*with apologies to Buffy)

If the Apocalypse comes, trip me
And know it’s what’s best for us all
I am not built of whatever it takes
To survive once societies fall 

I possess not a single life talent
That would serve in the end of our days
I can’t outrun a Zombie, I’ve never built a fire
I’m too stiff for survivalist ways 

I get anxious at mild inconvenience
I would faint in the case of real fear
Give me a weapon to aim at a creature
I’d most likely shoot my own ear. 

I would never survive a dystopia
For a start, I’m too fussy with food
I’m not eating slop, served from a pot
The bones of our enemies, stewed 

Vegetarians can’t become cannibals
It’s more than our systems allow
Who gives up bacon for 38 years 
Just to eat businessmen now? 

I wilt and I whine in hot weather
And complain when the days become cold
I am scared of the dark and small places
I’m not living outdoors now I’m old 

I am soft with weak wrists and trick ankles
My strength is outmatched by a leaf
I’m not made to be woodsy and agile
At best, I’d be comic relief. 

No, better for all if you just let me fall
Which I will, like a ton of old bricks
But I’m luscious and plump and well-moisturised
Let them eat me all up till they’re sick

[Image description: Your annual Valentine’s Day reminder that Laclos would totally shag you, if you wanted him to]

Anyway, thanks again for reading – please do share with your friends! Every new subscriber really does give me a boost. And remember if you want to support my writing but a paid subscription isn’t for you (times are hard, I get it!), you can buy me a one-off Ko-fi or buy one of my books.

Remember: everything included is my personal preference / opinion, and while I strive to be accurate, I always advising checking with the relevant venue.