• Contact
  • About
DONATE
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
  • Login
North East Bylines
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Brexit
    • Education
    • Environment
    • European News
    • Health
    • Politics
    • Science
    • UK News
    • World News
    man looking anxious

    Never assume: honesty and mental health

    Flood in York in 2022. Climate change brings about more floods and not just heatwaves and wildfires

    The Tories’ climate change policy does not add up

    A sign with the "not equal" symbol is held in a crowd

    Inequality and development: from global to local

    South Tyneside's only black electric taxi

    A sustainable policy for Tyneside taxis

    Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter

    Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

    Child poverty protestor

    Child poverty: enough is enough

    Boys with kite in Kabul

    One year since the fall of Afghanistan

    North East for Europe at an earlier London march

    The North East in London for National Rejoin March

    Tyne Bridge

    Newcastle shortlisted for Eurovision 2023

    Trending Tags

    • Ukraine
  • Culture
    • All
    • Animation
    • Books
    • Illustrations & More
    • Music
    • Performance
    • Poetry
    • Social Media
    • Theatre
    • TV & Radio
    The Rock Showman

    Hardwick Festival is down with the kids

    Witty Look

    All aboard the festival bus for Hardwick this weekend

    Boys with kite in Kabul

    One year since the fall of Afghanistan

    Eurovision sign

    The North East could host Eurovision in 2023

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Fitness
    Master Chef of Great Britain

    Master Chef of Great Britain at Lumley

    Prezzo

    Discovering the new summer menu at Prezzo

    Chef and son

    MasterChef’s’ Posh Street Food chef’s own summer of entertainment

    Scottish highlands

    The beauty of the Scottish Highlands

    Kleo Tabuku

    Top chef to open Newcastle restaurant, Lovage

    Pop up park

    Pop up to the park in Sunderland

    The Blackbird Inn, Ponteland

    The Blackbird Inn flies high with its new summer menu

    gymnast

    Culture of fear in British gymnastics uncovered by the Whyte Review

    Kennedy and Rhind

    Kennedy and Rhind: more time to enjoy a North East favourite

    Trending Tags

    • Business
      • All
      • Economy
      • Rural
      • Technology
      • Trade
      • Voluntary Sector
      Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter

      Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

      Fishing protest

      Dead crustaceans on North East coast: the next chapter

      Scottish highlands

      The beauty of the Scottish Highlands

      loo

      A room with a loo

      Newcastle quayside

      Newcastle named as one of the best cities for graduates

      Brexit economics

      New research shows the economic effect of Brexit

      Wetherspoons pub

      Wetherspoons sparkle: has it gone flat?

      Leon Fussell rehearsing

      Unsung Heroes at Queen’s Hall, Hexham

      Houchen and spade

      Vampire daylight: a week in the life of Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor

      Trending Tags

      • Region
        • All
        • Co. Durham
        • North East
        • Northumberland
        • Teesside
        • Tyneside
        • Wearside
        A sign with the "not equal" symbol is held in a crowd

        Inequality and development: from global to local

        South Tyneside's only black electric taxi

        A sustainable policy for Tyneside taxis

        Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter

        Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

        Child poverty protestor

        Child poverty: enough is enough

        Tyne Bridge

        Newcastle shortlisted for Eurovision 2023

        Wildfire at Witherwack

        “Busier than Bonfire Night” as wildfire rages for over 20 hours

        Fishing protest

        Dead crustaceans on North East coast: the next chapter

        NUFC foodbank

        Howay the lads and lasses: the new football foodbank season ‘22/23

        Summer, Lower East Side. Weegee Ⓒ ICP (International Center of Photography)

        Classic Street Style: Weegee, Doisneau, Forsyth: three cities, three photographers, three decades

        Trending Tags

        • Opinion
          Titanic coming out of Southampton

          The 110th anniversary of the Titanic’s departure

          There is an England

          There is an England

          Prime Minister Boris Johnson signs the Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union"

          The parody of disinformation: Boris Johnson on Ukraine and Brexit

          Boris Johnson’s comments on Ukraine and Brexit are an insult

          TV Agency staff jumping in the air

          The TV Agency celebrates 10th anniversary with global success

          North East of County Dublin

          North East of England and North East of County Dublin: Compare and contrast

          North Sea oil rig

          Copping out of COP: Ukraine, fossil fuels and nuclear fusion

          Placard with Boris Johnson as a clown

          Dictators, media and mobility: erosion of identity, sustenance and safety

          close up on a child's eye

          Racism and misogyny where there should have been safeguarding and security

        AUDIO
        No Result
        View All Result
        • Home
        • News
          • All
          • Brexit
          • Education
          • Environment
          • European News
          • Health
          • Politics
          • Science
          • UK News
          • World News
          man looking anxious

          Never assume: honesty and mental health

          Flood in York in 2022. Climate change brings about more floods and not just heatwaves and wildfires

          The Tories’ climate change policy does not add up

          A sign with the "not equal" symbol is held in a crowd

          Inequality and development: from global to local

          South Tyneside's only black electric taxi

          A sustainable policy for Tyneside taxis

          Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter

          Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

          Child poverty protestor

          Child poverty: enough is enough

          Boys with kite in Kabul

          One year since the fall of Afghanistan

          North East for Europe at an earlier London march

          The North East in London for National Rejoin March

          Tyne Bridge

          Newcastle shortlisted for Eurovision 2023

          Trending Tags

          • Ukraine
        • Culture
          • All
          • Animation
          • Books
          • Illustrations & More
          • Music
          • Performance
          • Poetry
          • Social Media
          • Theatre
          • TV & Radio
          The Rock Showman

          Hardwick Festival is down with the kids

          Witty Look

          All aboard the festival bus for Hardwick this weekend

          Boys with kite in Kabul

          One year since the fall of Afghanistan

          Eurovision sign

          The North East could host Eurovision in 2023

        • Lifestyle
          • All
          • Fashion
          • Food & Drink
          • Health & Fitness
          Master Chef of Great Britain

          Master Chef of Great Britain at Lumley

          Prezzo

          Discovering the new summer menu at Prezzo

          Chef and son

          MasterChef’s’ Posh Street Food chef’s own summer of entertainment

          Scottish highlands

          The beauty of the Scottish Highlands

          Kleo Tabuku

          Top chef to open Newcastle restaurant, Lovage

          Pop up park

          Pop up to the park in Sunderland

          The Blackbird Inn, Ponteland

          The Blackbird Inn flies high with its new summer menu

          gymnast

          Culture of fear in British gymnastics uncovered by the Whyte Review

          Kennedy and Rhind

          Kennedy and Rhind: more time to enjoy a North East favourite

          Trending Tags

          • Business
            • All
            • Economy
            • Rural
            • Technology
            • Trade
            • Voluntary Sector
            Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter

            Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

            Fishing protest

            Dead crustaceans on North East coast: the next chapter

            Scottish highlands

            The beauty of the Scottish Highlands

            loo

            A room with a loo

            Newcastle quayside

            Newcastle named as one of the best cities for graduates

            Brexit economics

            New research shows the economic effect of Brexit

            Wetherspoons pub

            Wetherspoons sparkle: has it gone flat?

            Leon Fussell rehearsing

            Unsung Heroes at Queen’s Hall, Hexham

            Houchen and spade

            Vampire daylight: a week in the life of Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor

            Trending Tags

            • Region
              • All
              • Co. Durham
              • North East
              • Northumberland
              • Teesside
              • Tyneside
              • Wearside
              A sign with the "not equal" symbol is held in a crowd

              Inequality and development: from global to local

              South Tyneside's only black electric taxi

              A sustainable policy for Tyneside taxis

              Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter

              Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

              Child poverty protestor

              Child poverty: enough is enough

              Tyne Bridge

              Newcastle shortlisted for Eurovision 2023

              Wildfire at Witherwack

              “Busier than Bonfire Night” as wildfire rages for over 20 hours

              Fishing protest

              Dead crustaceans on North East coast: the next chapter

              NUFC foodbank

              Howay the lads and lasses: the new football foodbank season ‘22/23

              Summer, Lower East Side. Weegee Ⓒ ICP (International Center of Photography)

              Classic Street Style: Weegee, Doisneau, Forsyth: three cities, three photographers, three decades

              Trending Tags

              • Opinion
                Titanic coming out of Southampton

                The 110th anniversary of the Titanic’s departure

                There is an England

                There is an England

                Prime Minister Boris Johnson signs the Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union"

                The parody of disinformation: Boris Johnson on Ukraine and Brexit

                Boris Johnson’s comments on Ukraine and Brexit are an insult

                TV Agency staff jumping in the air

                The TV Agency celebrates 10th anniversary with global success

                North East of County Dublin

                North East of England and North East of County Dublin: Compare and contrast

                North Sea oil rig

                Copping out of COP: Ukraine, fossil fuels and nuclear fusion

                Placard with Boris Johnson as a clown

                Dictators, media and mobility: erosion of identity, sustenance and safety

                close up on a child's eye

                Racism and misogyny where there should have been safeguarding and security

              No Result
              View All Result
              North East Bylines
              No Result
              View All Result
              Home Culture

              Make Hope Possible at Live Theatre: a response

              "The concluding line "We must plan for a future beyond England, that is, in effect, already here" spoke to me of a wasted evening"

              Anya CookbyAnya Cook
              12-07-2022 06:00
              in Culture, Music, Politics, Theatre
              Make hope possible poster

              Photo from Live Theatre

              Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
              ADVERTISEMENT

              I could hear the clang of steel against rail, coal loading on the boat, the call of the fish girls on the whale-lit Quayside as Charlie Hardwick’s lyrical Geordie reading skimmed across the turning tides of the Tyne.  She was reading from ”Paint Your Town Red” a manifesto for a tried and tested model of community wealth building, The Preston Model. 

              Ross Millard of The Futureheads accompaniment on guitar foretold an increasing sense of doom in this reading of a story in which we already know where we’re being led: to an existential crisis predicated  by a  rise of the Far Right across the West, European war, world food shortages and a global pandemic.

              Jamie Driscoll’s plan for the future

              The tone was set to platform North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll’s plan to secure a different future for this region. Presenting his five pillars in line with the principles of community wealth building and concrete examples of projects in action, this was indeed an opportunity for him to showcase the advantages made possible through regional devolution and planning to mitigate the impact of a freefalling freemarket economy, promoting  community built on shared ownership of the economy, fair employment, just labour markets and socially just use of land and property.  With ambition for everyone, we better our chances of bettering all our lives.

              The Preston Model

              The Q&A with architect of The Preston Model, Matthew Brown and Rhian E Jones who co-authored “Paint Your Town Red” may have jumped too soon into discussion without a clear explanation of examples of actions taken for the uninitiated into how it works and failed to mention the key selling point, that people in Preston have more cash in their pocket.

              That there were so few questions asked affirmed to me the success of a Conservative non-participatory agenda that does ‘for’ us and not ‘with’ us, combined with education cuts and the starvation of funds from arts and creative activities, leading to a reduction in creative thinking and diminishing skills to question and challenge.  

              The value of storytelling

              The final question from one of the theatre board, on the vehicle of storytelling as a powerful way to introduce new ideas and to challenge thinking, asked about the possibility of taking a version of this event on the road, to which the panel hadn’t thought. A question well posed but in an audience who were already reached and already converted. I would pose a response that story is indeed powerful and it connects us as individuals to our past and to our communities. A regionalised version therefore, with local accents speaking truth to metaphor, could indeed reach out to convert more to the prospect that a better way forward is possible, that there is a point in hope..

              Four Models in Bright Hats

              The evening’s performance was preceded by four young women reading Preti Taneja’s script “Four Models In Bright Hats”, and whose misplaced stress and emphasis pronounced their unawareness of the cultural references therein. Unknown to them the groundbreaking, opinion-shifting advertising campaigns of Benetton or the sense of adventure and discovery that Lonely Planet once afforded on a budget in a time before google and instant access to other worlds through a click of the mouse, and the opportunity and wonder such a gift would once have engendered.

              New Model Island and Me Lost Me

              The main event built to Toby Young reading from local writer, Alex Niven’s ‘New Model Island’, a redistribution of power and a reclaiming of Englishness as an identity.  

              My companion really enjoyed the talented Me Lost Me, who interspersed sections with live music in voice and technology. I found her though, a distraction between her pieces, fidgeting, unable to stand still.

              Listening to Toby read was a pleasure and so much better in person than a story read on the radio – where we could see, feel and hear his expression, an added depth and tone being read to in presence. I relaxed into his voice, but I willed for the end to come.  

              I found myself bored. The extended metaphor of characteristics to be learned in the history of Alton Towers, of being hidden, trapped and in chains, with the present a well of exploitation, went on and on and on. Bored. 

              The concluding line “We must plan for a future beyond England, that is, in effect, already here” spoke to me of a wasted evening. What was the point in this event? What was it trying to say and to whom? In a post-Brexit world and with Europe on fire, I don’t think anything moved on for me. And like the extended metaphor that wasn’t answered, the circle wasn’t squared.  


              We need your help! The press in our country is dominated by billionaire-owned media, many offshore and avoiding paying tax. We are a citizen journalism publication but still have significant costs. If you believe in what we do, please consider subscribing to the Bylines Gazette 🙏

              

              JNews : Override Fake Counter

              Toggle panel: JNews : Override Fake Counter

              JNews : Single Post Setting

              Toggle panel: JNews : Single Post Setting

              Yoast SEO Premium

              Toggle panel: Yoast SEO Premium

              Yoast SEO Premium

              Focus keyphraseHelp on choosing the perfect focus keyphrase(Opens in a new browser tab)Get related keyphrases

              Readability analysis

              SEO analysis

              Add related keyphrase

              Track SEO performance

              The final question from one of the theatre board, on the vehicle of storytelling as a powerful way to introduce new ideas and to challenge thinking, asked about the possibility of taking a version of this event on the road, to which the panel hadn’t thought. A question well posed but in an audience who were already reached and already converted. I would pose a response that story is indeed powerful and it connects us as individuals to our past and to our communities. A regionalised version therefore, with local accents speaking truth to metaphor, could indeed reach out to convert more to the prospect that a better way forward is possible, that there is a point in hope..

              Four Models in Bright Hats

              The evening’s performance was preceded by four young women reading a script by Preti Taneja’s “Four Models In Bright Hats”, and whose misplaced stress and emphasis pronounced their unawareness of the cultural references therein. Unknown to them the groundbreaking, opinion-shifting advertising campaigns of Benetton or the sense of adventure and discovery that Lonely Planet once afforded on a budget in a time before google and instant access to other worlds through a click of the mouse, and the opportunity and wonder such a gift would once have engendered.

              New Model Island and Me Lost Me

              The main event built to Toby Young reading from local writer, Alex Niven’s ‘New Model Island’, a redistribution of power and a reclaiming of Englishness as an identity.  

              My companion really enjoyed the talented Me Lost Me, who interspersed sections with live music in voice and technology. I found her though, a distraction between her pieces, fidgeting, unable to stand still.

              Listening to Toby read was a pleasure and so much better in person than a story read on the radio – where we could see, feel and hear his expression, an added depth and tone being read to in presence. I relaxed into his voice, but I willed for the end to come.  

              I found myself bored. The extended metaphor of characteristics to be learned in the history of Alton Towers, of being hidden, trapped and in chains, with the present a well of exploitation, went on and on and on. Bored. 

              The concluding line “We must plan for a future beyond England, that is, in effect, already here” spoke to me of a wasted evening. What was the point in this event? What was it trying to say and to whom? In a post-Brexit world and with Europe on fire, I don’t think anything moved on for me. And like the extended metaphor that wasn’t answered, the circle wasn’t squared.  


              We need your help! The press in our country is dominated by billionaire-owned media, many offshore and avoiding paying tax. We are a citizen journalism publication but still have significant costs. If you believe in what we do, please consider subscribing to the Bylines Gazette 🙏

              ADVERTISEMENT
              Previous Post

              Vampire daylight: a week in the life of Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor

              Next Post

              Last chance for live music at the amphitheatre in South Shields

              Anya Cook

              Anya Cook

              Anya Cook is a trade union activist sitting on the Socialist Educational Association's national executive and is their North Branch Chair

              Related Posts

              Flood in York in 2022. Climate change brings about more floods and not just heatwaves and wildfires
              Brexit

              The Tories’ climate change policy does not add up

              byGiuseppe Bignardi
              August 18, 2022
              A sign with the "not equal" symbol is held in a crowd
              North East

              Inequality and development: from global to local

              bySophie Lively
              August 17, 2022
              The Rock Showman
              Music

              Hardwick Festival is down with the kids

              byNorth East Bylines
              August 17, 2022
              Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter
              Business

              Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

              byScott Hunter
              August 16, 2022
              Witty Look
              Music

              All aboard the festival bus for Hardwick this weekend

              byNorth East Bylines
              August 16, 2022
              Next Post
              The Amphitheatre at South Shields by Steve Daniels

              Last chance for live music at the amphitheatre in South Shields

              Want to support us?

              Can you help North East Bylines to grow and become more sustainable with a regular donation, no matter how small?  

              DONATE

              Sign up to our newsletter

              If you would like to receive the North East Bylines regular newsletter, straight talking direct to your inbox, click the button below.

              NEWSLETTER

              LATEST

              man looking anxious

              Never assume: honesty and mental health

              August 18, 2022
              Flood in York in 2022. Climate change brings about more floods and not just heatwaves and wildfires

              The Tories’ climate change policy does not add up

              August 18, 2022
              A sign with the "not equal" symbol is held in a crowd

              Inequality and development: from global to local

              August 17, 2022
              South Tyneside's only black electric taxi

              A sustainable policy for Tyneside taxis

              August 17, 2022
              The Rock Showman

              Hardwick Festival is down with the kids

              August 17, 2022
              Ben Houchen by Scott Hunter

              Alleged National Audit Office review of Teesworks

              August 16, 2022

              MOST READ

              man looking anxious

              Never assume: honesty and mental health

              August 18, 2022
              Flood in York in 2022. Climate change brings about more floods and not just heatwaves and wildfires

              The Tories’ climate change policy does not add up

              August 18, 2022
              A sign with the "not equal" symbol is held in a crowd

              Inequality and development: from global to local

              August 17, 2022
              South Tyneside's only black electric taxi

              A sustainable policy for Tyneside taxis

              August 17, 2022

              BROWSE BY TAGS

              Audio Beach Brexit Business castle leazes climate activism Co. Durham cost of living crisis Culture defra democracy ducklings Economy Education Environment fire and rescue firefighter Food & Drink food poverty Health Health & Care Home Affairs just stop oil Lifestyle Local Lockdown Northumberland Peace Performance Politics pride month refugee rescue Science Social Media Teesside TV & Radio Tynemouth Tyneside Ukraine volunteer Wearside

              We are a not-for-profit citizen journalism publication. Our aim is to publish well-written, fact-based articles and opinion pieces on subjects that are of interest to people in the North East and beyond.

              North East Bylines is a trading brand of Bylines Network Limited, which is a sister organisation to Byline Times.

              Learn more about us

              No Result
              View All Result
              • Contact
              • About
              • Letters
              • Donate
              • Privacy
              • Bylines network
              • Shop

              © 2022 North East Bylines. Citizen Journalism | Local & Internationalist

              No Result
              View All Result
              • Home
              • News
                • Brexit
                • Education
                • Environment
                • UK News
                • Transport
                • World News
              • Politics
              • Opinion
              • Lifestyle
                • Culture
                • Music
                • Poetry
              • Business
                • Economy
                • Technology
                • Trade
              • Donate
              • Newsletter sign up
              • Boriiis Cartoons
              • Authors
              • Audio

              © 2022 North East Bylines. Citizen Journalism | Local & Internationalist

              Welcome Back!

              Login to your account below

              Forgotten Password?

              Retrieve your password

              Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

              Log In