Kathryn in New York

Musicians and artists from the north east of England are currently gathering in New York to perform in Sting’s theatre show “The Last Ship”. Kathryn is flying out this weekend to join a host of performers including long-time friend and melodeon genius Julian Sutton, her brother Peter Tickell, now a firm fixture in the Sting camp, and the north east’s formidable singing family, The Wilsons. “The Last Ship” has been some three years in the making, with Kathryn closely involved along the way. Some footage here of the work in progress.

Kathryn Tickell & The Side at Cambridge Summer Music Festival

Kathryn’s new quartet “The Side” play their first ever concert in the beautiful setting of Childerley Hall, as the finale of the Cambridge Summer Music Festival, Sunday 4th August. The concert starts at 7.30pm in The Long Barn and the grounds of the Hall are open all afternoon — bring a picnic!

This first full concert by Kathryn’s new quartet is not to be missed. With Kathryn, The Side are:

Amy Thatcher, Newcastle based accordionist and clog dancer, also of The Shee and the Monster Ceilidh Band. 

Classically trained Scottish harpist Ruth Wall, who performs as a soloist and in some of the most exciting ensembles and bands (Goldfrapp, Fitkin) as well as working extensively with composers, orchestras, electronic and visual artists.  

Louisa Tuck, principal cellist at Northern Sinfonia (the youngest principal cellist of any UK orchestra) who also performs regularly as a soloist and with the RPO, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the John Wilson Orchestra. 

10 shows in New York with Sting

Kathryn will perform with Sting and a host of other musicians, actors and singers — several from the north east of England — at The Public Theatre, New York, upon the release of his new album “The Last Ship”. For the past year or so Kathryn’s been involved in the evolution of Sting’s play of the same name, due to premiere next year. These ten concerts are to support The Public Theatre, a respected community arts institution. The shows run from 25th September until 9th October. 

New play about the River Tyne opens at Live Theatre, Newcastle UK

Kathryn is Musical Director for Tyne, a brand new play at Live Theatre, Newcastle UK. Mapping the epic history, atmosphere and soul of the mighty river, Tyne opens this Thursday (27 June). Traditional folk songs connected to the river have been adapted and arranged for the play by Kathryn and are performed with live musical accompaniment by the cast. The title song from Sting’s new album The Last Ship (released in September; Kathryn contributing to this project) will be previewed in the play. Created and edited by Michael Chaplin, Tyne runs until Saturday 20 July and was commissioned as part of Live Theatre’s 40^th birthday celebrations and is a major event in the Festival of the North East.

The play dramatises extracts from Michael Chaplin’s book Tyne View, woven together with stories from some of the greatest writers of the North East who have collaborated with Live Theatre since it began in 1973, including Tom Hadaway, Julia Darling, Alan Plater and Sid Chaplin.

Illustrated with evocative imagery of the river, Tyne is accompanied by live songs and music inspired by the river compiled by Kathryn, along with archive and new film footage compiled by Phil Shotton.

Tyne is in partnership with Port of Tyne and is part of the Festival of the North East. Tyne is at Live Theatre from Thursday 27 June to Saturday 20 July. A discussion will take place between writer Michael Chaplin and director Max Roberts on Saturday 29 June followed by a book signing by Michael Chaplin. RiverRuns, an evening of words and poetry from local poets and musicians, celebrates the river Tyne on Sunday 7 July at 7.30pm 

For more information on Tyne and to buy tickets costing between £22 to £10 and concessions between £15 and £5 ring Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or see www.live.org.uk.

World Premiere performances at One Night in Gateshead, 14th June

Created for the Festival of the North East, “One Night in Gateshead” is Kathryn’s personal journey through Northumbrian traditional music and culture. The night includes the world premiere of six new Northumbrian folk tunes, composed by Kathryn for Northern Sinfonia, commissioned by The Sage Gateshead. The first ever performance by Kathryn’s new quartet is featured too: “Kathryn Tickell and The Side”, comprising Kathryn, Amy Thatcher (accordion, clog dancing), Ruth Wall (harp), and Louisa Tuck (Northern Sinfonia’s principal cellist). With a full orchestra and well-known North East singers, actors, writers, dancers and musicians, a memorable night is promised! Tickets are available here.

Spiral Earth Award Winner

Northumbrian Voices has won the Spiral Earth Award for ‘Best Traditional Album’! Winners of Spiral Earth Awards are decided upon by public vote, so this personal touch makes winning this award very special indeed. Very warm thanks to everyone who voted!

Northumbrian Voices touring; Spiral Earth Awards

Northumbrian Voices is on tour heading south west for a few days to Bridgwater, Tavistock, Ilfracombe and Bradford on Avon, then home for the last performance at Rothbury, Northumberland. Do post a comment if you’re at any of the shows! A reminder that the Spiral Earth Awards public vote closes at noon on 14th March; the Northumbrian Voices double live CD is nominated for Best Traditional Album, and you can vote here.

New venue for Taunton show, 13th March

Following the closure of the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton, we are pleased to report that Northumbrian Voices will now be hosted at Junction 24, TA6 6DF on the 13th March.

All tickets for the previously-arranged Brewhouse show are valid for this show, and extra tickets are available. See you there!

Junction 24 website

13th March — Brewhouse venue closure

We’re currently finalising details of an alternative venue for Northumbrian Voices on Wednesday 13th March, following the abrupt closure of Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre. Please hold on to your tickets! Further details to follow when we have all the information. This is a perfect example of regional arts funding cuts directly affecting the livelihood of artists: the Northumbrian Voices entourage is left mid-tour with no performance fee or accommodation. However we’re working to put the show on for free, for those ticket-buyers who are left adrift without much hope of a refund. More details soon.

Spiral Awards 2013

A rather wonderful bunch of nominations for the Spiral Awards includes Northumbrian Voices, nominated “Best Traditional Album”. This is a public vote! And you can vote here. Voting closes on 14th March.