Private Tommy - The War Years

There’s absolutely no doubt that the songs of the war years played a pivotal role in keeping the nations spirits up during the blitz. While classics like: Land of Hope And Glory and The White Cliffs of Dover helped bond a strong sense of unity and togetherness against a common enemy, satirical songs by artists such as George Formby and Flanagan & Allan provided a moment of laughter even in the darkest times.

Fred The Ted - The Rock 'n' Roll years

Emerging from the post war gloom of the 1950’s the teddy boys (or “teds” as they were also known) were Britain’s first teen-subculture. Inspired by American rock n’ roll music and the Edwardian “Dandies” the ted’s style was razor sharp and bold. Their flamboyant style and menacing antics frightened the life out of middle-England!

Wor' Geordie - Songs from the North

It’s often said that the heart and soul of a community lies in its folk songs of the past. They are “the songs of the people, sung by the common people”. Songs that have simply emerged over a long period of time, often with no-known writer or composer! Many contain historical accounts, such as; tales of toil, hardship and woe. Or in the case of our beloved North East it’s flat-caps, whippets and mushy peas.

Roker Elvis - from Memphis to Roker

Rumour has it, Elvis passed away in 1977. Rumour also has it that Elvis was a fanatical SAFC supporter (ALLEGEDLY!). And there’s a bloke who works down the chip shop in Roker who’s an absolute dead ringer. Only one thing’s for certain, the man, the legend and the music lives on, deep in the heart of…Roker. (Lord have mercy!)

Woodstock Wally - The Swinging 60s

From the hippy communes of Woodstock to the blood-stained beaches of Brighton, the swinging 60’s produced an array of musical styles including, beat groups, psychedelia and Motown. Not to mention the occasional mind-altering, hallucinogenic drugs. I mean, Wow, it’s all a bit hazy maaan’.

Pearly King o'the North - Cockney Knees Up

The pearly kings and queens are an iconic image of London. Originating from the mid-1800’s they are easily recognizable by their distinctive and elaborate suits covered in mother-of-pearl buttons. Famous for their cockney banter and being the life and soul of any social gathering, no party’s complete without a bit of “Knees up Mother Brown & Roll out the Barrell” Luvly-jubbly!

Donald McDonald - Stage and Screen

As the saying goes...There’s no business like showbusiness!

Ever since Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers waltzed onto the silver screen in 1934, followed by Judy Garland in the musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz a couple of years later, the nation's love of Broadway-inspired musicals has been insatiable.

Cool, suave and sophisticated (or so he tells us) Scottish actor/international heart-throb Donald McDonald (a.k.a Big Mac) who is rumoured to have been offered the lead role in the Hollywood blockbuster “Braveheart” ahead of Mel Gibson (but had to withdraw at the last minute due to a slight sniffle) guides participants through our Stage & Screen section.

But can you match the song to the movie? Hic!

Our characters and shows