tag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:/blogs/latest-news--2?p=2Latest news2022-11-16T09:20:07+00:00Sunday for Sammyfalsetag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/71033472022-11-16T09:20:07+00:002023-10-16T15:49:44+01:00NO SHOW FOR SUNDAY FOR SAMMY, BUT YOUNG PERFORMERS TO BENEFIT<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/30c9e73141274fd070fd70c45bcea9c55fe0be95/original/tim2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>It has been announced via social media that one of the North East’s most popular entertainment shows, Sunday For Sammy will not go ahead in 2023 but the Trust’s chairman Tim Healy has sent a message of thanks and a hint of the future to all of its fans. </strong></p>
<p>The decision to not hold the show has been a difficult one but as Tim says, times are tough, and the economic climate is taking its toll: </p>
<p>“We’re very much aware that people are struggling with day-to-day living costs at the minute and are watching the pennies. Everything is becoming more and more expensive. </p>
<p>“And that includes the costs of putting on a show the size of ours. The people on stage work for free but the equipment, lights, hiring the venue, it all adds up to hundreds of thousands of pounds. So, we have reluctantly decided that there won’t be a show in 2023. </p>
<p>“We’ve built up Sunday for Sammy over all these years and we really can’t in good conscience, put on a show that we aren’t 100% sure that people can afford to buy tickets for. That would be wrong of us to risk YOUR money that you have so generously given us over the years. </p>
<p>“We would lose that vital cash that we need to help fund young performers in the region, which is why we do it, after all. So, we’re going to wait till the time is right.” </p>
<p>The Sunday for Sammy Trust will be announcing two new projects soon which will support young performers and help them to realise their dreams. To date, around £600,000 has been given out to help local young people in the entertainment world and much of that money has come from ticket sales and from the highly popular DVD’s of the shows. </p>
<p>ENDS </p>
<p>To buy DVDs or donate: <a contents="www.sundayforsammy.org" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.sundayforsammy.org" target="_blank">www.sundayforsammy.org</a></p>
<p>Media and Interviews Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/69605372022-04-30T09:01:25+01:002022-11-14T16:02:18+00:00NEW COMEDY WRITERS SHOWCASE THEIR WIT - A SKETCH FOR SAMMY 2022<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/228a1f4965e25d38df48fcca8aef4b003b3abbec/original/s4s-sketch-34.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>The first Sunday for Sammy event since the hugely successful Newcastle Arena shows in February 2020 is set to raise smiles as four budding comedy writers have their sketches performed at a special show at The Exchange in North Shields. </strong></p>
<p>The four finalists in the “A Sketch for Sammy” competition have all received mentoring sessions with Jason Cook to help them polish their scripts and to prepare them for the cast of comedy actors who will perform them. The four sketches are 'Byker Grove Reboot’ by Francesca Best, ‘Coming Oot’ by Jamie Diffley, ‘ Billy Welly It’ by Ian McCormick and 'A Game of Two Halves’ by Jamie McLeish. The sketches will be performed by Viktoria Kay, Chris Connell, Craig Richardson and Steven Sullivan and the show will be compered by BBC presenter and comedian, Steffen Peddie. </p>
<p>In addition to the new comedy sketches, there will also be stand-up spots from Lauren Pattison, Fran Garritty, Cal Halbert and Kelly Rickard. Musician Nev Clay will also be performing some of his comedic songs.</p>
<p>The winning sketch will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges and the successful writer will be presented with the ‘2022 Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais Comedy Award’.</p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy Show producer Ray Laidlaw said, 'This is a fantastic opportunity for these new comedy writers to see their work performed in a theatre environment with a live audience. The show is on Sunday 15th May at 7.30pm at The Exchange in North Shields and we’d love to see as many people as possible. It’s just a fiver and you can’t put a price on a good laugh.”</p>
<p>The latest DVDs from the Sunday for Sammy team are out now. All profits go towards helping young creative talent from the North East get a helping hand on the way to stardom.</p>
<p>A Sketch for Sammy - 7:30pm Sunday 15th May - The Exchange, North Shields, Tickets £5 from The Exchange </p>
<p><em>Photo: Viktoria Kay and Craig Richardson at a previous Sketch for Sammy (John Millard) </em></p>
<p><strong>Media and Interviews Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951 </strong></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/69360022022-03-30T19:07:28+01:002022-03-31T17:32:03+01:00YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH! A SKETCH FOR SAMMY 2022<p><strong>Budding comedy writers are about to get the chance to have their sketches performed by a group of leading North East comedy actors at a special show in May. </strong></p>
<p>After a two-year break, Sunday for Sammy is proud to announce the return of A Sketch for Sammy. New comedy writers are invited to submit a sketch of no more than five minutes duration. The entries will be reviewed by top Tyneside comedian and writer Jason Cook (Hebburn, Murder on the Blackpool Express) and a short-list of six sketches will be created. </p>
<p>The short-listed writers will all receive mentoring sessions with Jason Cook to help them polish the scripts. The six sketches will be performed by a professional cast at the Sketch for Sammy final in front of a live audience at the Exchange in North Shields on Sunday 15th May. The show will be compered by Steffen Peddie and features other top local comedians in addition to the sketches. </p>
<p>The winning sketch will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges and the successful writer will be presented with the ‘2022 Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais Comedy Award’. </p>
<p>Writers need to submit their scripts to <strong>info@sundayforsammy.org</strong> by Sunday 17th April. Shortlisted writers will be informed very soon afterwards. </p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy Trustee Jason Cook said, <em>“One of the most difficult challenges for a novice comedy writer is getting your work performed. A Sketch for Sammy gives the opportunity for new writers to see their work brought to life by an experienced cast in front of an enthusiastic audience. This can be truly inspirational and a right laugh.” </em></p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy Show producer Ray Laidlaw said,<em> "A Sketch for Sammy is another innovative creative project supported by the Sunday for Sammy Trust. This is only made possible by the fantastic support of the people of the North East who pack out our shows and buy our DVD’s."</em></p>
<p><strong>A Sketch for Sammy<br>7:30pm Sunday 15th May<br>The Exchange, North Shields<br><br>Tickets: £5, available from The Exchange </strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/6a0af105a5ca32778d69c639122d5b24f56476cc/original/s4s-49-30.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
<p>Photo: Winning writer Kevin Wilkinson being presented with his award for his winning sketch ‘Clink’ on-stage at the 2016 Sunday for Sammy show. (John Millard Photography) </p>
<p>L to R: Ian Payne, Kevin Wilkinson, Laura Norton, Pam Royle, Tim Healy, Jeff Brown, Sharon Barbour. </p>
<p>Media and Interviews:<br><strong>Keith@highlightspr.co.uk</strong><br>07814 397951</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/66384242021-05-24T09:57:31+01:002022-11-16T18:36:07+00:00SUNDAY FOR SAMMY 2022 - AN UPDATE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/7a4891ce6318c45fa264978aa3aa51a2e3bf4ba9/original/2020-utilita-logo.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong>Sammy Takes A Gap Year... </strong></p>
<p><strong>Following a meeting of our trustees we have agreed that the Sunday for Sammy shows originally scheduled for early 2022 will now be rescheduled for early 2023. </strong></p>
<p>Although the UK Covid lockdown restrictions have been relaxed, the overall picture is far from clear with new strains in the UK and infections on mainland Europe continuing to rise. Sunday for Sammy takes many months of preparation and planning and is not viable in a socially distanced format either creatively or financially. </p>
<p>Our fingers are crossed that all restrictions are lifted so we can present the shows in their traditional format. Obviously if circumstances change for the worse we may need to postpone again as the financial implications of re-scheduling would cause the charity major problems. </p>
<p>Consequently the Trust cannot commit to the next Sunday for Sammy until 100% certain we can go ahead. The dates are booked for 2023 and are hopeful we can bring the show back then. We know that this postponement will disappoint the thousands of Sunday for Sammy fans who have supported the charity for over twenty years although realistically we have no alternative due to the events of the past year. </p>
<p>In the meanwhile, please keep buying the DVD’s and help us to continue our vital work supporting young performers in the North East of England. </p>
<p>Rest assured we will be back with a bang as soon as we can. </p>
<p>Lots of love to all our fans. </p>
<p><em>Tim Healy and the gang xx </em></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/64679882020-11-01T19:39:49+00:002022-01-22T05:02:25+00:00A SKETCH FOR SAMMY: 'TAALKIN HEEDS' – THE FINALISTS!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/807c7388480addcec9562a70a9f19b61e8e09b3f/original/sfs-sketch-20.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Funnily enough, The Sunday for Sammy Trust has announced the seven finalists in the 2020 Sketch for Sammy comedy scriptwriting competition' – 'Taalkin Heeds'. </strong></p>
<p>Budding and established comedy writers were asked to submit a short monologue which was then considered by comedy writer Jason Cook and actress Viktoria Kay. </p>
<p>The seven finalists were then mentored by Jason and Viktoria who also cast the actors who performed the sketches on film. The top seven sketches will be posted online, one a night from 8th to the 14thof November for the public to comment and the judges to review.</p>
<p>The winning sketch, plus comments from the judges, Tim Healy, Denise Welch and Elliott Kerrigan will be posted on www.sundayforsammy.org on Sunday 15th November and the winning writer revealed.</p>
<p>The shortlisted writers are Jamie Diffley from Monkseaton, George Heron from Beamish, Andy Robson from Fenham, Lesley-Anne Newman from Morpeth, Chris Groom from Croydon, John Gibson from South Shields and Alice Blundell from Forest Hall who, as an established actress will also perform her own monologue.</p>
<p>The other actors performing are Vik Kay, Lewis Jobson, Paul Dunn, Craig Richardson, Kylie Ann Ford and Chris Connel. </p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy’s Ray Laidlaw said: </p>
<p><em>“We’ve had a record number of entries this year and the standard of writing has been very high. Every one of these writers is a winner and their work will definitely put a smile on the faces of the great Geordie public at a time when we all need a laugh. </em></p>
<p><em>The winner of the best sketch will win the Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award 2020 and the sketch will be short-listed for the 2022 Sunday for Sammy show which could mean that it has the chance of featuring in the next Sunday for Sammy DVD too.” </em></p>
<p><em>Photo: On set filming the sketches with Vik Kay, Ray Laidlaw and Craig Richardson </em> </p>
<p>PR and Media Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/64391462020-09-21T12:31:02+01:002022-02-24T12:25:58+00:00‘TAALKIN HEEDS’ FROM SUNDAY FOR SAMMY<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/73f1f9580973f5d610b5134eb3bca3269c0f48e4/original/untitled-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>The Sunday for Sammy Trust announce the 2020 Sketch for Sammy comedy scriptwriting competition’ – ‘Taalkin Heeds’. </strong></p>
<p>The Sketch for Sammy comedy scriptwriting competition is back – this time with a new slant. Comedy writers will be asked to submit a monologue, no more than three minutes long. The sketch can be on any subject, but must be in monologue form and able to be performed by one person. What we are looking for is originality, quality and laughs. The winner of the best sketch will win the Clement and La Frenais Comedy Award 2020 and the sketch will be short-listed for the 2022 Sunday for Sammy show. </p>
<p><strong>Entrants are invited to submit their ‘Taalkin Heeds’ scripts by 11th October to info@sundayforsammy.org.</strong></p>
<p>The scripts will be reviewed by comedy writer Jason Cook and actress Viktoria Kay to select the top six. The six finalists will then be mentored by Jason and Viktoria who will also cast the actors who will perform the sketches on film. The top six sketches will be posted online, one a night from 2nd to the 7thof November for the public to comment and our judges to review. The winning sketch, plus comments from our judges, Tim Healy, Denise Welch and Elliott Kerrigan will be posted on Sunday 8th November and the winning writer revealed. </p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy’s Ray Laidlaw said: </p>
<p><em>“Due to the COVID-19 situation, we are having to do this competition differently via video and the internet. We all need a good laugh now more than ever and I’m excited to see what the talented people of the North East can do to brighten us up. This competition is open to all, the writers could be beginners or experienced old-hands. We’re expecting a large number of entries as this competition has grown in popularity over the years so get writing.”</em></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/64093992020-08-14T13:33:56+01:002023-12-10T17:04:18+00:00SAMMY’S PROJECT TO HELP FUTURE STARS <p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/c382e1312f8778bdaf04930fc17bd240f8dede6d/original/sfsproja4.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Within days of issue of the new 20th Anniversary Sunday for Sammy DVD, funds from the charity have been used to ensure that 18 prospective acting stars of tomorrow get the very best tuition to give them a start in the entertainment industry. </strong></p>
<p>Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Project A is dedicated to actor training and since it was founded in 2015, 59 young people aged 18-25 have left the Theatre Royal rehearsal rooms and gone on to forge their careers as actors, with over 90% being successful within the first six months of graduation. </p>
<p>The Sunday for Sammy Trust’s remit is to support young performers in the North East by helping them with funding for tuition fees, musical instruments, equipment or living costs and in the past, a number of drama students at Project A have been helped. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/950530f5e750548d6993ec8e6b56ea510276af12/original/sfs-pa1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The course is heavily subsidised by the Theatre Royal and appeals to talented young people who may not have the resources to apply to more expensive drama schools. With the Theatre Royal being closed due to the current pandemic, funding for Project A has been hard to find so the Trustees of Sunday for Sammy agreed to help to ensure that the talented North East students would be able to complete their course over the next 12 months. </p>
<p>Ray Laidlaw, Producer, Sunday for Sammy said <em>“The Sunday for Sammy Trust is delighted to be able to support Project A over the next 12 months, particularly as the course tends to help young people who would not have the resources to attend the more well-known but very expensive alternatives. I’ve seen some of Project A’s graduation shows and the quality of the young actors is outstanding.” </em></p>
<p>Now, with the help of Sunday for Sammy, the Barbour Foundation and Pink Boutique, Project A will continue as planned from this September with a new batch of 18 talented young people. </p>
<p>One of last year’s Project A intake was helped by Sunday for Sammy with living expenses while she studied. Sophie Bryant from Darlington battled health issues at the same time as studying and is grateful for the help the Trust provided: </p>
<p><em>“I’m very grateful to Sunday For Sammy for providing me with the financial support to undertake Project A. It was not only of practical help, but also a morale boost that they saw the potential in me. At fourteen, I had two brain operations to drain a pineal cyst. These were successful, but meant I had to take some time off school so spent most of my time catching up on my academic studies. However, during this time, I realised how much I missed acting and needed to pursue it as a career. Along with others, the support from Sunday For Sammy and Project A has allowed me to stay on track to the promise I made to my fourteen-year-old self to become an actor.” </em></p>
<p>Ends </p>
<p>Photo shows: Ray Laidlaw and Sophie Bryant (Highlights PR) </p>
<p>Photo 2 shows -The current Project A intake with Sophie (Highlights PR) </p>
<p>For Sunday for Sammy additional information / images / interview requests etc, please contact: </p>
<p>keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951 </p>
<p>For Theatre Royal additional information / images / interview requests etc, please contact: </p>
<p>Jo Kirby jo.kirby@theatreroyal.co.uk</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/62786092020-04-10T18:18:29+01:002020-09-07T12:08:49+01:00BRIAN PADDISON: SUNDAY FOR SAMMY TEAM PAY TRIBUTE TO THEIR DRIVING FORCE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/ce1391b4561c6588ae17afedbceeb1a4d3b146e7/original/0-img-7823.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>Sunday for Sammy Team Pay Tribute to Their Driving Force </strong></p>
<p>The Sunday for Sammy family is saddened to hear of the loss of one of their own due to Coronavirus. </p>
<p>Brian Paddison, a great friend, supporter and part of the Sunday for Sammy Live team for many years has passed away at the age of 56. </p>
<p>Brian was a familiar face behind the scenes at the live shows where he transported cast and crew to Newcastle’s hotels and railway station with his fleet from Premier Transport of Wallsend. </p>
<p>Paul Irwin, Sunday for Sammy Trustee said: </p>
<p><em>"Brian was the most generous, hardworking and fantastic friend to us all over the years. Nothing was ever too much when it came to Sunday for Sammy and offering his services. He was a one-off who will be sorely missed. I know the thoughts of all the cast and crew are with his wife Gwen, daughter Sam and family at this very difficult time." </em></p>
<p>Trustee Tim Healy, who along with Jimmy Nail started the Sunday for Sammy Trust back in 2000, added: </p>
<p><em>"This is devastating news, our love and thoughts are with Gwen and Sam. It was only a few weeks ago when we were at Newcastle Arena for our live shows with Brian and this news is very hard to take in. He'll be remembered and never forgotten by all of us." </em></p>
<p>Brian started Premier Transport in 1997 with just one vehicle he bought for £1,000 and the company now operates more than 60 vehicles from wheelchair accessible minibuses through to full size 57-seater coaches. The firm employs more than 120 local staff. </p>
<p>A well as being there for Sunday for Sammy, he supported Gateshead Panto Company, Percy Park Rugby Club and Newcastle Speedway.</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/59812492019-11-27T13:21:07+00:002020-08-20T07:43:18+01:00INTERVIEW WITH SUNDAY FOR SAMMY BENEFICIARY JONNY LAVELLE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/b1f296225f68c068a3ca7ea73ba4f3b1ba095f98/original/jonny-2-cropped-danann-breathnach.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><strong>With A Confession airing on ITV1 a few months ago, Jonny Lavelle played the role of Marcus Beresford-Smith joining a cast including Martin Freeman and Imelda Staunton, based on a real-life story of the disappearance of Sian O’Callaghan. Earlier this year, Jonny appeared in an episode of long-running drama series Vera and he will be seen in the upcoming release of Sam Mendes’ 1917 as well as in BBC1 series The Trial of Christine Keeler. Speaking with Jonny, he chats about filming for Vera, his time on set of A Confession and receiving the BAFTA Scholarship Award.</strong></p>
<p><em>'When I really needed it, I had help from the Winship Foundation, and The Sunday for Sammy Trust which was actually set up to help people from the North East pursue a career in the arts. So to anyone who’s thinking about taking that big step or similar, but is maybe put off by the sheer expense of it all, I would just say that there are people out there who want to help...'</em></p>
<p><a contents="Read the full interview" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tresamagazine.com/2019/11/22/jonny-lavelle/" target="_blank">Read the full Tresa Magazine interview</a></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/51773902018-04-12T08:02:29+01:002021-09-04T07:59:42+01:00GOLDEN TICKET FOR SAMMY<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/310f655df659f78aa6532d5d83dab2569d155247/original/img-e4135.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>The DVD of the 2018 Sunday for Sammy Show is being released this weekend, and one lucky buyer will be receiving a very special bonus!</strong></p>
<p>During the show, the cast autographed a logo board as a momento of the very first Sunday for Sammy show at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena. </p>
<p>One DVD in the first run of 3000 copies includes a ‘Golden Ticket’ that wins the buyer the signed logo board <strong>plus</strong> two tickets for the next Sunday for Sammy show in 2020. </p>
<p>The DVD contains appearances from the cast regulars with surprise guests including Brenda Blethyn and Johnny Vegas, musical highlights featuring Trevor Horn singing “Video Killed The Radio Star,” Ralph McTell performing a poignant version of “Streets of London” and a crowd pleasing duet between Joe McElderry and Jersey Boys singer Ryan Molloy performing “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” </p>
<p>The DVD’s are available from JG Windows in Newcastle, Metro Centre and Darlington, or <a contents="order online" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sundayforsammy.org/sunday-for-sammy-2018-access-all-areas" target="_blank">order online</a>.</p>
<p><strong>DVD VIP Premiere</strong></p>
<p>For those wishing to get even closer to the action, the DVD will be premiered on Sunday 15th April at 2pm at The Exchange in North Shields. Tickets at £20 are available from Julie Clay on 0191-2531618 and the ticket price includes a copy of the DVD. </p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/49114012017-10-30T12:54:29+00:002021-04-21T18:01:48+01:00Update from our friends at Alphabetti Theatre and CaroleW Productions<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/8efd05575591a7fcd72ee0f6c6e31e35f0719aa1/original/img-4710.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Alphabetti Theatre on St James Boulevard, Newcastle is one of the projects Sunday for Sammy champions and we’ve been pleased to support many of the new generation of emerging artists and companies who have written and directed the fantastic new plays that it stages. It has a new home that’s been built with pallets, paint and masses of hard work and dedication and is well worth a visit!</p>
<p>The lovely Carole Wears has been a friend and advisor to Sunday for Sammy for ages and we're delighted to be wishing her newly formed CaroleW Productions & Events every success! We wish her a big “Break A Leg”! with her ambition to bring yet more offerings to the North East’s rich theatre and music scene.</p>
<p>Like and follow their pages for all the news on these two great additions to the region’s offerings – a match made in heaven!</p>
<p>Facebook:<br>@CaroleWProductions <br>@AlphabettiTheatre </p>
<p>Twitter:<br>@CaroleW_Shows <br>@Alphabetti</p>
<p><a contents="www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk" target="_blank">www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk</a></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/49044242017-10-24T17:44:40+01:002022-01-28T15:02:46+00:00Video: The making of Walker Talk<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/7616f92b92765f44c840369bd70ff138cf972c76/original/screen-shot-2017-10-24-at-17-43-37.png?1508863458" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Earlier this year, in conjunction with Curious Monkey, we developed 'Walker Talk', an innovative and inspirational project to introduce young people to all aspects of the performing arts. Here's the story of how it all came together...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="V7qgisJk7pk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/V7qgisJk7pk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V7qgisJk7pk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/48931692017-10-16T10:45:08+01:002020-08-12T12:27:14+01:00A Sketch for Sammy 2017 - winner!<p>Eeeeeh.... we had a reet hoot at The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle, Newcastle for the grand final of A Sketch for Sammy 2017.</p>
<p>The sketches in the final were: </p>
<p>- 'Fridge' by Kevin Wilkinson <br>- 'Muggleswick English Dictionary' by Thomas McDonald <br>- 'All the King’s Horses' by Stephen Blakeney </p>
<p>...and the winner: </p>
<p>- 'The Alnwick Vintner' by Mike Nicholson </p>
<p>Congratulations, Mike! </p>
<p>As well as perfomances of the finalists, there were lots of other sketches from special guests including Maxie and Mitch, Jason Cook and Steffen Peddie. </p>
<p>You'l have another chance to see the winning sketch at Sunday for Sammy 2018 - tickets on sale now!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/6df0996581ec15df7aea51f7371fe6943dd21851/original/22135567-1720294961322772-1867094027781599729-o.jpg?1508147030" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/48931682017-10-16T10:42:00+01:002020-08-12T12:27:58+01:00Sunday for Sammy 2018: The fun has begun!<p>Ladies and gentlemen... the fun has begun! We've completed the first two days of pre-filming for the Sunday for Sammy 2018 show, and we can't wait to share it with you in February. It's OK if you like laughing :-) </p>
<p><a contents="Buy your Sunday for Sammy 2018 tickets now &gt;&gt;&gt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk/events/sunday-for-sammy-2018/" target="_blank">Buy your Sunday for Sammy 2018 tickets now >>></a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/587cfe3f49518e5ac01554ca47e21933c9e6d273/original/img-e3905.jpg?1508146710" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/1a6130464ea616fe20dfe0d0c640ccdc787d1e0d/original/img-3916.jpg?1508146709" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/47416952017-06-12T12:44:04+01:002020-08-12T12:27:50+01:00Walker Talk - making kids feel superhuman!<p><strong>Last month, a cast of professionals and pupils from Walker Technology College performed Walker Talk, a show created as part of a year long collaboration between Curious Monkey, Walker Technology College and The Sunday for Sammy Trust.</strong></p>
<p>Since September 2016, a team of artists have been working alongside 40 young people across a range of disciplines to make this brand-new piece of theatre. These pupils honed their skills in writing with Lee Mattinson, performing with Co Directors Amy Golding and Toni McElhatton and Assistant Director Kat Pierce, set design with Nina Scott and music with Niroshini Thambar. The end result was a production that was straight from their imaginations and fresh from the heart of Walker. </p>
<p>The show was an absolute success, with tears from the headteacher and overwhelmingly positive feedback from audience members, pupils and teachers alike. Here is what they had to say: </p>
<p><em>"It's been a pleasure working with everyone, you've all been so supportive and helped me progress more as an actor. I feel like I have a whole other family now" </em><br>- Kieran, performer & participant </p>
<p><em>"Absolutely blown away...left me and others in tears! Congratulations on our amazing kids!" </em><br>- Michelle, teacher at Walker Technology College </p>
<p><em>"The project has given the kiss of life to expression in our school. Actually, not the kiss of life, it's more like the radioactive thing that Bruce Banner had that made him the hulk. Like super-human...those kids are like super-human versions of themselves. Not just the performers either, by the way, but the whole lot." </em><br>- Ben, teacher at Walker Technology College </p>
<p>Ahead of the show, our company manager Jen Dewar spoke to Sue Sweeney on BBC Newcastle about the project, <a contents="have a listen here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04z703m#playt=1h13m55s" target="_blank">have a listen</a> (at 1:14). You can also <a contents="read what the Chronicle had to say when Sam Wonfor visited the project" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/sunday-sammy-helping-kids-walker-11625444" target="_blank">read what the Chronicle had to say when Sam Wonfor visited the project</a>. <br> <br>It goes without saying that this project could not have happened without the support of <strong>The Sunday For Sammy Trust</strong>, who not only funded Walker Talk, but championed the young people involved throughout the entire process. Sunday for Sammy's star studded concert is on at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena for two performances on 18th February 2018, proceeds from this concert go towards supporting invaluable performing arts opportunities for children and young people in the North East of England. <a contents="Get your tickets now!&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk/events/sunday-for-sammy-2018/" target="_blank">Get your tickets now! </a> </p>
<p>Thank you also to all of the wonderful staff at Walker Technology College, without your support and guidance, none of this would have been possible. And finally, to all of the pupils involved in this project across each creative discipline, thank you and well done; your creativity, passion and drive is what made the final performances the success that they were.</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/47178712017-05-22T18:04:45+01:002022-02-20T12:41:40+00:00Sunday for Sammy Presents: A Sketch for Sammy 2017<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/6a0af105a5ca32778d69c639122d5b24f56476cc/large/s4s-49-30.jpg?1461947543" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Following the success of the last two years, Sunday for Sammy and the Laffalang Gang are proud to present the return of A Sketch for Sammy, a competition for new comedy writers. Entries accepted from June 25th - August 4th!</strong></p>
<p>The competition will officially open on Sunday 25th June when Ed Waugh, writer of Dirty Dusting, Hadaway Harry and Mr Corvan's Music Hall, will host a public event at Newcastle's Stand Comedy Club where he will discuss the art of sketch writing, the pointers to a really great sketch and how to avoid the pitfalls. This event is free and open to anyone who is interested, you don't need to be a writer or comedian. No tickets are required, just turn up on the day. We would love a full house to get the competition off to a flying start. </p>
<p>Following the launch, new comedy writers from the region will be invited to submit sketches for consideration, the theme for the sketches is 'North East Culture'. When all the submissions are in a short list of four will be chosen by Jason Cook, comedian and writer of TV's Hebburn, along with Sunday for Sammy producer, Ray Laidlaw. </p>
<p>The four short-listed writers will then benefit from mentoring sessions with Ed Waugh to polish the scripts. The final will be held at the Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle on Sunday 1st October where the sketches will be performed by a professional cast to an enthusiastic and supportive audience. A panel of celebrity judges will choose the winning sketch and the successful writer will then be presented with the 2017 Phil Richardson Comedy Award by Phil's mother Pat. Tickets for the final are free and can be obtained by contacting <a contents="julieclay@blueyonder.co.uk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:julieclay@blueyonder.co.uk">julieclay@blueyonder.co.uk</a>.</p>
<p>The winning sketch will be considered for inclusion in the forthcoming Sunday for Sammy show at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on 18th Feb 2018. </p>
<p>The timeline looks like this:</p>
<ul> <li>Sunday 25th June at 11am – Comedy writer Ed Waugh will host a workshop on comedy writing at the Stand Comedy Club. Free entry. The competition is declared open. Scripts to be sent to info@sundayforsammy.org.</li> <li>Friday 4th August - Deadline for all entries. </li> <li>Thursday 10th August – Four finalists informed and mentoring begins. </li> <li>Sunday 1st October – Grand Final at the Stand Comedy Club, where the four finalist sketches will be performed, plus some old ones. After lots of hilarity, the the winner will be chosen. </li>
</ul>
<p>Chairman of the Sunday for Sammy Trust and Tyneside Legend Tim Healy said: <em>“As an actor, I know the value of good writing and this competition has discovered some really good new comedy writers. I'm looking forward to seeing the new sketches.” </em></p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy Trustee Jason Cook said, <em>“One of the most difficult challenges for a novice comedy writer is getting your work performed. A Sketch for Sammy gives the opportunity for new writers to see their work brought to life by an experienced cast in front of an enthusiastic audience. This can be truly inspirational and also a right laugh.” </em></p>
<hr><p><strong>NOTES TO EDITORS. </strong></p>
<p><strong>The Phil Richardson Award </strong></p>
<p>The first Sketch for Sammy in 2015 was funded by a donation to the Sunday for Sammy Trust by Pat Richardson in memory of her son Phil, a musician and comedy fan. The organisers decided to name the award presented to the winning sketch writer in honour of Phil. </p>
<p>Pat commented <em>“It is a continued honour for the award to be given in Phil's name. He had a great sense of humour and would have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a fantastic competition ...a great opportunity for new comedy writers. Good luck to all entrants!“ </em></p>
<p><strong>Sunday for Sammy 2018 </strong></p>
<p>Projects like A Sketch for Sammy are funded by the Sunday for Sammy Trust using money raised from the sales of tickets to the shows and DVD's of previous shows </p>
<p>Tickets are on-sale now for the next Sunday for Sammy on 18 February 2018 costing £35 plus 55p facility fee and bookings fee. They're available online at <a contents="www.metroradioarena.co.uk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk" target="_blank">www.metroradioarena.co.uk</a> from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. </p>
<p>Tickets are also available from Newcastle Theatre Royal. </p>
<p>Online <a contents="www.theatreroyal.co.uk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk" target="_blank">www.theatreroyal.co.uk</a> or call the Box Office on 08448 11 21 21. (All calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details.) For Groups of 10+, please call Group Bookings on 08448 11 21 22. </p>
<p>Photo Caption: Kevin Wilkinson, winner of Sketch for Sammy 2015 for his sketch “Clink” being presented with the Phil Richardson Comedy Award on-stage at Sunday for Sammy 2016. L to R, Ian Payne, Kevin Wilkinson, Laura Norton, Pam Royle, Tim Healy, Jeff Brown, Sharon Barbour.</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/45651862017-05-19T12:40:00+01:002021-04-05T01:18:40+01:00Young actors to re-tie the comedy knot of history<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/66604c948cb6b50ef123d90dc90ac3dd289128a9/original/corvan.png?1485463488" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong>YOUNG ACTORS TO RE-TIE THE COMEDY KNOT OF HISTORY </strong></p>
<p>Billy Stealing the Bundle...Laing Art Gallery. Newcastle, Tuesday, May 23, and at noon and 2pm. </p>
<p>Young actors will re-create history at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle when they perform a hugely popular Victorian comedy sketch called Billy Purvis Stealing the Bundle under a painting by Ned Corvan that bears the same name. </p>
<p>The Ned Corvan Shadow Troupe, which is sponsored by Sunday for Sammy, are touring the region with their own play about Ned and singing his songs. They will be performing in front of the painting in the Laing on Tuesday, May 23, at noon and 2pm. </p>
<p>It will be the first time Stealing The Bundle will be performed professionally since Corvan's death in 1865, more than 150 years ago. </p>
<p>The sketch was originally devised by Newcastle-based Billy Purvis (1784 to 1853) who had a travelling show that attracted huge crowds throughout the North and Scottish Borders. </p>
<p>Richard Flood, who is the Shadow Troupe project manager, explained: "Billy was a clown, comedian, conjurer and musician whose troupe performed melodramas, farces and musical interludes." </p>
<p>Aged 18, Ned "ran away from home" to join Purvis where he honed his singing, song writing, comedy, painting and musical talents. </p>
<p>Richard continued: "Billy's skit "Stealing the Bundle" involved a clown finding a bundle and, every time he opened it, there'd be something different inside. Contemporary reports say Billy would "bring the house down". </p>
<p>"Purvis died in Hartlepool in December 1853 and Ned's love of Billy was reflected in his grief over his mentor's death in the form of heart-felt poems and songs to the "Clown of the North" and this excellent painting (1855). </p>
<p>"Corvan went onto become the first professional Geordie singer/songwriter, eventually penning around 120 songs in his brief lifetime, dying in 1865 aged only 37. He often performed Stealing The Bundle dressed in Billy's old costume." </p>
<p>Richard added: "Billy died in Hartlepool and was buried there because his family couldn't afford to bring him back to Newcastle. He got a headstone in 1860 thanks to a benefit by the Sangster Brothers' Circus." </p>
<p>Entry to the performances of the Ned Corvan Shadow Troupe performing Billy Stealing the Bundle at the Laing Art Gallery is free. All welcome. </p>
<p>The painting Stealing The Bundle is currently on public display alongside A Border Fair by John Ritchie. The latter is believed to feature a young Billy Purvis playing the drum at the Stagshaw Bank Fair, near Hexham. </p>
<p>Billy Stealing the Bundle...Laing Art Gallery. Newcastle, Tuesday, May 23, and at noon and 2pm. </p>
<p>A play about Ned Corvan and featuring Billy Purvis, Mr Corvan's Music Hall, is touring the North East in May/June 2017. <a contents="Visit the website for more info" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mrcorvansmusichall.co.uk" target="_blank">Visit the website for more info</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<hr><p> </p>
<p><strong>Sunday for Sammy may not be until next February but we're urging anyone who likes great Geordie music, humour and drama to get along to Mr Corvan's Music Hall, which we are sponsoring, in May and June. You might have seen it advertised on the inside cover of the Sunday for Sammy 2016 DVD…. </strong></p>
<p>Alan Hull, Mark Knopfler, Sting... we've all heard of the great modern Geordie singer/songwriters but their paths were lit by Geordie Ridley, Joe Wilson and Ned Corvan, who all regularly entertained audiences of thousands in Newcastle and the region's many music halls; some had a 4,000 capacity, with no amplification! </p>
<p>Sadly, these Tyneside Victorian superstars are largely forgotten today... until now! </p>
<p><strong>Mr Corvan's Music Hall</strong> (a stageplay with music) has had the tremendous input of Benny Graham (Pitmen Poets) and Johnny Handle (folk superstar) and is based on Dave Harker's brilliant new book about Ned Corvan called <em>Catgut Jim</em>. </p>
<p>Wisecrack Productions with Durham Gala theatre and Sunday for Sammy have brought to life 22 of Ned's brilliant songs against a backdrop of a dramatic, funny but tragic story written by top North East playwright and a Sunday for Sammy writer Ed Waugh, whose latest play <em>Hadaway Harry </em>played to full houses and standing ovations in London and Newcastle Theatre Royal in February. </p>
<p>Mr Corvan's Music Hall stars Chris Connel (Pitman Painters, UK and Broadway), Jamie Brown (Hadaway Harry, and Culture 2016 Performing Artist of the Year) and Rachael McShane (ex-violinist of national folk stars Bellowhead). It will be directed by Gareth Tudor Price (West End credits and Hull Truck). </p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy have sponsored a "shadow troupe" of two young actors/singers, a violinist, a director and a technical person who will gain top professional experience by rehearsing with the main production team before writing their own Ned Corvan show and performing separately throughout the region. </p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy producer Ray Laidlaw, said: <em>"Sunday for Sammy is proud to be associated with Mr Corvan's Music Hall. The idea of promoting our Geordie heritage is part and parcel of what we are about but, more importantly, five young, talented people from our area are getting a unique chance to experience the top, professional, theatre world with on-the-job mentoring. </em></p>
<p><em>"In addition to working alongside such respected professionals, by writing their own show and performing separately, the Shadow Troupe will all get a writing credit and have their work seen by the public." </em></p>
<p><strong>Mr Corvan's Music Hall</strong> tours the region in May/June. Tickets cost £15. For regional dates and more information about the Ned Corvan project, <a contents="visit the website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mrcorvansmusichall.co.uk" target="_blank">visit the website</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Mr Corvan's Music Hall is supported by Arts Council England<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/d6eb32ef04cbbbd105e4dac798cd3d4a460c208b/small/ace.png?1490960368" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-top: 20px;" /></strong></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/46278772017-03-16T16:52:34+00:002021-10-07T11:55:57+01:00Sunday for Sammy - Big news for 2018!<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/b18bc9c728b4cd57f113055eb0a78d3a6c6a8f4d/large/sfs-moving-house-squarev2.jpg?1489663466" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><br>BIG NEWS FOR SUNDAY FOR SAMMY FANS: 2018 CONCERT DATE ANNOUNCED - NEW VENUE WITH TWICE AS MANY TICKETS AVAILABLE!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sunday for Sammy, unofficially known as the Geordie Command Performance, will return to Tyneside on Sunday 18th February 2018 but this time at a new venue. The show, first held as a tribute to Geordie actor Sammy Johnson in 2000, has been presented at Newcastle City Hall for nearly every performance. However, in recent years the demand for tickets has far out-stripped the supply. In 2016 the two spectacular shows sold-out in a day and thousands of disappointed fans couldn’t get tickets. </strong></p>
<p>In 2018, Sunday for Sammy will re-locate to Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena for two theatre style performances. 5,000 tickets will be available for each show, more than doubling the available tickets compared to previous years. </p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy is a celebration of North Eastern culture and many of the region's most popular and successful performers have taken part in the extravaganza of comedy and music, staged to raise funds to support the next generation of North Eastern performers with training, expenses and equipment. </p>
<p>Tim Healy, Denise Welch, Mark Knopfler, Kevin Whately, Charlie Hardwick, Jimmy Nail, Jill Halfpenny, Timothy Spall, AC/DC's Brian Johnson, Christopher Fairbank, Stephen Tomkinson, John Miles, Angie Lonsdale, Jason Cook, Lindisfarne, Joe McElderry, Brendan Healy, Donna Aire, Ant and Dec, Chelsea Halfpenny, Billy Mitchell, Brendan Foster, Pam Royle, Bob Moncur, Julia Tobin, Glenn McCrory, Kathryn Tickell, Chris Ramsey, Peter Peverley and many, many more have given up their time to take part in the show. The cast list is never revealed beforehand, every show is packed with surprises. </p>
<p>Chairman of the Sunday for Sammy Trust Tim Healy said, </p>
<p>“I spend a lot of time in the North East and people constantly ask me how to get tickets for Sunday for Sammy. The show has become so hugely popular that all available tickets are snapped up as soon as they go on sale. By moving the show to a larger venue we can give loads more people the opportunity to see the show while ensuring our continued support for the talented young performers from our area that need a helping hand.” </p>
<p>Since the first Sunday for Sammy in 2000, young local performers have benefitted from over £400,000 in grants to help with their professional development. </p>
<p>Catherine Dryden, from Chester le Street is a 3rd Year Student at RADA and was part-funded by the Sunday for Sammy Trust. </p>
<p>“Sunday for Sammy is helping me to get through my final year at RADA. My course covers six days of the week which doesn’t give me the opportunity to work to help pay the bills and the cost of being in London. Without their support, I couldn’t have carried on. They have given me the helping hand I need to further my professional career in drama.” </p>
<p>Ailsa Oliver, General Manager of the Metro Radio Arena said, </p>
<p>“Sunday for Sammy is such a wonderful event and we are very excited to be part of its continued growth. The event generates such excellent support for the local community and we are sure the two performances will once again be a success in it's new home at the Metro Radio Arena” </p>
<p>The show’s producer, Ray Laidlaw urged everyone to book tickets as soon as possible. </p>
<p>“Sunday for Sammy is unique; no other part of the country has an event that celebrates its regional popular culture on such a scale while supporting the next generation of performers. </p>
<p>“It’s an amazingly popular show and in recent years every performance has sold out within hours of the tickets going on sale. We get a huge number of messages from people telling us that they’ve tried to buy tickets but have been unsuccessful. That’s why we’ve doubled the capacity by moving the show to the Metro Radio Arena. However, we anticipate ticket demand to be greater than ever and we’d hate to see anyone missing out. The message is simple – lots more tickets available but if you want to be sure of being part of Sunday for Sammy 2018 then don't delay, buy your tickets early.” </p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/46259262017-03-11T09:10:50+00:002022-05-18T09:40:51+01:00Watch The 1975's Matthew Healy at Sunday for Sammy 2006<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/feb3841c151a47fdf28caa60cdc54f2c4c61671e/large/vlcsnap-2017-03-11-09h09m31s945.png?1489223566" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><p>Matthew Healy of BRIT award-winners The 1975, appeared at Sunday for Sammy back in 2006. Watch his performance of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' now!<br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6mklw0doakU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/6mklw0doakU/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6mklw0doakU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="853" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/45866812017-02-12T09:26:49+00:002022-03-16T16:32:09+00:00Walker Talk - Sunday for Sammy-assisted Student production begins to take shape<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/6bc70cdf9f34ec111a7b2fc1c8f18ef9aa0c76d4/large/swr-njl-030217sfswalker-03jpg.jpg?1486891674" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><br>Months of hard work has come to fruition as students of Walker Technology College gathered together for the first full read through of an innovative new play that they have created about their personal experiences of living in the east end of Newcastle. </strong></p>
<p>“Walker Talk” is a year long project funded by the Sunday for Sammy Trust in which award winning Newcastle based theatre company, Curious Monkey are working with students and teachers over a full school year to produce the brand new theatre production. </p>
<p>Around 40 young people are working on the production across a range of artistic disciplines including writing, performing, set design, music, stage management and media/filmmaking. </p>
<p>The read through was the first opportunity for the actors to see and hear the play come to life and it was also a good opportunity to receive positive feedback for those in the writing group. <br>The project brings drama back into the school and engages with Art, Design, Media and English lessons. The final production, performed by a mixed cast of students with two professional actors, will be held at the College in May 2017 for their cohorts, families and the local community. <br>Artistic Director for Curious Monkey, Amy Golding said; “All aspects of theatre life are covered in this exciting project. We are engaging everyone, even those not wanting to perform and giving them a unique chance to be part of a team. We are all working towards an exciting end product and everyone is making their own positive contribution and learning transferrable skills on the way. </p>
<p>“The funding we’ve received from The Sunday for Sammy Trust has opened up new opportunities for the students and we are really looking forward to showing off their talents in May.” </p>
<p>Representing Sunday for Sammy, Ray Laidlaw was very impressed with what he saw on the day. </p>
<p>“The project has been running for about four months now and I’ve seen the student’s confidence and technical abilities grow. The read through was magical in the respect that the play was brought to life for the first time and everyone was engaged whether they were reading, part of the design group or the writers themselves. I’m sure that the final production will be something to be very proud of and exactly what The Sunday for Sammy Trust was set up to do. “ </p>
<p>The Sunday for Sammy concerts have been held every two years since 2000 and the trust have donated over £400K to young performers in this region to fund projects that enable them to follow their dreams. <br>In previous years Geordie legends as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Tim Healy, Brian Johnson, Denise Welch, Kevin Whately, Jill Halfpenny and many, many more have returned to Tyneside to perform in the show. The last show in February 2016 is now available to watch on a DVD that also helps to fund the charity. </p>
<p>The next show will be in 2018, watch out for a major announcement soon.</p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/43003282016-07-29T12:53:44+01:002021-04-05T01:21:17+01:00“Walker Talk” - a new Sunday For Sammy project<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/35c14c2f9e0792bc7ccab5694e1c536547aab7f1/large/s4s-walker-college-3.jpg?1469793104" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/197817/d1a18d51d2640845dde65de8d9091e6dad81530c/original/website-logo-300x175.png?1469793118" class="size_orig justify_right border_" />Students at a Tyneside Technology College will soon have a great opportunity to experience all aspects of the theatre and stage when a new project goes live after the school holidays. </strong></p>
<p>“Walker Talk” (working title) is a year long project funded by the Sunday for Sammy Trust in which award winning Newcastle based theatre company Curious Monkey will work with year 7, 8 and 9 pupils and teachers from Walker Technology College over one school year to produce a brand new theatre production and documentary, based on the young peoples ideas, exploring their communities, histories and life today in Walker. </p>
<p>The project will bring drama back into school and engage with Art, Design, Media and English lessons. All aspects of creating a professional theatre production will be explored from writing to marketing to set design, working closely with exciting professional local artists. Media students will make a documentary of the process that will be screened at the premier performance at Walker Tech in June 2017. <br> <br>The Sunday for Sammy concerts have been held every two years since 2000 and raise funds via the Sunday for Sammy Trust to support performers, writers and directors at the outset of their careers and also to fund projects that enable them to follow their dreams. <br><br>In previous years Geordie legends as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Tim Healy, Brian Johnson, Denise Welch, Kevin Whately, Jill Halfpenny and many, many more have returned to Tyneside to perform in the show. </p>
<p>Sunday for Sammy Trustees, comedian / script writer Jason Cook from South Tyneside and Chester le Street based musician, Frank Gibbon visited the school to see for themselves how the project was taking shape. <br>“This is an exciting project that will give the students a real taste of the theatre. It’s not just about acting; it encompasses scriptwriting, lighting, props and music. It’s designed to enhance the school curriculum and give the students a valuable experience for later in their careers,” said Jason who himself was a recipient of a Sunday for Sammy grant during his early career. </p>
<p>Music teacher Ben Thornley was delighted to welcome the project to the college. “The amount of resources being put into this project by Curious Monkey and Sunday For Sammy means that the students will have the very best experience possible. It will appeal to those wishing to be on the stage as well as those who prefer a behind the scenes role. We’re delighted to be part of such a prestigious project.” </p>
<p>Project leader for Curious Monkey, Amy Golding from North Shields explained how the company’s work would benefit the college. <br>“We provide inclusive participatory experiences, helping to improve people’s wellbeing, confidence and skills. We make professional theatre that is relevant and accessible to the people in our communities and that asks questions about the world. We talk to people from our local community and communities around the world to find out the stories that are important to them hence “Walker Talk” which will be inspired by real stories.” <br><br>For more information on the Curious Monkey please visit <a contents="www.curiousmonkeytheatre.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.curiousmonkeytheatre.com" target="_blank">www.curiousmonkeytheatre.com</a> </p>Sunday for Sammytag:www.sundayforsammy.org,2005:Post/42422772016-06-22T07:17:08+01:002021-07-19T20:07:00+01:00Calling all young actors & performers! "A Search for Ned" is launched...<p>Sunday for Sammy are working with Wisecrack Promotions, Gala Theatre (Durham), Sage Gateshead, Newcastle Theatre Royal and the Arts Council to scour the North East to give young people the chance to star in a professional show that will be performed in some of the region's top venues. </p>
<p>We're searching for an actor and a folk violinist to play the young version of Ned Corvan, the region's very first professional singer/songwriter. If you think you fit the bill, or know someone who does, <a contents="find out more information" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mrcorvansmusichall.co.uk" target="_blank">find out more information</a>.<br><br><strong>THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 13TH.</strong></p>Sunday for Sammy