NORTH EAST WRITERS

ROKER ROAR with Sunderland poet Ronnie James

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Ronnie is in his mid 40s and was educated at Monkwearmouth school. He worked as a mental health therapist for 20 years.

“After leaving my professional life behind I decided to focus on myself and had some counselling and in the sessions found myself writing about the past.”

When he was young Ronnie had a traumatic experience where two of his friends were murdered.

“Talking about the horrendous murders that took place and the lads I knew hasn’t been easy to revisit. But the truth never is. It naturally pushed me towards writing.”  

“Also, in my youth I made a million bad decisions which resulted in a little holiday in the old mental health unit Cherry Knowles in Ryhope. This was also inspiration behind my writing.”

Earlier this year Ronnie met up with a couple of friends who have been supportive of his work. Two examples are added below. He is now looking to get some of his poems and a short story published.

“My friend has helped a lot with telling my story and I’ve really taken to poetry and bending words, its great fun.”

“This has all started to come together the last few months, I’ve got a couple of great editors working on the short story. The poems haven’t been edited yet.”

“We’ve had some really good feedback but if I’m honest, I think the story was born in Sunderland and I would like it continue to have a North East connection.”

What are your hopes for the work when it is published?

“I’m hoping the overall work of the two books is a positive message. Even when you think you are at rock bottom, believe it or not you can bounce back.” 

Alikivi    June 2024

This evening by Ronnie James

I wonder the meaning.

As I’m cleaning.

Am I right in believing.

This evening.

Isn’t for thieving.

Its for believing. 

My mate knows the meaning of this evening.

Talking goods times and current achievements

Its not for screaming or disbelieving.

Its time for escaping the machining.

And giving the evening a meaning

Mad Matty by Ronnie James

He resided in the bed next to me.

Long jet black crazy curly hair. As if he’d been electrocuted. God knows why he was there we never spoke. Apparently, I heard some horrible violence some staff I heard saying.

He was drugged to the point he couldn’t talk just laugh and giggle. He needed constant attention from staff. 

He would sleep under my bed at night.

I’d waken to hear a giggle. I’d look to my left and his bed would be empty. Bastards under my bed. I looked under upside down there he is. Giggling laughing, insanity, crazy eyes, evil. This happened a few times.

I went from trying to be his mate to him hissing like a wild cat at me under my bed to me completely exploding with anger to which either situation me being restrained by 3 or 4 men and Matty getting carted off to where ever.

After a few times of that and other situations 1 day he never came back. Apparently, he hung himself. He never got out the asylum.

DEMENTIA MATTERS – From Dialogue to Monologue in Newcastle’s Tyneside Irish Centre

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North East playwright Arthur Mackenzie has had a great career as a writer penning many episodes of TV classics such as ‘Casualty’ and ‘The Bill’. In 2024 he wrote a book of monologues for female actors to raise money for a dementia charity but asked the publisher to omit his name from the cover as he wished to remain anonymous.

All proceeds from the book were donated to ‘Dementia Matters.’ Arthur’s wife has dementia which is what inspired him to write the book ‘From Dialogue To Monologue.’ 

With the help of the North East Acting & Writing Hub, this Friday 5th June from 7pm five of those scripted pieces are being performed in Newcastle at The Tyneside Irish Centre to raise money for Age UK North Tyneside which helps dementia patients in the region.


Arthur Mackenzie explained “I’m delighted that Steve Wraith from the ‘North East Acting and Writing Hub’ in Gateshead offered to promote a showcase of my monologues. There may be laughter and tears but I hope people take something from the evening.” 

Photo left to right Steve Wraith, Libby Walker, Sharon Percy, Arthur Mackenzie, Jayne Mackenzie, Alison Stanley and Dawn Wilkinson.

Steve said “I’ve known Arthur for over 38 years now. I did my first play for him aged 16 playing the part of the Lord Mayor in ‘Exclusive’ at The Peoples Theatre. In 2014 I debuted a play about speed dating for him at South Shields Customs House called ‘GSOH Would Like To Meet’. So, I was only too pleased to help Arthur with this project.”

Steve added “Two year ago I published the monologues for him anonymously at his request to raise money for ‘Dementia Matters.’ Now Arthur has agreed to put his name to the project and myself, Neil Jackson and Catarina De Cezzane at the North East Acting and Writing Hub in Gateshead have pulled the project together.”

“We have a very talented group of Actors including Sharon Percy, Libby Walker, Alison Stanley, Jayne Mackenzie and Dawn Wilkinson who have kindly given up their time for free which means we shall raise some much needed funds for Dementia Patients.”

All proceeds from the evening will go towards Age UK North Tyneside. Tickets are £5 on the door. 

June 2026

THE MERCHANT OF GATESHEAD – New Acting & Writing Hub to Launch this Summer.

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Photo LtoR Steve Wraith, Martin Hylton (CEO Gateway Studio), Catarina De Cezanne and Neil Jackson

A new initiative for actors and writers is set to launch in Gateway Studio on Gateshead High Street this summer. The Hub is designed to give local playwrights the opportunity to hear their work performed to a live audience, and giving actors a professional stage to ply their craft.

The team behind the new initiative are award-winning Portuguese screenwriter and film maker Catarina De Cezanne, producer and filmmaker Neil Jackson plus Steve Wraith, Actor and Writer who explained…

There is a wealth of creative talent in the North East but a lack of opportunities for those creatives to express themselves. We approached Gateshead Council with our project and they helped us get the ball rolling.

It is so important for writers to hear their script read and performed by actors. If gives them a chance to hear audience reaction, what they like, what they don’t like, what makes them laugh or cry and what does and doesn’t work. 

Have any dates been planned for shows?

We have 5 dates filled already. We are launching with a comedy that I have written called ‘The End Of Our World’ which will be performed by Rod Glenn and Kathryn Sabourn on July 29th at 6pm. This will be our official launch night which will also see us officially launch our film company ANBOC Films Ltd. 

Is it free to enter and do the creatives get paid?

It is free and people can enter all year round. All script writers selected and actors cast will all be paid a fee for their work and performance. 

Has this initiative been done in Gateshead before?

There have been initiatives of this type across the region but this is a first for Gateshead town centre. 

What are your hopes for the project?

We hope to discover new talent across the region. We certainly feel that there is a gap in the creative world for this type of scheme. My experience of theatre locally as a professional actor is that it is very much a closed shop to the majority and it is difficult to get a break. We will be looking to break new talent each month and giving them a chance to gain some experience. Long term we would love to expand this across the borough of Gateshead. 

The scheme has secured backing from Gateshead Council, with funding provided through the North East Combined Authority (NECA). For more information contact >>>

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Alikivi   June 2026

TOUCHED BY CANCER – Tits Up on tour with actress, writer & theatre producer Alison Stanley

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Alison Stanley, Katie Potts, Crissy Rock & Leah Bell.

A UK tour is planned for ‘Tits Up.’ The play is based on the real life story of women with breast cancer. It’s written by Alison Stanley and Leah Bell who also star in the show along with Crissy Rock and Katie Potts. 

The show played at a sold out North East venue this year. You must be pleased with this Alison?

I’m really pleased with how everything is going. The audiences have been great and the reviews have been amazing. I think the subject matter (breast cancer) is relatable to so many people, in fact I really don’t know many people whose lives haven’t been touched by cancer in some way.

I think this play is really important in raising awareness, it looks at the lives of very different women. It looks at women who have caring responsibilities as well as dealing with their diagnosis. This puts an entirely different slant on dealing with cancer when you have to care for others as well.

We also wanted to look at breast cancer in very young women. Most people think breast cancer is an older person’s disease but the fact is young women can get this too. We hope that this play encourages young women to check themselves.

Are you looking forward to the tour and taking the show to new venues?

I’m really looking forward to touring. This tour goes all over the UK in October to coincide with breast cancer awareness month. I’m looking forward to new theatres and new audiences also playing some old favourites. There are some really beautiful theatres in the UK.

We’re also playing in the North East at Alnwick Playhouse, South Shields Customs House and Live Theatre in Newcastle, so it’s great to be showing out on home turf. 

What type of audiences do you think the show will attract?

Cancer affects everyone so we have people who have their own cancer journeys, their families, health professionals and theatre goers who want to be entertained by a great story. All very different audiences of all types of people. The play is raw, honest, heartfelt and at times hilarious. 

‘Tits Up’ starring Crissy Rock, Katie Potts, Leah Bell & Alison Stanley is playing across the UK in October 2026.

Alikivi   May 2026

Links to previous interviews >>>

CLASS ACT in conversation with Newcastle actor, writer & theatre producer Leah Bell | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST MUSIC & CULTURE

RISKY BUSINESS – in conversation with writer, actor & theatre producer Alison Stanley | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST MUSIC & CULTURE

THE NAME OF THE GAME with Writer & Theatre producer Alison Stanley | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST MUSIC & CULTURE

THESE ARE MY BOUNDS – new collection from Jarrow born poet, Tom Kelly

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Playwright, lyricist and poet Tom Kelly who now lives further up the Tyne river at Blaydon, has released a new collection of poems published by Northumberland based Red Squirrel Press.

‘My collection, prior to ‘These Are My Bounds’ was ‘Walking My Streets’ (interview on site July 2024) published in 2024 and from that point I was building up work for my next collection’ said Tom.

‘I prefer to have new work published in magazines and the majority of poems in a new collection have been published. It allows me to see them more objectively.’

‘Once I’ve had a number of poems published, I begin to select which ones may work in the together. Next is the business of the running order. I found with, ‘These Are My Bounds’ they worked best by moving from past to present. I open the collection with a poem using my grandmother, Maggie Henderson, who died in Jarrow in 1969.’

Tom has had fourteen books published by Red Squirrel Press, the first was ‘The Wrong Jarrow’ from Smokestack Books.

‘That was in 2007 and is now out-of-print. Before these collections I had a number of pamphlets published by a variety of small publishers.’

Tom adds ‘My first pamphlet was the ‘Gibbeting of Wm. Jobling,’ published by the Bede Gallery, Jarrow in 1972.The publication was made up of poetry, prose, contemporary documents and illustrated by Vincent Rea.’

What are your hopes for this new collection?

‘I would, like most poets, to find readers who warm to my work with positive reviews and good sales to have my publisher Sheila Wakefield of Red Squirrel Press publish my next collection.’

Quotes and reviews from previous collections.

‘Another consummate, heart-warming collection from the talented Tom Kelly’.

Alan Morrison, in Morning Star.

‘He writes in a simple style, sometimes in the dialect of his native north-east. What he writes about should never be forgotten, though the rich and the powerful do their best to expunge it from collective memory.’ Review of ‘No Love Rations’, short story collection. MQB  

‘Tom Kelly writes poems that are straightforward and about the people and the places he’s known all his life. The North-East is his “small patch” and its history and traditions loom large in just about everything he writes. If the term “regional writer” means anything it certainly applies to a writer like Kelly. You can see and smell and hear both the past and the present as you read the short, jabbing lines with their penny-plain words.’ The Penniless Press 

‘These Are My Bounds’ available from Red Squirrel Press.

Alikivi   March 2026

CRIMINAL MIND with Cullercoats author Glynis Drew

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Glynis was born in Cullercoats, a small fishing village on the North East Coast of England.

‘Where I spent a happy, carefree childhood. Cullercoats Bay was, literally, at the end of my street, and the village had a real community feel – it still does. Now aged 63, I haven’t moved too far from where I grew up.’

Her creative writing journey began at the age of eight.

‘In reality, I was copying the themes and formats of children’s authors. At the age of 11, I was still making notes for my first full-length story book – Five at Mystery Camp!’

‘Leaving school, I wanted to do something other than sit behind a desk – so with the qualifications I had, I was encouraged to spend the next 45 years working behind a desk! I also took on part-time work all within the Cullercoats or North Shields area. I was a barmaid, had a go at working as a housekeeper and one job was cleaning a local morgue. The smell was one of bleach and cleaning products but the atmosphere was spooky and spine tingling. I dreaded every shift – my imagination sometimes does get the better of me.’

Who inspired you to start writing?

‘Growing up, I would spend a lot of time in Cullercoats library, and my first real interest in reading came from Enid Blyton mystery stories. By the time I joined Marden High School in North Shields, it seemed my natural reading progression was to jump from Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers series to James Herbet – The Rats – a huge leap in genre. My imagination was ignited, and my storytelling went up a few notches!’

‘I created my DCI Caron Dell crime fiction novels in 2005, and have written several short stories – none of which are published. I began taking things more seriously when my daughter, Beth, a singer-songwriter, wrote a piece called Stay Young. Something about that song lit a fire in me—and that spark become the basis for my first novel.’

‘To date, I have written and self-published two books from my DCI Caron Dell series: Dying to Stay Young and Where is January Blue?’ 

Have you surprised yourself?

‘I am surprised at how engrossed I have become in my research, whilst developing personality profiles, locations, and murder! Autopsies were an eye-opener, too!’

‘I’m learning something new each time I delve into the world of DCI Caron Dell – she is a stalwart for justice. And, I’m totally bowled over by the interest and support I’ve received, not just from family and friends, but from people I haven’t even met. So, a huge thank you – genuinely, I value everyone’s support.’

 How was your debut book received?

‘My first book Dying to Stay Young, has good reviews on Amazon and five-star reviews in Goodreads. I am delighted by the feedback. Another huge thanks to those who have taken the time to read my books and to those who have left a review.’

‘At the beginning of March 26, Cullercoats Library hosted an event for me to talk about my DCI Dell novels. The venue was very fitting. Providing more detail about DCI Caron Dell and having a face-to-face discussion has encouraged me to continue my storytelling. For my first event, I was grateful for a full room and an engaged audience.’

While researching have you come across any unusual stories?

‘Not unusual, but more surprising. Whilst listening to Professor David Wilson, a Criminology expert, I was shocked by the low number of convictions for crimes against vulnerable groups. With one statistic flooring me – 2% of abuse against women crimes actually lead to a conviction.’

‘Obviously, there is more to the stats, but what is worth noting is that not all crimes are reported, so what is the real percentage? Is it higher or lower? I don’t think we’ll ever know for certain. My interest was piqued, and my hunger to write psychological thrillers grew.’

Would you like to see any of your books adapted for the stage or TV?

‘Absolutely, that would be utopia!’

For further information and upcoming releases contact the official website >>>

 Drews Fiction

Alikivi   March 2026

CRAMLINGTON TRAIN WRECKERS – returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal

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After a sold out stage tour in 2024 Cramlington Train Wreckers is back. The inspiring story of working class solidarity will be staged at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 12th July 2026 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the national strike in 1926.

The strike was the biggest rupture in society since the English civil war. Miners were asked to take a pay cut to ‘improve productivity’ – really just to maintain the profits of the bosses. North East actor Micky Cochrane played one of the main roles on the tour and is revisiting the play at Theatre Royal.

“The audiences were really good in ‘24. Lots of bums on seats and a great response. A lot of people come with high expectations for Ed’s plays and love what he does.”

Written by Ed Waugh (Wor Bella, Carrying David, Hadaway Harry) the story of the striking miners who accidently derailed the famous Flying Scotsman train in Northumberland is told by former actor and director Russell Floyd (The Bill, Eastenders), and after a very successful Carrying David and Billy Elliott the musical, the afore mentioned Micky Cochrane.

“I had worked with Russell on Carrying David and The Great Joe Wilson. I know how he works and what he brings out of actors. We work really well together.“

“I also won the North-East Culture Awards Performing Artist of the Year. It was a great reward for the fantastic plays and big roles I played last year” said Micky.

Also starring is Alex Tahnee who was in Romeo & Juliet and Alice in Wonderland “I knew Alex. She was great. The play has lots of information so we had to be on it. We had to help each other out”

“I had heard of the Cramlington Train Wreckers but I didn’t know the full story and main players so it was another chance to learn more about the history of the area.” explained Micky.

Tickets for Cramlington Train Wreckers at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 12th July 2026 available from >>>

The Cramlington Train Wreckers | Newcastle Theatre Royal

Alikivi  January 2026

CENTENARY – New show at The Glasshouse, Gateshead

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May 4, 2026, marks the centenary of the first full day of the 1926 General Strike where millions of British workers withdrew their labour and challenged the establishment. They believed a better world was possible.

To mark this historical event the same team that brought successful plays Wor Bella, Carrying David and Hadaway Harry are staging Centenary at the Glasshouse.

“We have a great team and the show will be fantastic. We did a very popular show about four years ago called ‘Boris Out’, and look what happened to him!” said playwright and Theatre producer Ed Waugh

“One hundred years ago millions of workers and their families went on strike. A General Strike poses the question of state power, the 1 per cent – the privileged Establishment or the working class – those who actually create the wealth in society.” 

“Despite the heroism and sacrifice of the trade union rank and file, the union leaders in the TUC realised the question of state power was at stake – the Russian Revolution nine years earlier had sent shockwaves throughout the world. These TUC cowards sold out the strike unconditionally after only nine days.”

Ed added “Their pusillanimity led to a carnival of reaction against the trade unions and workers by the Tory government. The miners continued their strike for another six months but were starved back to work. We haven’t had a general strike in this country since. But we’ve been close”. 

“We have to learn the lessons of 1926 for the next time, which is on the horizon. The 1926 General Strike was a hugely important period in working class history.”

‘Centenary’ will include songs, comedy, stand up and recitations to celebrate the nine day strike. A big addition are musicians Paul Weller (The Jam) Alan Hull (Lindisfarne), Tom Robinson and Paul Simmonds (The Men They Couldn’t Hang) have personally given permission for their music to be played at the show.

“We are delighted to have been given personal permission from these great songwriters. It will be an evening of brilliant musical and comedic entertainment and inspiration.” added Ed.

Tickets are available for ‘Centenary’ at The Glasshouse, Gateshead at 4pm or 8pm on Monday May 4th 2026.

Home | The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

www.wisecrackproductions.co.uk

Alikivi   January 2026

SHIELDS CLOSEST ENCOUNTER

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As requested, readers of this site have contributed stories featuring supernatural phenomena. Researcher & Historian, and regular contributor to the site Dan Green, got in touch to pass on an interesting story he came across.

Report in The Shields Gazette 2013.

A visit to South Shields by three unexplained lights in the sky in October 1967 seemed to be very convincing as it was witnessed and recorded by policemen. But what occurred the previous year might be an even better UFO episode.

It began when a Shields resident agreed to tell her story to local newspaper The Shields Gazette in 2013 on the proviso that her identity was kept anonymous.

It was a cold night in late autumn, a black starless sky between 10-10.30pm when she and half a dozen of her girlfriends, all teens, were walking home from Harton village past Harton cemetery when they noticed a huge circular ‘flying saucer’ hovering approximately 20’ above the ground, coloured lights pulsated underneath with a humming noise.

It suddenly shot up into the air to a height of about 60-70’ staying stationary for a while then swooping down over the cemetery. Three times it repeated this climbing and ascending motion until it finally shot up into the sky disappearing in an instant.

The shaken girls stood there motionless and speechless and never said a word as they continued home. Little did they know that it appears that on the same night the unidentified aerial phenomena was also seen and witnessed by a Mr Alton, then aged 20, and his wife.

The object was first spotted as they were walking to their home near the old Westoe Colliery. It wandered slowly around the sky towards Tyne Dock where the following year the three lights above the flats were witnessed.

Disappearing from their view it was next seen 10 minutes later suddenly flying almost directly over Mr Alton. They could hear a soft humming sound as the black circular shaped craft blocked out the stars. A circular white light was centrally located on the underbelly of the craft, around the circumference was an aurora of soft, colourful light. It then flew off towards South Shields Town Hall nearby.

Mr Alton estimated it to be travelling at about 15mph and was at least 40’ diameter. They watched for about two minutes as it skimmed above the Westoe Road rooftops.

I recently contacted Mr Alton now 79 and living in Whitburn, to see if he was still clear with his story and indeed he is – there is no doubt in my mind that he is telling the absolute truth and in accurate detail.

Was this the same UFO witnessed on the same night as seen by the girls in Harton? Two remarkable close encounters begging the question, why was South Shields being visited by UFO’s during 1966 and 1967?

More revelations of supernatural phenomena will feature on this site. If you want to share your experience don’t hesitate to get in touch.

October 2025

CREEPING DEATH

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As requested, readers of this site have contributed stories featuring supernatural phenomena. 60 year old Jeff Anderson from Washington, County Durham, talked of his experiences.

The paranormal equates to something or some activity that is unknown now but is likely to be known and possibly understood in the future. So, a good example of paranormal activity would include ghost sightings and other spiritual activity of that nature.

It’s the stuff of sixth sense, which we are all aware of in situations when somebody is staring at us from behind, we look around and sure enough someone is. And vice-versa when we stare at someone suddenly they become aware of our stare.

I have over the last few years been equally fortunate and unfortunate to have been exposed to very real paranormal activity.

It was the very height of the Covid-19 pandemic I had been to Lidl one Saturday morning, nothing unusual there. Bonnie my German Shepherd was eagerly awaiting my return to the car. No sooner had I done so when quite inexplicably the car radio started playing and this despite being most definitely being switched off. I had the presence of mind to video the occurrence for future reference.

It sounded like Metallica playing but I wasn’t sure of the song. It turned out to be Creeping Death. I learned later it’s a song about the Biblical pass over featuring the Angel of Death. Creepy right?

On my weekly visit to my elderly parents house I explained to them the car radio occurrence and showed them the video I made that day. I felt someone somewhere was trying to communicate something.

In an instant a powerful gust of wind blew in through the upstairs front bedroom window, it came down the stairs twisting and turning and blew into the living room with such force that it actually blasted open the living room doors. It then turned back on itself and blew out of a small living room window. I mentioned it to my parents but they didn’t want to discuss it.

Unfortunately, my mother suffered a stroke a few year later. One afternoon I visited her in hospital with my Auntie. My mother occupied a room with three other stroke patients. There were just the six of us in the room on this occasion with no medical staff in attendance.

Of the four stroke patients three were asleep including my mam. The other patient was awake lying on her back, staring at the ceiling and occasionally crying out for her mother every few minutes or so, even though she was in her 70s herself. She was unaware of anything going on around her due to a possible dementia diagnosis.

The next thing it started raining mixed with hail and with such force and intensity I thought the window nearest to her might be blown in. After a short while things settled down.

However, the woman in the bed nearest the window was like someone possessed, she no longer cried out for her mother and was now fully aware. She turned her head and looked directly at me in the eye, diverting her gaze away from the ceiling. She even attempted to get out of bed at one point and come over to me. It was then I decided it was a goodtime to leave.

Sadly, my mother died a few months later. Two nights before her funeral I had left my bedroom window open only to be awoken at 3am by a strong gust of wind, so powerful it took every ounce of my physical strength to slam the window shut. Before I managed to close it the wind blasted me directly in the face, at which point an image of mother’s face unexpectedly appeared in my mind’s eye.

More revelations of supernatural phenomena will feature on this site. If you want to share your experience don’t hesitate to get in touch.

October 2025