What
Little Cat Theatre's Scary Tales at Tynemouth Priory
Where
Tynemouth Priory
When
6 pm, Thursday 26th October 2017
Cost
£11
One Word
Creepy
Before It Started
To get there in time we had to go straight from my work to Tynemouth. My dad picked me up with my mum, and we had originally planned to drive through Seaton Delaval then along the coast via Whitley Bay, but there was an accident on the Avenue and we had to detour through Holywell and Earsdon and skip the seaside drive. Luckily we made it just in time!
First Impressions
There were more people queued up than I was expecting. It was as I rooted around in my bag for my ticket that I realised I had left my print out at home, but at the gate they just asked for names before letting my mum and I through. Then we waited for a little while, everyone taking in the amazing sunset and watching boats come in to port, taking pictures of the Priory and Castle against the darkening sky.
Just before 6.15 pm, the guide gathered us all round, explained the dos and don'ts. Unfortunately no pictures was one of the rules, so I had to tuck mine away. And then we were off.
The Main Event
Going between the points of this interactive performance was at a bit of a pace.
First stop was the gatehouse, and it was straight into the action. One of the performers greeted us and asked for a brave volunteer. Naturally it was a seven year old girl who rolled her eyes at the older (and considerably more scared) boys and stepped forwards. She was so brave, as it was not getting darker, the guides has torches out, and we were stepping into the confines of the gatehouse.
The mini-performances across the site were a mix of all sorts. A bit of loud scares, silent creeps and dark figures. There was so much drama and conviction and honestly it felt so real at parts.
There was one part where my mum and I both ended up in silent hysterics. We didn't mean to, but it always seems to happen when we do something like this. Huge, creepy, heavy-breathing, imposing shadow guy is staring my mum down and she starts sniggering. So he moves on to me. And I ended up burying my head in my mums shoulder to stop from laughing out loud. It's the kind of behaviour you'd expect from someone who'd had a drink, but we were stone cold sober.
The walk led us around some parts of the Priory I have previously been to, other parts I have not. But as it grew steadily darker, suddenly I was in a completely different place.
And yes, I was creeped out.
Overall
It was fantastic. I'm not sure quite what I was expecting but this was excellent, and would be perfect for families. I can't wait until my nephews are both old enough to take in future.
Friday, 27 October 2017
Thursday, 26 October 2017
It Only Happens in the Movies Party
What
Holly Bourne’s It Only Happens in the Movies Newcastle Party with presenter and author Katie Thistleton
Where
Waterstones, Newcastle Upon Tyne
When
7pm, Wednesday 25th October 2017
Cost
£5 - redeemable against a copy of the book on the night
One Word
Hilarious.
Before it Started
As usual on a weekday, it was a race against rush hour traffic to get in to town from work. I ended up texting ahead so a friend could get me a cuppa before the cafe closed, as I knew I wouldn't make it in time. A group of Northern bookworms were going and we'd arranged to meet a little ahead of the event to chat books, look at books, buy books and generally be around books. Because that's what we do. And also we wanted good seats.
First Impressions
We were super early for the event itself, so once we were down in the basemnet we unloaded coats and bags onto seats to reserve them and launched ourselves at the YA section. It was pretty quiet so early, but even then we were a few rows from the front as there were some people more eager than us. It did quickly start to fill up, so I purchased my copy and we all took our seats, stopping to grab some juice (I went for the cranberry).
The Main Event
It was pretty packed when the event started, there were very few empty seats and even the hot seats on the front row were taken.
Confession: I did't know who Katie Thistleton was. But by the end I had an idea and her own book, Dear Katie looks excellent.
There were hilarious conversations around the book, the general themes, how Sheffield isn't Proper North, whether characters should be kissed, married or killed... And all of it had everyone in stitches.
This is not to say that there wasn't a serious note to the event. With the subject matter of the book there was a lot of tearing down of the patriarchy and girl power and discussion of what is right and what is harmful and how the world sucks for women but it can be changed. I loved the discussion of bad romance, and how a lot of "romantic" tropes are terrifyingly harmful, and Holly Bourne's own background working with teens who experienced this made me want to cry.
There were some games like film trivia, Kiss-Marry-Kill and questions from the audience to wrap it up. I think everyone tried to wheedle something about Floored out of her, but her lips were sealed.
After the main event itself it was book signing time and there were goody bags! Inside was some cinnamon popcorn (a reference to the book) a fan, a 2018 sampler and an advanced copy. Unlike previous events (perhaps because Newcastle tends to be last on the list) there were only two books to choose from. I ended up with The Unpredictability of Being Human, but looking back I kind of wish I'd gone for Orphan Monster Spy.
In the signing queue I got a post-it note with my name on and at the signing table I just squealed as Holly Bourne signed my book because she is amazing and I was pretty much overwhelmed by that point.
Overall
It was so much fun! There was so much laughter and joy from a full house of bookworms, and I got to hang out with some fantastic people. I left feeling so happy and empowered and with a fantastic book in my hands.
Only when I opened it on the bus I realised my name was spelled wrong, despite the post-it.
Holly Bourne’s It Only Happens in the Movies Newcastle Party with presenter and author Katie Thistleton
Where
Waterstones, Newcastle Upon Tyne
When
7pm, Wednesday 25th October 2017
Cost
£5 - redeemable against a copy of the book on the night
One Word
Hilarious.
Before it Started
As usual on a weekday, it was a race against rush hour traffic to get in to town from work. I ended up texting ahead so a friend could get me a cuppa before the cafe closed, as I knew I wouldn't make it in time. A group of Northern bookworms were going and we'd arranged to meet a little ahead of the event to chat books, look at books, buy books and generally be around books. Because that's what we do. And also we wanted good seats.
First Impressions
We were super early for the event itself, so once we were down in the basemnet we unloaded coats and bags onto seats to reserve them and launched ourselves at the YA section. It was pretty quiet so early, but even then we were a few rows from the front as there were some people more eager than us. It did quickly start to fill up, so I purchased my copy and we all took our seats, stopping to grab some juice (I went for the cranberry).
The Main Event
It was pretty packed when the event started, there were very few empty seats and even the hot seats on the front row were taken.
Confession: I did't know who Katie Thistleton was. But by the end I had an idea and her own book, Dear Katie looks excellent.
There were hilarious conversations around the book, the general themes, how Sheffield isn't Proper North, whether characters should be kissed, married or killed... And all of it had everyone in stitches.
This is not to say that there wasn't a serious note to the event. With the subject matter of the book there was a lot of tearing down of the patriarchy and girl power and discussion of what is right and what is harmful and how the world sucks for women but it can be changed. I loved the discussion of bad romance, and how a lot of "romantic" tropes are terrifyingly harmful, and Holly Bourne's own background working with teens who experienced this made me want to cry.
There were some games like film trivia, Kiss-Marry-Kill and questions from the audience to wrap it up. I think everyone tried to wheedle something about Floored out of her, but her lips were sealed.
After the main event itself it was book signing time and there were goody bags! Inside was some cinnamon popcorn (a reference to the book) a fan, a 2018 sampler and an advanced copy. Unlike previous events (perhaps because Newcastle tends to be last on the list) there were only two books to choose from. I ended up with The Unpredictability of Being Human, but looking back I kind of wish I'd gone for Orphan Monster Spy.
In the signing queue I got a post-it note with my name on and at the signing table I just squealed as Holly Bourne signed my book because she is amazing and I was pretty much overwhelmed by that point.
Overall
It was so much fun! There was so much laughter and joy from a full house of bookworms, and I got to hang out with some fantastic people. I left feeling so happy and empowered and with a fantastic book in my hands.
Only when I opened it on the bus I realised my name was spelled wrong, despite the post-it.
Monday, 16 October 2017
Sarah Millican In Conversation
What
Sarah Millican talking about her new book How To Be Champion
Where
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle Upon Tyne
When
7pm, Sunday 15th October 2017
Cost
£12.50 or £25.50 with a signed copy of How To Be Champion
One Word
Champion.
Before it Started
I met a friend in a coffee shop around the corner, and we were early for the event so were some of the first through the doors. I had bought my ticket in store at Waterstones so after I collected my signed book I had to go to the ticket office and claim a seat.
I have to admit I hadn't been expecting this, and although it meant I couldn't sit next to my friend, I was only two rows in front so it wasn't all bad. I got a seat in the stalls with a good view of the stage. and I suppose you don't really need to talk when you're watching an event.
First Impressions
If you have never been to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House one thing to have to know is that it's a bit... Weird.
It is a Grade 1 listed building, and the theatre is breathtaking, the corridors, bar and toilets not so much.
First impressions were "Well it's a bit shabby, isn't it?" and so when I went to actually take my seat I was serious surprised. It is the most stunning venue I have ever had the pleasure to watch something in. Soft blues, white, gold gilt. Extremely comfortable chairs. I was quite glad I had arrived early so I could sit and just stare at the architecture.
The Main Event
It was a full house. I couldn't see a single empty seat, there was lots of excited chatter, a lot of people flicking through the book before the lights dimmed.
I was sat with strangers on either side, and one of them drank a lot (and all I could smell was vodka) but they didn't bother me and didn't encroach on my personal space, which is always a plus when you're stuck with people you don't know.
Once the lights went down, there were a few (a lot) of mishaps with the mics but it added to the hilarity of the evening. It worked, it woke everyone up, it made everyone laugh, it got everyone engaged.
Both Sarah and her interviewer were enthusiastic and passionate and funny. I loved the anecdotal stories and the character Sarah put in to reading out passages of her book. Her personality really comes across in How To Be Champion and even if I hadn't seen her read from it herself, I would still have read it in her voice.
Overall
The event, venue and book were excellent! It is one of the best In Conversation events I have been to, not a moment was dull.
The event made me even more excited to get stuck in. And I have to say that the book is wonderful! Check back soon for a full review, but if you like Sarah Millican in any way, shape or form, go out and get this book!
Sarah Millican talking about her new book How To Be Champion
Where
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle Upon Tyne
When
7pm, Sunday 15th October 2017
Cost
£12.50 or £25.50 with a signed copy of How To Be Champion
One Word
Champion.
Before it Started
I met a friend in a coffee shop around the corner, and we were early for the event so were some of the first through the doors. I had bought my ticket in store at Waterstones so after I collected my signed book I had to go to the ticket office and claim a seat.
I have to admit I hadn't been expecting this, and although it meant I couldn't sit next to my friend, I was only two rows in front so it wasn't all bad. I got a seat in the stalls with a good view of the stage. and I suppose you don't really need to talk when you're watching an event.
First Impressions
If you have never been to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House one thing to have to know is that it's a bit... Weird.
It is a Grade 1 listed building, and the theatre is breathtaking, the corridors, bar and toilets not so much.
First impressions were "Well it's a bit shabby, isn't it?" and so when I went to actually take my seat I was serious surprised. It is the most stunning venue I have ever had the pleasure to watch something in. Soft blues, white, gold gilt. Extremely comfortable chairs. I was quite glad I had arrived early so I could sit and just stare at the architecture.
The Main Event
It was a full house. I couldn't see a single empty seat, there was lots of excited chatter, a lot of people flicking through the book before the lights dimmed.
I was sat with strangers on either side, and one of them drank a lot (and all I could smell was vodka) but they didn't bother me and didn't encroach on my personal space, which is always a plus when you're stuck with people you don't know.
Once the lights went down, there were a few (a lot) of mishaps with the mics but it added to the hilarity of the evening. It worked, it woke everyone up, it made everyone laugh, it got everyone engaged.
Both Sarah and her interviewer were enthusiastic and passionate and funny. I loved the anecdotal stories and the character Sarah put in to reading out passages of her book. Her personality really comes across in How To Be Champion and even if I hadn't seen her read from it herself, I would still have read it in her voice.
Overall
The event, venue and book were excellent! It is one of the best In Conversation events I have been to, not a moment was dull.
The event made me even more excited to get stuck in. And I have to say that the book is wonderful! Check back soon for a full review, but if you like Sarah Millican in any way, shape or form, go out and get this book!
Thursday, 12 October 2017
Living in Reiver Country
All of my life I have lived in the what is sometimes termed Reiver Country. Basically it's the South of Scotland, the Borders and the North of England (like proper North, well above York) where the Border Reivers lived, fought, and plundered. It's a place that has switched between being Scottish and being English as wars were fought, and even now I'd say that the lines are pretty blurred. Let's just call it British (and proud).
I was actually born in the South of Scotland and it wasn't until I was around two years old that our family moved to Northumberland. Despite the big move, we were still Home. We recognised the landscape and the language, there was still plaid and pipes, and Pit Yakkers pretty much sound the same wherever you are (unintelligible).
Growing up my mum taught me to be proud of my heritage. I love that I have these violent, feuding ghosts that came before me, the scars they left on the landscape. I love their resilience, how their very existence was all about surviving. Within a mere five miles of where I live there are numerous ruins of fortified dwellings, castles, towers, bastle houses, pele towers. Thick walls with no ground floor door. Entrances ten feet up a wall. Narrow windows. Steep ditches and towering walls.
One of my favourite things to do on a bright, cold morning is to walk up to the nearest ruin and just stare at it, imagining all that has come in the past.
I was actually born in the South of Scotland and it wasn't until I was around two years old that our family moved to Northumberland. Despite the big move, we were still Home. We recognised the landscape and the language, there was still plaid and pipes, and Pit Yakkers pretty much sound the same wherever you are (unintelligible).
Growing up my mum taught me to be proud of my heritage. I love that I have these violent, feuding ghosts that came before me, the scars they left on the landscape. I love their resilience, how their very existence was all about surviving. Within a mere five miles of where I live there are numerous ruins of fortified dwellings, castles, towers, bastle houses, pele towers. Thick walls with no ground floor door. Entrances ten feet up a wall. Narrow windows. Steep ditches and towering walls.
One of my favourite things to do on a bright, cold morning is to walk up to the nearest ruin and just stare at it, imagining all that has come in the past.
Thursday, 5 October 2017
I have MS (MS Diaries)
So I have MS. Multiple Sclerosis.
What does that mean?
I don't know.
Let's start with the story of my surprise diagnosis.
Last year, part of my face went numb. There was much panic, a CT scan, an MRI (without contrast because I had a panic attack when they came to stick me) and lots blood tests difficultly drawn. Four days after all of the tests I met with my neurologist and it was put down to a lipoma tucked away next to my brain stem pressing against a nerve.
Then came an incidental "Oh look, we found some lesions in a different part of your brain. Probably nothing to worry about, some past inflammation, but we'll keep and eye on them and give you another MRI in six months".
So I didn't really worry until that next MRI. I'd had a small Google of what an MRI scan's capabilities were, and knew that a contrast agent would show up everything better.
I had words with my mum and dragged her along to the scan with me. I told her and the operative and the nurses that I had a huge fear of needles and that they would have to hold me down and not listen as I screamed a blood curdling "NOOOOOO" when it came to stick me. Then I proceeded to traumatise my mum as she helped hold me down so they could stick me.
I don't think any of them realised exactly how petrified of sharp pointy things I am. But we managed and the contrast was injected.
Skip forward another month and I meet with the neurologist. My lipoma is the same, but remember those accidentally discovered lesions..? Well not only were there more of them, but the contrast showed an "active" one. Active? It meant it was actively inflamed at the time for the scan.
And these lesions they'd incidentally found while looking for something else? "Have you heard of MS before? I'm going to sign you off of my care and refer you to a MS neurologist."
And so my MS journey begins...
And so my MS journey begins...
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