Stage Tynemouth was honoured when asked to participate in Nexus Metro's 40th-anniversary celebrations, as, living on the North East coast, they use the service frequently, well, ever since they were born. The Metro even rumbles as it passes us by during our classes each Saturday in Tynemouth, always present.
From brainstorming and discussion, it became transparent that travel is at the forefront of the Metro service, of course. Yet, linking people and places together, alongside community spirit, sprung to mind when thinking of its benefits.
Rehearsals proved difficult at times due to the pandemic and attendance. However, the students worked especially hard to make sure their work progressed as best they could and have ended up with some intriguing and highly creative interpretations to present to new faces and old.
Local writer Sam Neale gathered the themes and narratives to write original scripts for the groups, and dance facilitator Katherine Whale choreographed contemporary pieces. Our Pre-Seniors uncover the need to never judge a book by its cover: The Witch: a group of children tell stories of a witch down the street. but this witch is not what she seems, and the children might need her help when they stumble into a mean and magical forest. The Seniors tell many stories through time with a common thread at a station: The Bird: a strange local landmark attracts worldehile attention. Three teens think they know the origin of the story, but which one, if any, is true?
Having never performed site-specific work previously, Stage Tynemouth's young people are curious and excited, calling on new drama and movement skills that they haven't utilised before. The performances will hopefully offer the metro users a warm, feel-good experience on their journeys to whichever community they are travelling towards.
ITINIRARY
SATURDAY 4th DEC
PRE-SENIORS: Meet at Monkseaton Metro Station at 1:30 pm. Perform at 2 - 2:50 pm. Picked up by 3 sharp.
SENIORS: Meet at Whitley Bay Metro Station at 3:30 pm. Perform 4 - 4:45 pm. Picked up.
SUNDAY 5th DEC
PRE-SENIORS: Meet at Cullercoats Metro Station at 1:30 pm. Perform at 2 - 2:50 pm. Picked up by 3 sharp.
SENIORS: Meet at Whitley Bay Metro Station at 3:30 pm. Perform 4 - 4:45 pm. Picked up.
