Tales & Tunes

Kathryn Tickell & David Almond with Amy Thatcher

These artists’ work grows from the landscape, language, history and strange beauty of the north. With the drive of David’s storytelling and Kathryn’s love of the traditions of her native Northumbria, the poetic power of language and music combine. On stage Kathryn and David are joined by accordionist and clog dancer Amy Thatcher to bring you a memorable evening of stories, songs and, of course, irrepressible music. If you enjoyed Kathryn’s “Northumbrian Voices” this is an unmissable show for you!

“I can’t remember feeling so exhilarated by such a match of music and landscape.” Richard Morrison, The Times (on Kathryn’s "Northumbrian Voices”).

David Almond is the author of Skellig, My Name is Mina, The Savage, The Tightrope Walkers, A Song for Ella Grey and many other novels, stories, picture books, opera librettos and plays. His work is translated into 40 languages, and is widely adapted for stage and screen. His major awards include The Carnegie Medal, two Whitbread Awards, The Eleanor Farjeon Award, The Michael L Printz Award (USA), Le Prix Sorcieres (France) and The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. In 2010 he won the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the world’s most prestigious prize for children’ authors. He is Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and lives in Northumberland.

"A writer of visionary, Blakean intensity." The Times.

"A Tyneside Dylan Thomas, and it is impossible not to be swept up in the power of his storytelling.” Daily Telegraph

Amy Thatcher is an accordionist and clog dancer based in the north east of England. Amy is a key member of several well known folk acts in the UK including Kathryn Tickell’s The Side, The Shee, and the electronic folk super-group, The Monster Ceilidh Band. Her musical upbringing owes a lot to Stockport’s famous “Fosbrook’s Folk Education Trust” with whom she trained from the age of eight on accordion, fiddle, piano and clog dancing. During this time Amy was taught by, and recorded with, accordion virtuoso Murray Grainger. From 18 onwards she continued her musical education in Newcastle on the prestigious Folk and Traditional Music degree course.

(photo credit: Georgia Claire)