The Great Joe Wilson

From the co-writer of Dirty Dusting, Amazing Grace and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Durham, comes another brilliant play (with music) by top North East playwright Ed Waugh.

Following the highly acclaimed and hugely successful solo-penned Mr Corvan's Music Hall, which last year toured the region, and Hadaway Harry which played to sellout crowds in London and Newcastle Theatre Royal, Ed is back with another fantastic play.

Like Bob Dylan, singer/songwriter Joe "The Bard of Tyneside" Wilson was able to encapsulate an epic story in a song. His subject matter ranged from love, death and moving house to supporting workers on strike. In addition, he wasn't afraid to tackle the horrors of domestic violence or drunkenness. His prose - a vibrant record of working class life in Victorian North East England - is as relevant today as 150 years ago.

Joe made his professional debut at Balmbras, Newcastle, in December 1864, and within a year, aged only 24, was the undisputed North East concert hall superstar.

He played to packed houses at the North Shields Theatre Royal on a regular basis and was the headline act at the opening of the Tynemouth Assembly Room, off Front Street.

Sadly, Joe died of TB in February 1875. He was only 33 years old but left behind a legacy of 360 brilliant songs, including the classic Keep Your Feet Still, Geordie Hinny.