Arthurs Hill, Tyne And Wear

St Vincents orphanage - re Henry Ritchies memory

My father (same name) was there between 1933-41 and also has many memories. Talk to him if you are able to start his memory cells. e mail:     norman.phillipson@talktalk.net

ON BEING A CINEMA MANAGER!!

Having written the last article on Children’s Matinees so many memories flitted through my brain, so I had to write them down! And no doubt I shall add to them over the weeks.

Going back to the old Corona at Felling, I just remembered that I was very young fresh out of the Navy and full of my own importance!... [more]

OFF TO SCHOOL I GO!!

It’s so strange that you can remember so many things from early childhood, all those years ago! And it still feels clear as if it was yesterday and they bubble up into your brain after lying there undisturbed in the pits of time with no effort from you..,such as finding a jar of Pond’s Vanishing Cream on the dressing table in... [more]

THE PASSING OF A GRAND OLD THEATRE

The old Grand Theatre at Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne was one of well over 65 theatres and cinemas in the city in the heyday of entertainment.

Kenneth More in repertory, Winifred Atwell playing her first date in England, Bobby Thompson and the Merry Magpies, The Tattler Girls, many many Pantomimes, Revues and Variety Shows, Musical Comedy, the list could go... [more]

St Vincent de Paul Orphanage in Brunel Street

I spent 10 years in this orphanage, with many memories. Was anyone else there from 1931-1941, or does anyone have any information or photos?

OH YES HE IS! OH NO HE ISN''T!!!!

(ANOTHER PANTO STORY)

It’s like some eureka moment from no ware! Out of the fog of time come more memories of the early days in theatre, this time yet another Panto story.
We were doing Aladdin in a large theatre in the north, packed to the last seat in the Gods with happy children and their mums and dads. Now... [more]

It's Panto Time! Oh yes it is!

You ever been to a panto? Oh yes you have!!! Remember! You go into a large packed hot old theatre full of sticky shouting children and adults trying to look as if they are not enjoying themselves. The house lights dim and the orchestra comes out into the orchestra pit and they settle down, resplendent in dinner suits that have seen... [more]

Now We Are Five!

Ah well here goes!
The old Grand Theatre plays a very large part in my early years (you will find I go on a bit about the place!).
My dad owned the Grand and my first recollection of it was at pantomime time. Dad's Chorus Mistress said I could dance on with the other little children in the juvenile chorus.... [more]