Last week, Carol and Caroline were granted a sneak peak behind the scenes at rehearsals for the legendary North East production, Sunday for Sammy, which were held at the Exchange in North Shields, as they have been for the past 15 years. Even then we could feel the magic in the air but we couldn’t have imagined how fantastic the full live show would be on Sunday, as a plethora of performers graced the stage for the charity’s 25th anniversary concert at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.
Host Kelly Rickard kicked off the proceedings with a lively rendition of Chris Rea’s ‘Let’s Dance’, backed by the house band, which included Alan Clark of Dire Straits and Lindisfarne’s Ray Laidlaw, who plays a central role in the project. Sunday for Sammy is all about established acts leaving a legacy for the next generation and this was reflected throughout the show. Local blues legend Ray Stubs appeared with Deano and Johnny Blue Hat from Sam Fender’s band and Gill Halfpenny sang with her niece, Chelsea. North Shields’ own Lorraine Crosby belted out a banger and master lyricist Nev Clay gave a moving performance of ‘Cuddy’s Cave’, setting the scene for a whole afternoon of Geordie humour and music.
Sketches with the usual characters from ‘Auf Widersehen, Pet’ sat alongside bits from up-and-coming comedians and performing arts groups. Dave Johns of ‘I, Daniel Blake’ got the crowd laughing with his comedy set and joined celebs including Rosie Ramsey, Steph McGovern and Brenda Blethyn for a sketch in the job centre. Billy Mitchell of Lindisfarne gave a dramatic performance as the ‘Devil of the North’ and Newcastle’s premier drag queen Miss Rory was quick to improvise when the lights momentarily failed: “If only that Ray Laidlaw had paid the electric meter!”
There was a full-circle moment when actor Tim Healy’s son, Matty Healy, of the hugely successful The 1975, appeared with bandmates John Waugh and Jamie Squire, following an emotional tribute to the late Geoff Wonfor, the show’s director and producer for many years. Visibly moved, Matty had to compose himself before launching into a stripped-back set, including a cover of ‘There She Goes’ by The La’s. “It’s good to be home,” he emoted. Matty welcomed some lesser-known musicians to the stage as well as the surprise guest of the evening, Lewis Capaldi!
The four-hour spectacle was rounded off with the traditional finale of Lindisfarne’s ‘Run for Home’, featuring the full cast on stage with the whole arena joining in. What a show, and what a place we live in!
Did you know the Sunday for Sammy office is in North Shields?
Find out more about the charity’s history in our upcoming article – coming soon!
Photos by Caroline Oswald
