When I tell her different stories, she starts crying. She'll say, "Grandma, why don't you write a book?" I says, "Catherine Cookson wouldn't have a job if I wrote a book!"

After the war, Tyneside was a tough place to grow up, but among the bombsites and blackened buildings, the children experienced a freedom that is almost unimaginable today. From You to Me shares stories of post-war Tyneside from those who were there: the street games, dance halls, and Christmas stockings, but also the hunger and harsh discipline.

From You to Me is a research project where the testimonies of older adults from Tyneside take centre stage. This ‘work in progress’ performance uses the method of ‘Recorded Delivery’ and is the result of a collaboration between sociolinguist Dr Heike Pichler from Newcastle University and writer and director Steve Gilroy from Northumbria University, Newcastle.

The research illustrates and explains the widespread prevalence of language variation among older Tynesiders, but also gives a platform to older community members at a time where their voices tend to get marginalized in politics and tabloid media.

Runtime: 65 minutes, followed by a panel discussion led by our Director Nic Palmarini and involving the creative team, headed by the author and researcher

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Creative team

Academic researcher & dramaturg - Dr Heike Pichler

Writer & director - Steve Gilroy

Technical & stage management - James Froment

Lighting - Kev Tweedy

Performers - Chris Connel, Jackie Lye, Tony Neilson, Sharon Percy

Funded by Newcastle University, HaSS Faculty Impact Fund; Northumbria University

In association with Alphabetti Theatre

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At the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), we bring together businesses, researchers and the public to stimulate innovation of business models, products and services to allow us all to live healthier, more productive, and socially-connected lives.

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COVID-19 guidelines

The Catalyst provides a safe environment for staff and guests, and continues to assess the risk of COVID-19 alongside the latest guidance from government.

We are operating a reduced capacity for this event and taking all appropriate precautions. Please sit socially distanced in the theatre and foyer space where possible. The wearing of facemasks in the building is encouraged in line with Newcastle University and Oxford Innovation policy. Our staff take regular lateral flow tests, and we kindly ask guests to do the same before attending an event. Please do not attend this event if you feel unwell, or are exhibiting any symptoms of cold, flu, or COVID-19, or if you have recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.