Originally titled, ‘What else do you want to know about Byker?’, this personal work is an account of my Grandma’s upbringing in Newcastle’s East End. In a series of recorded interviews, we hear of sledging down Byker Bank in the winter, dodging the air raid shelters, to Friday nights at the Heaton Dance, neighbours bringing fruit for her wedding cake and her unrivalled Geordie pride - it is a trip down memory lane for some, and a look back on very different times for the rest of us.

The work was commissioned by Byker Arts Festival in it’s inaugural year and performed at Brinkburn Brewery. On arrival, audience members received a postcard greeting them to Irene’s Byker and encouraging them to share their favourite Northern-isms and stories. The ‘Tales of the Toon’ were displayed in the Brewery across the festival.

Now, at 89, Irene Veitch is simply put, a wonder woman. She has survived more than I’ll ever understand, has a big heart, determination by the bucket load and a warm, Northern sense of humour. To make and perform this work, with her in the front row, and perform it in Byker was very special, a career highlight and memories to treasure.