Stevie Martin on why you should go and see Seven Lears at Collingwood next week…

Durham does a lot of theatre. It’s a fact. Unfortunately, with such a flourishing theatrical scene comes an overwhelming amount of acronyms: DULOG, DST, CTC, BTC, HCTC, DOE, DUP… OK, stopping now. But does an acronym (usually involving the letters ‘D’ or ‘T’) really make a great theatre company? Of course not, which is why the Collingwood Woodplayers have chosen to bypass all that irritating abbreviation and concentrate on producing some quality theatre coming at you on the 7th, 8th and 9th December.

Aside from the Assembly Rooms, there are so many…

Stevie Martin talks to the ex-England cricketer about his new career path

Mark Butcher, or “Butch” as he is known to his friends, is best known as the ex Surrey and England Test match cricketer, having played in an impressive 71 tests. Upon being forced to retire following a knee injury last month, it seems that Mark Butcher’s future isn’t merely cricket-shaped…

Olivia Amos interviews three Catholic followers spanning three generations…

Religion is an interesting thing. Some people live for it, some people die for it and most are affiliated to some branch of it. Like most things, Religion has had to adapt and evolve to keep in touch with change. As society becomes more modern, liberal and multi-cultural, we have seen attempts from many faiths to reach out to a wider, younger audience. In some cases it has transcended the boundaries of communicating a message to desperate self marketing. Some might say this is a necessary sacrifice. As we change so must the traditional institutions that celebrate…

This coming week in Durham the sketch comedy scene will almost inevitably be dominated by WitTank vs. the Durham Revue, a show set to be the one of the comedic highlights of the year. However, anyone who thinks that that is the only sketch comedy taking place will miss out one of Durham’s best kept secrets, the award winning Microcomedy. They perform incredibly clever, disturbingly dark, low-key sketch comedy. The audience, as well as the performers, is welcomed onto the assembly room stage which is lit with small desk lamps. …

Jon Snow talks politicians, journalistic pressure and Porsches with Matthew Walters…

Chris Jefferies meets NME’s latest trophy band, Rumble Strips…

Sonia Jordan catches up with William Hague MP at the launch of the Conservatives’ Future Campaign in Durham…

Amy Brookes overcomes her apprehension and talks to Biffy bassist James Johnston…

Kathryn Beck interviews Scando-rockers Lorraine, now complete with new human drummer…

lostprophets have hit the big time. Victoria Raimes talks to front man Ian Watkins about their new-found success…

Johnny Façade interviews the distinguished and reclusive ex-member of the highly secretive inventing collective…

Hollie Carr and Roddy Peters steal Bill Bryson away from the paparazzi’s glare for a d21 interview…

Rachel Fraser heads to Newcastle to catch up with The Subways who turn out to be better than the sandwich variety…

Barney Britton braves confusing transport and rubbish tape recorders to interview legendary photographer David Redfern…

Hollie Carr speaks to Kubichek! ahead of their set at the Freshers’ Ball…