Standing on the Shoulders: 800 Years of a woman's life

Standing on the Shoulders, a performance specially produced to mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of North Shields by a local women’s singing group, Innocent Bystanders.

Directed by Gilly Love who leads a number of women’s choirs, this will be a reflection of a woman’s journey in or around North Shields, over eight centuries, highlighting some of the major influences impacting on her life and experiences.

The story will unfold, with two central characters, Matilda and her mam, through songs and poetry and passing references to historical events and happenings.

Gilly explained: “The main message is that we are who we are because of what has gone before us. Throughout time women have been the backbone of the family and they have experienced challenges as well as increasing opportunities, which will be portrayed as Matilda’s life unfolds.”

Tickets available from Innocent Bystanders – 07542 524345

Around 20 women are involved in Standing on the Shoulders and they have been rehearsing since December last year. They have been singing together as Innocent Bystanders since 2019 when they delivered performances linked to the Breaking Chains exhibition which focused on the story of escaped enslaved woman Mary Ann Macham, at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre.

All proceeds from ticket sales from each of the three events will go to support the heritage centre.

You may also like the following events from Old Low Light:

• This Saturday, 21st June, 01:00 pm, Classical music at the Low Light in North Shields
• Next Tuesday, 24th June, 01:00 pm, Heritage talk: Coal, Commuters and convenience in North Shields
• Next month, 22nd July, 10:00 am, Harvest From the Deep, Pete Robinson 22nd July - Aug 30th in North Shields

Also check out other Exhibitions in North Shields, Arts events in North Shields, Literary Art events in North Shields.