Deep Seam

Lambton Engine Works in the 1960’s owned by the National Coal Board.

Deep seam coal mining part two

Deep seam coal mining part one

Published Date:
07 January 2010

By Fiona Thompson

Theatre bosses have already started taking ticket bookings for their next pantomime as they celebrate their most successful festive show.
The Gala, in Durham, has just finished its second in-house panto, Dick Whittington, which has broken a record as the venue’s most financially successful show of its own making.

Gala Director Simon Stallworthy said: “Two years ago, when we took the decision to bring our pantomime in-house, we had no idea how it would fare.

“I’m delighted that Dick Whittington has continued the trend that Aladdin started last year, and panto is now thriving at Gala.”

The 2010 pantomime, Cinderella, has already sold hundreds of tickets.
The Gala has confirmed that Fence Houses actor Donald McBride will return as one of the ugly sisters.

The team hopes to make more announcements soon about familiar faces who will make up the cast.

Mr Stallworthy added: “We’ve developed the relationship with our audience over the last couple of years and they know they’ll get a high quality show at affordable prices.

“We hope that Cinderella will deliver even more, and we promise magical and spectacular scenery, incredible transformation scenes and maybe even some live animals.”

Cinderella will run from Wednesday, December 1, to Saturday, January 8.
Ticket prices will remain at 2009 levels. To book, call the box office on 332 4041 or visit the website at www.galadurham.co.uk

www.sunderlandecho.com

By Danielle Beeton

 Singer Shaun Foster-Conley has been swamped by fan mail since becoming a star of the small screen.
The 36-year-old, who lives in Fence Houses and is originally from Red House, Sunderland, has also been constantly stopped in the street since his first appearance on the hit show Benidorm last month.

Shaun, who made his name in clubs in the North East, said: “I have had a fantastic reaction. It has been phenomenal. It’s been like a whirlwind trip.”

Shaun, who performs in Benidorm for up to seven months in a year, was chosen to be part of the ITV show by writer Derren Litten.

He plays himself and says he has enjoyed every minute of it.

The former shipyard worker, who took to the stage when he was only five with his dad Peter and his band The Apaches, said: “Derren offered to send me a copy of the show in the post but I decided to sit and watch it with my family like everybody else.

“My wife Angela was poking me and smiling and the kids were just giddy.”

Shaun, who has two children Robyn, 12, and Fraser, 11, has received emails from fans around the world, including the Al Martino appreciation society, who are big fans of Shaun’s rendition of Here In My Heart.

“They want me to go to America,” Shaun said. “I would love to go, but it’s like everything else, I’m just taking one step at a time.”

Shaun has been singing professionally for the last 16 years and has wowed audiences around the globe.

He was named North East male vocalist of the year in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and topped the bill in a “One Night In Vegas” theatre production.

He has also been named an ambassador for the city by Sunderland Council.
Shaun’s four-episode TV appearance in Benidorm will end this Friday, but Wearsiders may see him in the show again.

He said: “I cannot really say, but I’m excited.”

Tune in to ITV this Friday at 9pm to watch Shaun in action, and log on to www.sunderlandecho.com to see footage of him in the show