Hope everyone remembers who they’re supporting today 🏴
A knee taking, rainbow flag wearing, school dinner saving, complete antithesis of Tory Britain.
It’s already come home 🔥❤️
Awake early. Excited. Nervous. Big River on repeat. Entertainers VHS on telly. ‘Goal’ on another. ‘Purley Belter’ on 3rd. Brown ale on Frosties. Dog wearing Shearer testimonial scarf. Hired pianist playing Local Hero. Dan Burn mask on. Neighbours black cat wrestled. Howay!
#nufc
I’ve shared these astonishing pieces of advice to friends in need so many times by the amazing
@matthaig1
With 2/3 the way through
#edfringe
I thought it would be good to share once more to all the creatives who may be struggling.
My lovely Grandad died last night. My poor Dad has lost his Dad and his wife all in a month. He’s not took it well and is in hospital himself now and all I want to do is go and give him a hug but I can’t and it’s so shit.
Fuck Covid.
Just wear a mask and have the vaccine aye?
I had a breakdown a few months ago. In the taxi to A&E I played
@samfendermusic
Leave Fast over 20 times on repeat to calm me down. Yesterday we were on his guest list at Tynemouth and it was utter perfect. If you’re struggling you know, you’ll get through it. Promise.
First tweet in ages.
Today I signed on at a job centre in Blyth.
I’m about to be declared personally bankrupt due to a host of bad luck and naivety.
Yet I’m also the producer on an Olivier award nominated show.
Think this isn’t an industry for the working class?
#Onwards
A 70-seat theatre in Whitley Bay is being launched by
@theatren16ltd
, which has ambitions to become a “Northern producing powerhouse”, bringing work to the West End within 10 years
Everyone who saw Baby Reindeer when it was a fringe show knew just how special it was and how special Richard Gadd was as a storyteller.
A reminder to everyone. Support your local fringe theatres. You never know when you’ll be able to say “I saw that before it went massive”
So. I’ve been approached to work with a company programming a new theatre season. Loads of sick ideas. Proper nice people. But I need to throw out a tweet to see who’s got projects ready to go (to test the current water) Didn’t get into Vault? Can’t afford Edfringe? Reply to this
Just a ridiculous day today. A massive thanks to
@NUFC
for all the support and allowing three absolute reprobates to talk on the pitch to 52,000 Geordies.
🖤🤍
The river rises again next week at
@TheatreRoyalNew
🏴🏳️
#nufc
Thought long and hard over yesterday how we can help those who’ve lost shows at
@VAULTFestival
So here’s what we’ve decided.
Prime short run. 100% box office yours. Accommodation on us.
We’re still very new but if you want to come up here, we want to hear from you.
I’m opening a new gaff but in my hometown of Blyth! It may be crazy during a pandemic and whatnot but worked me ass off to sort me finances out.
Mexican and Geordie Tapas 🥙
Cocktails and Craft Beer 🍺
Live entertainment 🎭
And 25% of profit goes to local theatre making. Boom
Right since the news is out I'm back in the saddle programming, so if you have a show, are a company, got rejected from other avenues, want that next step, don't wanna get ripped off by getting charged silly money for nowt, I wanna hear from you. Email jamie
@theatren16
.co.uk
Used to rock up to this brilliant brilliant theatre to a free playwriting course when I was 18 wearing me high viz jacket and Asda uniform after a day of pushing trollies.
11 years later and here we are.
Proper life goal hit to have a main house production at
@LiveTheatre
Let the footy fans take the stick. Make them look like the enemy. Hook line and sinker. You’d have thought people would have learnt by now the working class are carefully penned to look like scum of the earth to take the heat off the elite. Aye theatre Twitter. This ones for you.
What’s that whispering in the wind?
A brand new entertainment venue with 2 bars, lounge, restaurant and a full time theatre opening along the North East coast this summer?
Full on plans revealed over the next couple of weeks 🎭🎶🍻🌮🎱
Opened a bar restaurant tonight. I thought opening a theatre was hard. But this. This was something else. An incredibly tough experience. But my goodness I just know it’ll be worth it. Thanks to everyone who made it possible. Dreamland. 🐔❤️
I was forced to leave theatre. I went back home. I got a job managing a golf club that I worked at when I was a bairn.
Life is so so much fulfilling and alive and lovely and full of less stress and chaos and ego now. If you’re struggling with it. Leave it. Take a break.
Didn’t know how Eurovision worked and told everyone in the bar we won after that first count thing and everyone sung ‘We are the champions’ and now I can’t go back in as I’m too embarrassed and scared
Something that hasn’t been discussed as of yet in the working class theatre debate is the role of parents. Something that does hold the class back is the belief instilled that we have to get a normal job, married, try and get a mortgage. The threat of instability and the unknown
A thread on theatre, broken models, working class and never knowing what’s around the corner.
4 years ago this I had a car crash. It left me massively anxious. But also a tiny bit of cash. Not much at all. But more than I’d ever had. It gave me a batshit crazy idea. 1/
Naked auditioning CANNOT be a thing. Worked in a building once where a drama teacher did “naked class” for students to “lose there inhibitions”. The whole “losing inhibitions” thing is bullshit. It’s about someone in power being in control. It’s hideous.
Exactly 2 years ago I could feel my life unravelling and hurtling towards a pure terrifying abyss. The next 6 months I reached what I thought was the end. These last 18 months I stood back. Held back. Reflected. Then jumped on a new train. And by god this one feels very exciting
I’m from Blyth Valley. I was born here. I grew up here. I came back here after my crazy London time. I have never ever ever felt so sad about the place.
Finished 2nd in a pub quiz near Mayfair tonight with a round I stormed about questions about Bookies. Then Tom Hiddleston joined for a pint. Bizarre and brilliant eve.
I'm also keen on continuing our push on feminist work. Working class stories. Bame casting. Work that's been rejected at various places. Stories that have to be told now. Box office splits, no risk, 100 seater capacity. Marketing support from a mint team and me. Beautiful.
2 weeks ago I finished a run of a play on a major UK stage. Last night I finished working at 4:30am after working on DM, bar and cleaning shift at
@LaurelsWhitley
The reality of what non funded independent spaces are currently having to do to survive and support is obscene.
Nice but odd feeling waking up and not having a text like “Hiya Jamie, just a quick one. On Sunday we actually need to arrive 17 hours earlier than we thought. And also is it okay if we use fireworks and an inflatable dragon in the theatre. It’s 26m x 28m. Many thanks”
So this week
@TheatreN16
will be closing again= Me being unemployed.
So if you’re looking to have someone help Produce/Market/Pr your show for Vault, Offwestend or regional i’m nice and cheap
Email jamie
@theatren16
.co.uk
Give a working class boy hope this Christmas
#Retweet
AD Vacancies. Give to fighters. People who realise the country isnt just LDN. Those who’ve worked arses off. Storytellers. Who give others chances. Considered folk who would clean the shite off the theatre toilets ceiling at the same time as programmig work. Positive human beings
Merry Christmas to everyone who’s been like me and come back from the abyss. It’s been at times fucking dreadful but happiness is back. And it’s staying. Slowly slowly catchy monkey etc etc etc.
🚨📰
We are delighted to announce The
@NationalTheatre
are supporting the development of our latest production.
We are currently in London working on a workshop of the new piece with a team of creatives built from past shows we’ve had on in our wee theatre in North Tyneside.
8 yeas ago today I got my first professional acting gig. 3 years ago today I officially opened
@TheatreN16
I have a feeling today may be made up of me being incredibly nostalgic...
I literally got into fuck all. Never even got interviews for a job. However have spent the last 3 years making every penny of my income working for myself in theatre.
Stop whinging and do it yourself and work harder and cleverer than any other fucker.
#ShareYourRejections
The first show I ever saw was on this stage. It’s iconic to us Geordies. To be able to stand on it (in an
#nufc
hoody) and announce this is proper special.
Alexa, play “Gabrielle- Dreams”
🚨 𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐘 & 𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 🚨
After 2 sell out runs at Laurels, a sell out run at
@LiveTheatre
and heaps of critical acclaim. Our production that was made in our little room on Whitley Road moves to the regions most
Me siblings bought me the best seat in the house for Hamilton on Broadway in NYC.
My career is all about voices for the working class in the theatre. Nee chance was I going to wear something to fit in with the poshos.
Yanited.
#nufc
See the class discussion is back in the arts. Every year with articles and threads. We need actual change makers rather than words. The problem is the ones trying to push change are mainly from W/C backgrounds and therefore are still constrained with massive risk themselves.
I really love theatre. I love so many many people in it and always wanted to do something to help and never hinder. What Theatre N16 was about was all about hope. Now I have hope again and it is the most amazing feeling. Thankyou to so many amazing people. To the future.
I’ve had theatre shows get 5 stars from National papers but honestly this is my favourite 5 stars I’ve ever ever received got something. Lush start to 2021 for the little gaff. Wait till you see our artist development and theatrical plans coming once this shitshow is over 😍🎭🌮
So I’ve built multiple small scale theatres before. I’ve built a bar and a restaurant before. But my goodness taking over a full building to do everything is a lot lot lot of work and head tingling madness. (Wouldn’t have it any other way mind)
Already think this might be the best decision I’ve ever done. Went back home to manage the clubhouse and bar and events at Blyth Golf Club for the season. Get to live in a house on a golf course. Absolute dreamland.
A lad pulled me last night to thank us for making
@TheatreN16
Id never met him but he ended up getting his agent when doing a show there and it kickstarted his whole career. I hate my job a lot but sometimes it’s class.
After 3 months having 0 income for
@TheatreN16
seeing tickets being purchased online is one of the sweetest most relieving feelings ever. If you like what you see and what we're doing get booking
Very excited to open up my emails tomorrow after a few days off for my birthday. Know there's gonna be abundance of unheard voices and new bits of work itching to get staged at
@TheatreN16
this year!
27 year old. All my mates back home have bought houses and drive flash cars. I’ve just bought some trainers from the middle section in Lidl.
#LivingTheDream
So incredibly proud that
@LaurelsWhitley
has been shortlisted for the
#NECultureAwards
for ‘Best Museum or Cultural Venue’
A huge thanks to our supporters, our staff and all the outstanding artists who’ve been through our doors since we opened over 2 years ago.
A performance venue in a former public toilet that can hold 12 people and is thought to be the world’s smallest commercial theatre is seeking new ownership.
Find out more 👇
Gutted that we didn’t get into the portfolio for
@LaurelsWhitley
&
@BlythLaurences
with the ideas and plans we had. We still have them. We’ll still continue to beat on. Proud of us and meself for tackling the beast of the application on me Todd. Solidarity to others.
#npo
Delighted to be one of the industry professionals giving feedback on these pieces on the night. Promise it won’t just be “Needs More football” “why is it not set in Blyth?” “Have you considered adding puppets. Lots and lots of puppets”
We're delighted to announce the talented writers for the next exciting
#LiveWrites
on Tue 25 Jun. They are
@RevHonour
@bethmullen
Kieron Stanners & Tilottama Chowdhury. Find out more about these 4 new stories and bag your tickets at
Woke up this morning really missing this place. That floor at the top. That special little room. The 300 productions it hosted. That first year of pure excitement heading to work to make things happen. Crazy, brilliant, happy times.
Put my notice in this week at the GC. Can’t put into words how much coming home to the place that gave me my first job has done for me. Proper sad to leave the place but got some cool exciting news coming next week. Blyth Golf Club ❤️ My Club.
Well here we go. This could absolutely be the end of my theatre career! Decided after 5 years to get back onstage and do some writing again after what's been a tough time recently. Its going to be absolutely mental. Book your tickets. Now. (Before they sell out obvs)
Year 2 of our gaff is coming to a close. As hard as the 1st surviving but we did it and we can’t wait for next year🚀
2023:Over 150 artists in paid work. 39 productions on our stage. 4 co-pros funded by
@ace_thenorth
and 11 pieces into development for 24/25. Just getting started
Into the last few days of what we’re calling “The Survival Second Year” 👏
Next? “Year 3- A Class Mission” 🚀
Keep your eyes peeled for what we’ve got up our sleeves…
#Theatre
#NorthEast
#WhitleyBay
Just had a meeting with a company made up of 17 and 18 year olds wanting to break into the fringe scene. Totally reminded me of myself years ago. Not giving a damn and going for it. Programmed on the spot.
I’ve spent the last few weeks going through the worst feelings of my life and been in hospitals and doctors and sleeping and loads of shit. This news today because of the absolute brilliance of
@UnpolishedLDN
and the whole team behind
#FleshAndBoneLDN
makes everything better
Unreal few hours prepping and delivering our dinners for
#ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY
The messages from people who have received them are just so so overwhelming. This is how to be a community. Hats off to everyone around our town who have been part of this. To the rest of the week! ❤️
What I've realised programming this season (That I knew already really) is that the amount of unheard strong female characters and writers and creators out in theatreland who have been in touch does not equate to the lack of gender balance in this crappy industry at all.
Right we've got some holes appeared in our opening season of
@TheatreN16
in
#Tottenham
due to some last minute drop outs. Got a piece ready to go? Want to continue your
@VAULTFestival
buzz maybe? Drop me a message jamie
@theatren16
.co.uk
"While Jamie Eastlake’s Theatre N16 is tackling the crippling venue costs that stop working-class writers, actors and producers taking risks with new work."
We’re deep into an R&D week for probably the biggest project we’ve ever conjured up.
Getting ready to workshop a brand new script at an incredible partner venue in March with an abundance of class creatives. Wait till you hear about this one 🚀👀
Lush first day working on
@connolly_reece
new play Ghosts Of Metroland at
@LiveTheatre
Looking iconic as ever.
Watch this space in the next few weeks when it goes on sale 🎟️
Confirmed: The Big Audition. Starts Friday 5 October at 9pm on ITV. New factual entertainment series going behind the scenes of the casting world. Who will have what it takes to land the job of their dreams?
First time going up to Arthur’s seat in the fog.
Last time I ever go up Arthur’s seat in the fog.
If you do want to go up Arthur’s seat in the fog, make sure you pack your pockets full of breadcrumbs.
#edfringe
So for the time being
@TheatreN16
is officially closed. For now. A little thank you from me and an ode to
#FrankSumatra
that ended up becoming an international hit.
#SEEIPERFORMTOO
Thanks so much to everyone who’s messaged and those who came to opening night of
@ghostsofmetro
at
@LiveTheatre
I’m in awe of our team who managed to pull that off in a week and a half. 👊 The Production team at Live & my heroes
@connolly_reece
&
@BeckyJClayburn
❤️🎢
In all seriousness I'm really trying to have time off when I'm working this hard. I can feel my head beginning to wobble again and I ain't going to fall into another black hole.
So aye, my mental health is more important than theatre.
Absolutely delighted to announce our first season for
@TheatreN16
@StyxBar
Very proud to have 75% female led shows. Bringing in
@poormichelle_
as an associate company and having all shows on risk free deals.
That moment. When you realise it’s the new year. And you realise you decided to turn your career on its head. By doing a show you’ve co wrote and are acting in. And it’s now this year. And that shows next month
@VAULTFestival
Today we got assets finalised for a show I’m so excited to tell everyone about.
Today I started a real job in the real world for the first time in over 3 years because I’m totally broken from theatre.
Thursday we close
@TheatreN16
Emotional week.