The Witham Podcast
A new podcast covering arts, entertainment, news and anything else in Barnard Castle and the surrounding villages of south-west County Durham, in association with The Witham Community Arts Centre, Barnard Castle.
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Episodes
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Taking to the pitch with Barney's ladies' rugby team; Life After Near Death with comedian Emmanuel Sonubi; what's-on; music from Oysterband
Friday, 26 September 2025
On the back of England's success in reaching the ladies' Rugby World Cup final, we head along to Barney RUFC who are hoping this will inspire more girls and ladies to get involved in the sport.We also chat to comedian Emmanuel Sonubi, who has turned his near-death experience on-stage in Dubai into a new show.There's a look ahead to some forthcoming shows and music from Oysterband, whose John Jones is among those heading to Barney next year.
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Snow White is coming to town! Plus singer-songwriter Edwina Hayes and what's-on
Friday, 19 September 2025
We chat to the cast of Snow White, this year's Panto at The Witham, a mix of new faces and returning favourites.Plus there's news of a great West End show coming in the new year and we look forward to the visit of singer-songwriter Edwina Hayes later this month.
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Singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing; award-winning blues star Connor Selby; Affinity Rock Choir; what's on
Friday, 12 September 2025
It's music all the way this week.We chat to bluesman Connor Selby ahead of his show at The Witham on Wednesday, September 17, and Canadian singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing, who is on stage three days later.We also drop in on rehearsals of the Affinity Rock Choir to find out more about the group and look forward to even more music coming up over the next week.
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Comedian Josh Jones, curry kings Zak and Shuhel Ahmed celebrate 30 years in Barnard Castle; what's on
Friday, 5 September 2025
Comedian Josh Jones – who's coming to Barney on September 13 – tells us all he has no love for reality TV and all he wants to do is keep on gigging!Zak and Shuhel Ahmed celebrate 30 years of serving up tasty Asian fare by explaining how being a big part of the community is just as important as the quality of food their restaurant Babul's produces.And there are details of shows coming up at The Witham in the next seven days.
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Dire Straits bassist John Illsley; autumn highlights at The Witham Arts Centre
Friday, 29 August 2025
We're back for series four of the podcast and what better way to begin than with a chat to John Illsley, who is bringing his show The Life and Times of Dire Straits to Barney in November.He recalls playing at Live Aid and talks a bout Brothers in Arms, the first album to sell a million copies on CD.Plus we'll be having a look at some of the autumn highlights at Barney's community arts centre.
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Brass comes to Barney; Connor Selby sings the blues; Time Together Teesdale, The Witham AGM; centre director Amy Hughes
Friday, 11 July 2025
This week we report on The Witham arts centre's annual general meeting and chat to director Amy Hughes, who is keen to hear users' opinions of all aspect of the centre.We also chat to Suzanne Wallace, who outlines a project called Time Together Teesdale, which aims to tackle social isolation and loneliness.There are also details of an evening of free live music, part of the Durham Brass Festival and look forward to the release of blues musician Connor Selby's new album in August, which he will be touring in the autumn and which includes a gig in Barnard Castle.
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Folk-rock band Home Service, Martyn Radcliffe and Barnard Castle Writing Group, What's On, Paul Jones & Dave Kelly
Friday, 4 July 2025
In this week's show, we chat to Graeme Taylor, founder member of the folk-rock band Home Service and Bob Fox, who has taken on vocal duties from the now retired John Tams, ahead of the band's show at The Witham Arts Centre on July 25.We also chat to budding author Martyn Radcliffe, a member of Barnard Castle Writing `Group, about being chosen for a prestigious creative writing masterclass.In what's on, we've details of the new National Theatre Live season and an acoustic show from Blues Band veterans Paul Jones and Dave Kelly.
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St Mary's Community Choir, Barnard Castle Cricket Club Bands Day, What's On, folk duo The Breath
Friday, 27 June 2025
We're back after a short break for an entertaining chat with Annette Butters, musical director at St Mary's Parish Church ahead of the community choir's concert at The Witham Arts Centre, Barnard Castle on July 5.We also catch up with Barnard Castle Cricket Club president Stephen Brenkley ahead of the club's biggest annual fundraiser Bands Day to find out how things are going on and off the field.There's news of the Saturday Sessions of free live music, Durham Brass and a first visit to Barney in October of Manchester folk duo The Breath.
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No Added Sugar community choir; Teesdale Writers; Dire Straits stories with John Illsley; what's on
Friday, 13 June 2025
This week we chat to George Ford, musical director of the No Added Sugar community choir ahead of their show at The Witham arts centre on Saturday, June 28.We also find out more about Teesdale Writers, a recently established group of eclectic authors.There's also news of a show by Dire Straits bassist John Illsley, which is sure to be one of the highlights of the year, along with a what's-on update.
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Witham Youth Theatre leader Ollie Smith talks The Tempest; Barnard Castle Mayor Paul Ing; what's on
Friday, 6 June 2025
Ollie Smith's passion for performance was fired when he was a member of the Turrets Youth Theatre group in Barnard Castle. He's back as The Witham's Youth Theatre leader and chats about the junior group's forthcoming performances of Shakespeare's The Tempest.We also talk to Barnard Castle mayor Paul Ing about the role of the town council and why you should consider filling one of the three vacant seats on the group.And we preview what's coming up at The Witham arts centre in the come couple of weeks.
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Liz Bromley, chair of The Witham Trustees; Enterprise House network meetings; what's on; The Specials Ltd
Friday, 30 May 2025
This week, we chat to Liz Bronley, chair of trustees at The Witham about her first year in the post.We also catch up with Lynn and Gail, from Enterprise House, discussing the monthly network meetings and much more.And there's a look at what's coming up at Barney's arts centre in the next couple of weeks, including a gig by top tribute band The Specials Ltd.
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Volunteers week; all change at the Teesdale Mercury; Bon Jovi Forever; Royal Opera House; What's On
Friday, 23 May 2025
This week, Stuart chats to Annalisa Ward, who is co-ordinating events for volunteers week, June 2-8.We also meet the new editor of the Teesdale Mercury, Alan Formby-Jackson and wish David Croom, who is leaving the paper after 45 years, all the best for his retirement.Plus, there's exciting news for fans of opera and ballet with a new season of screenings from the Royal Opera House and we look forward to top tribute band Bon Jovi Forever, who will be rocking out at The Witham on June 6.
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Riders, biscuits, Barnard Castle Meet, Saturday Sessions, what's on
Friday, 16 May 2025
This week, we chat to Colin and John about the forthcoming Barnard Castle Meet festivities and Peter Dixon outlines the new-look weekend programme for the summer, Saturday Sessions.Plus a look at what's coming up in the next couple off weeks - everything from the Minecraft Movie to the Strictly Smoking' Big Band
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Filmmaker Rob Yeadon, comedian Lauren Pattison, Edinburgh preview shows line-up, what's on, Steeleye Span
Friday, 9 May 2025
Filmmaker Rob Yeadon explains how a favour to a couple of ultra running mates ended up as a fully fledged documentary film.Comedian Lauren Pattison chats about her new tour show Big Girl Pants and Funny Way To Be Comedy promoter Peter Dixon unveils the line-up for this year's Edinburgh preview shows.Plus what's on and a couple of big announcements...
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Making Memories, Tai Chi Qigong, What's on, the music of Sandy Denny
Friday, 2 May 2025
This week, we chat to Nicky Tulloch and Mike Bettison about the making Morris group at the TCR Hub and plans for a new session in Barnard Castle's Methodist Church Hall and we look at the increasing popularity of an exercise class that remains relatively unknown to many with instructor Andy Yeadon,Plus what's on at The Witham community arts centre, including a show dedicated to the music of the legendary Fairport Convention singer Sandy Denny.
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Lonnie Donegan - The Stories; Barnard Castle author Leah Hobson; What's On at The Witham Community Arts Centre
Friday, 25 April 2025
We're back! It's been a while but the new-look and re-branded Talking Teesdale podcast (previously In the Spotlight) is here!We're talking to Peter Donegan, son of the King of Skiffle Lonnie Donegan, who is bringing a show which celebrates his dad's life and music to The Witham on Friday May 16.We also catch up with Leah Hobson, who has published her second short fable, and find out what's coming up in the next few days at The Witham Arts Centre, in Barnard Castle.
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Connor Burns, Mark Nelson, Count Arthur Strong, What's On
Friday, 9 February 2024
In the final episode of series two of In the Spotlight, there's a double dose of comedy with guests Connor Burns and Mark Nelson, plus news of a new take on a Dickens classic from Count Arthur String and a look at what's coming up at The Witham in the next few days.
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Where is Mrs Christie – actor Liz Grand, Huey Morgan of Fun Lovin' Criminals, Eddie and the Hotrods, what's on
Friday, 2 February 2024
Actor Liz Grand joins us to chat about her play Where is Mrs Christie? which she brings to The Witnam stage on Thursday, February 8. Plus news of a solo show by Fun Lovin' Criminals' frontman Huey Morgan, a gig by Eddie and the Hotrods and a what's on round-up
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Janey Godley, Martin Fry/ABC, what's on
Friday, 26 January 2024
Comedian Janey Godley chats to Stuart Laundy about her Not Dead Yet tour and much else ahead of her show at The Witham on Tuesday, February 6. Plus news of a solo show by Martin Fry, who as lead singer with the band ABC, was one of the biggest stars of the 80s and a look at what's coming up at The Witham
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Chris Difford solo tour and Squeeze 50th anniversary; what's on
Friday, 19 January 2024
Squeeze legend Chris Difford chats to us ahead of his solo tour show at The Witham on Tuesday, January 30, plus news of a couple of familiar faces returning with family shows for the Easter holidays and what's on in the next few days.
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Singer-songwriter Izzie Walsh, Joni Mitchell – This Flight Tonight and what's on
Friday, 12 January 2024
We're back for 2024 and our first guest is young Mancunian singer-songwriter Izzie Walsh who is performing at The Witham on Saturday, January 20. Plus news of a Joni Mitchell tribute show that is already proving popular and our regular what's on round-up
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Hello 2024 – a look at what's coming up... Chris Difford, Jive Aces and much, much more
Friday, 29 December 2023
With 2024 just around the corning, Jane Woodward and Peter Dixon join host Stuart Laundy to look forward to what's heading to The Witham stages in the first couple of months of the new year.
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Christmas at The Witham 2023 plus folk star Steve Knightley
Friday, 1 December 2023
Everything you need to know about what's going on at The Witham throughout December along with news of a gig from Show of Hands frontman Steve Knightley.
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The Furrow Collective, A Celebration of Simon and Garfunkel and the return of Morgan and West
Friday, 10 November 2023
Alasdair Roberts, of The Furrow Collective, chats about the group's new album and tour, which kicks off at The Witham on December 1. Plus news of more 2024 gigs including the return of A Celebration of Simon & Garfunkel and Morgan and West.
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Lighting up The Witham, Izzie Walsh tracks, Manfred Mann, What's On
Friday, 3 November 2023
The Witham takes centre stage this week as we chat to those involved improving its visibility with some top notch illuminations. Plus music from Izzie Walsh and Manfred Mann, both of who are booked to play next year.
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Guy Masterson, Ian M Bailey, Izzy Walsh, Jive Aces, What's On
Friday, 27 October 2023
Olivier-award winning actor Guy Masterson joins Stuart Laundy to talk about all things acting, including the solo show of A Christmas Carol which he is bringing to The Witham on November 24. Plus a new single from Ian Bailey, who will entertain us at a gig next year and news of new shows now on sales from Izzy Walsh and the Jive Aces
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Folk star Lucy Ward (Ward, Knutur, Townes), Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings, What's On
Friday, 20 October 2023
Lucy Ward explains how a singer from Derbyshire hooked up with performers from Iceland and Canada to record an album and embark on a UK tour. Plus news of a gig next year from Jim Boden and the Remnant Kings
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Actress Liz Grand on Enid Blyton; Quo Connection; Panto Time and what's on
Friday, 13 October 2023
This week we chat to actress Liz Grand ahead of her show Enid Blyton – Noddy, Big Ears and Lashings of Controversy. We look forward to panto season and there's news of a Status Quo tribute gig that's sure to delight rock fans. All this plus a look at what's coming up in the next few days.
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Castle Players, Jo Caulfield, the Three Degrees, what's on
Friday, 6 October 2023
We catch up with the Castle Players busy rehearsing for their latest production, Our Town. Plus Jo Caulfield chats about her new tour show and news of a show by the Three Degrees next year.
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Actor Jonathan Goodwin, Sherlock Holmes, folk trio Salt House, what's on
Friday, 29 September 2023
Actor Jonathan Goodwin joins us ahead of his visit to The Witham in November to chat about Sherlock Holmes, his love of Victorian and Edwardian fiction and much else besides. There's music from Scottish folk trio Salt House, who are heading this way next March and a look at what's coming up
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OnAir Today
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80's Mixtape with Mark Robert Petty8:00pm - 10:00pm
Join Mark for a trip back to the 1980's
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Just Great Hits10:00pm - 11:00pm
Just Great Hits from the past five decades
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Durham After Dark11:00pm - 4:00am
Relaxing music and laid back chat. Ease into the night with North East conversation and soft night time tunes.
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Wake Up Durham4:00am - 7:00am
Music and news for early risers! Start the day with Just Great Music from the past 6 decades!