Neil Ainger

1 month ago | narcmagazine.com | Neil Ainger

Image by Matt StrongeIt will come as no surprise to those familiar with Andy Zaltzman that sport is central to the comedian’s essence as a human being and performer. As the host of the satirical news podcast The Bugle, the presenter of Radio 4s The News Quiz, the statistician on the BBC’s Test Match Special and the series 18 champion of Channel 4’s smash hit comedy Taskmaster, he won his crown while dressed in various different cumbersome cricket attire.

2 months ago | narcmagazine.com | Neil Ainger

Elsa is struggling to navigate many things. Her emotions, her relationships, therapy – and the octopus inside her head. After a near sell-out premiere in 2023 at Alphabetti Theatre, Northumberland writer Allison Davies’ play Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light returns in 2025 for a tour across 10 locations, including multiple North East venues. “In a nutshell, it’s one woman’s story of autism.

2 months ago | narcmagazine.com | Neil Ainger

Image: Joe Humes Hand by Andy MartinIn October and November of last year, Sunderland photographer Andy Martin and Middlesbrough writer Dr Louise Powell held engagement sessions with members of the public with a personal or family connection to the Sunderland collieries. As part of these sessions, participants were asked to sit for a photographic portrait as well as be interviewed about their experiences and memories.

Jan 13, 2025 | narcmagazine.com | Neil Ainger

Ripple MusicReleased: 17.01.25Formed in 2016, the first couple of EPs from Newcastle stoner rockers Dunes drew comparison to Queens of the Stone Age, and it was easy to see why. In the new year the band will release their third album and with it they are stepping further and further away from the monicker of the North East’s answer to QOTSA.

Dec 19, 2024 | narcmagazine.com | Neil Ainger

So… how was your 2024? Peaks and troughs, as usual, but overall pretty good thanks! I got my writing mojo back and started writing here, which was a bit of a bucket list item for me actually. I turned 40. I had a few nice little trips away. I can’t complain really!What was your best moment? The best moments usually tend to involve family and friends.