Joe Wilson Night

For the third successive year, yet another two hours of different sweet sonorous sounds and uproarious jocularity.

 The all-star cast…

Hosted by the immensely talented songwriter, vocalist and funnyman Mr William (Billy) Mitchell (Pitmen Poets and Lindisfarne) and starring a monster array of North East singing and comedic talent including Micky Cochrane, Sarah Boulter, Vik Kay, Lauren Waine, Maxie McIntyre, Steven Stobbs, Bob Stott, Jamie Brown and Craig Richardson with guest violinist Rachael McShane (ex-Bellowhead), and pianist Jordan Miller (The Great Joe Wilson).

Following this year’s highly acclaimed and hugely successful theatre run of ‘The Great Joe Wilson’ , top North East playwright Ed Waugh’s brings his music hall version of the show to the Irish Centre for one night only.

Like Bob Dylan, Wilson was able to encapsulate an epic story in a song. His subject matter ranged from love, death and moving house to supporting workers on strike. In addition, he wasn’t afraid to tackle the horrors of domestic violence or drunkenness. His prose is a vibrant record of working class life on Victorian Tyneside, which are as relevant today as they were 150 years ago.

Joe is best known today for the classic Keep Your Feet Still, Geordie Hinny, which was one of 360 songs he wrote in his brief life. Born in Stowell Street, Newcastle, on November 29, 1841, Joe was inspired when, as a young teenager, he saw Ned Corvan perform.

Joe made his professional debut at Balmbras, Newcastle, in December 1864, and within a year, aged only 24, was the undisputed North East concert hall superstar. He was given the accolade “The Bard of Tyneside”.

A teetotaller after he managed the Adelaide pub (today next to Manors Metro station) throughout 1872, Joe died of TB in February 1875 (in Railway Street, behind Newcastle Central Station). He was 33 years old. His memorial in Jesmond Old Cemetery, depicts a life cut tragically short.

Click here for tickets. (Booking fee applies)