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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Comedian Rob Rouse; Calum Matthews – climbing Everest; the D'Ukes of Scarth; it's panto time (oh yes it is)
Friday, 12 December 2025
Comedian Rob Rouse tells us about his new tour show... and why tickets would make the perfect Christmas present!There are also details of Calum Matthews' talk on his climbing adventure which saw him scale Mount Everest and news of the D'Ukes of Scarth band's annual show.Plus all you need to know about this year's panto Snow White.
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Trevor Horn heads to Barnard Castle; Electronic duo Moss's new EP - 25 years in the making; what's on
Friday, 5 December 2025
Tickets have gone on sale for the visit of Trevor Horn (of The Buggles/Video Killed the Radio Star fame) who is bringing his one-man show to Barnard Castle next year.We catch up with electronic duo Moss who chat about how a promise to "do a song together" 25 years ago has turned into a newly released EP.Plus there's a look at what's on in the coming days and a sneak preview of the New Year schedule.
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Farming funnyman Jim Smith; punk icon John Lydon; Midwinter Revels and what's on
Friday, 28 November 2025
We chat to Perthshire farmer and comedian Jim Smith who is bringing his show to Barnard Castle in January.Tickets now on sale for John Lydon – Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols and leader of Public Image Ltd. He will take too the stage in November 2026.Plus a look at what's coming up including Midwinter Revels, a celebration of Yuletide past, a couple off craft fairs and a new exhibition.
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The Jive Aces swing into town; what's on
Friday, 21 November 2025
We catch up with Ian Clarkson, founder members of the UK's leading jive and swing band The Jive Aces ahead of their visit to Barney with the Swinging' Christmas Show.There's also a full round-up of what coming up at The Witham Arts Centre in the next week or so.
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All set for Barnard Castle Christmas Lights; Mani from The Stone Roses heads to town; grab your tickets - shows are selling out; rock out with the Tina Turner Experience and raise a glass to Barney's newest bar
Friday, 14 November 2025
We're back after a week's R&R chatting to Jonathan Wallis, chairman of Barnard Castle Christmas Lights committee ahead of tis year's big switch-on.There is also news of a high profile show coming to The Witham next year featuring Mani, the bass player with Manchester legends The Stone Roses.Plus we look ahead to the opening off Henry's Bar at the arts centre and what's coming up in the next week or so.
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Northern Soul comes to Barnard Castle; Step back in time with 1913 town guide; what's on; Yorkshire's Celtic rockers Gaelforce aim to whip up a storm
Friday, 31 October 2025
Craig Campbell, of Barnard Castle Soul Club, chats about the forthcoming Northern Soul night.A newly-reprinted version of the original 1913 Barnard Castle Town Guide offers a fascinating look back at life in the town more than a century ago.We've a round-up of what's coming up during the next week or so and details of Celtic rockers Gaelforce's visit to Barney next year.
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Comedian Cally Beaton; catching up with the TCR Hub, Barnard Castle; what's on
Friday, 24 October 2025
Cally Beaton tells us of her radical reinvention which saw her swap the boardroom for stand-up in her 40s ahead of her show at The Witham Arts Centre, Barnard Castle.We catch up with the joint operations managers at the TCR Hub community centre, in Barnard Castle, to fund out what's coming up.And we look forward Ito a busy week with everything from trains and Lego to the sounds of the 70s.
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Launch of Barnard Castle Parkrun; Secrets of the Old Masters with artist Cedric Charleuf; comedy and music coming up; Martin Harley heads to town in November
Friday, 17 October 2025
We catch up with organiser Stephen Bage following the successful first ever Barnard Castle Parkrun.Artist Cedric Charleuf introduces us to his new art class focusing on the Old Masters.There's a busy week of performances ahead at The Witham Arts Centre, Barnard Castle, and we look further ahead to the visit of singer songwriter Martin Harley in November.
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Caroline Hardie talks Stockton and Darlington Railway; meet the experts at Enterprise House; what's-on – Fairport Convention, Bay City Rollers and more
Friday, 10 October 2025
Ahead of two events during half term, heritage consultant Caroline Hardie chats about the Stockton and Darlington Railway's 200th anniversary.Emma Hignett drops in on Enterprise House to learn more about a "meet the experts' event next week.And as always, we'll have a round-up of what's coming up at The Witham community arts centre in the next few days.
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Robert Kane - solo album and Dr Feelgood; Barnard Castle Writing Group's new publication; what's on
Friday, 3 October 2025
This week, friend of the podcast Martyn Radcliffe is back to tell us about Barnard Castle Writing Group's new collection, which will be launched at the end of October, along with an appearance he is making at Durham's Gala Theatre.We also chat to Robert Kane, who for the past 26 years has been the singer with Dr Feelgood and who has just released his first solo album after five decades in the business.We'll also preview next week's events at Barnard Castle's arts centre, The Witham.
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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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