It’s Friday, and she’s gone. They’ve talked - it’s all they’ve done for weeks, because words are what she’s good at - but now the house is quiet. On the table is the manuscript, her first novel, the final draft, the version everyone will see. It’s thinner than he expected, and on the cover is … Continue reading Nothing but Ashes by Jason Jackson (3rd place Apr19)
In my hand is the black and white photo taken by Dad with his Box Brownie camera the last summer my family went to the beach. Behind me is the pier. Hovering in the shadow is a hazy figure. The picture is black and white, but now the pier has been repainted and is garlanded … Continue reading A Black and White Summer by Alyson Hilbourne (2nd place Apr19)
“Good looking vanner you got there.” The old man wearing ratty jeans and a thin blue jumper curls gnarled, swollen fingers through Gerry’s long black mane. “I might know someone who’d be interested.” “Don’t want to sell but...” I shrug. “Me mam’s not well, we’re stoppin’ in the town for now. Not much need for … Continue reading Horse Trading by Barbara Young (1st place Apr19)
Our first short story competition attracted a large amount of interest, and the judges thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries we received. After much deliberation over the longlist, the three placed stories have been decided. Congratulations to: 1st: Barbara Young - Horse Trading 2nd: Alyson Hilbourne - A Black and White Summer 3rd: Jason Jackson - … Continue reading April 2019 – Shortlist and winners
We had a fantastic response to our first short story competition, with some excellent stories spanning all sorts of different genres. The first round of judging has taken place, and we're delighted to reveal our long list of authors for the April 2019 competition: Barbara Billington Judy Birkbeck Daniel Brotzel John Bunting Spencer Chou Chris … Continue reading April 2019 – Long List
ANNOUNCEMENT: Sadly, and after much deliberation, we have decided to take down our 'Happy Hour' page from the website. Paul & Nessa's Happy Hour was a unique sketch comedy radio show in the North East when it first aired on Sunderland's Spark FM in 2015. Mixing pre-recorded sketches with live features and irreverent links by … Continue reading No more Happy Hour – for now
After some exciting and very productive conversations with the people at Newcastle Castle, we're delighted to announce that our Easter panto, Bertie & Gertie's EGG-cellent Adventure! will be performed there during the Easter holidays. After four performances in Sunderland, we'll de-camp to this historic and truly atmospheric venue on Thursday 18th April, to continue the … Continue reading Performing at Newcastle Castle
We're pleased to announce the launch of our quarterly 1,500 Short Story competition. You could win £150 for first place. (Two other prizes of £75 and £30 will be awarded each quarter.) After the recent success of our Rehearsed Reading Nights, where authors were given the chance to read aloud (or hear read aloud by … Continue reading Announcing our new Short Story Competition
Although we haven't been particularly vocal so far in 2019, that doesn't mean we've not been working hard - as usual! Ticking away in the background has been our gentle rebranding of the company, which now goes under the banner of 'Cranked Anvil Media'. We settled on this after deciding to expand further into other … Continue reading An EGG-cellent new show for Easter!
Sunday 16 September 2018 After the success of our production of Jeff Brown's Cornered at the beginning of the year, we have enjoyed a residency at The Peacock in Sunderland this year, producing our hugely popular Rehearsed Reading Nights. Three months ago saw our sixth night, which you can read about here. And just this … Continue reading A year of Rehearsed Readings
