PASSIN’ THE FOLKS ALANG THE ROAD – GEORGE RIDLEY AND THE BLAYDON RACES(DVD)

Craig Conway
Geoff Wonfor
Graeme Danby

A new film by Geoff Wonfor starring Craig Conway as Geordie Ridley featuring performances of his songs.

Plus a film showing the Blaydon Races centenary celebrations in 1962 and a performance of the updated2012 version of the famous song by internationally famous Geordie opera star, Graeme Danby.

Although ‘Blaydon Races’ is extremely well known, the same can’t be said for it’s composer, George Ridley. Born into poverty near the banks of the Tyne in Gateshead in 1835, young George was working underground in the pits by the time he was eight years old. In the late 1850s, while working on the Shipcote Colliery wagon ways, Ridley was severely crushed and was no longer able to continue regular work so he turned to entertaining as a means of earning a living. He gained a reputation around the Music Halls of Tyneside as an engaging singer with a repertoire of local, topical and humorous songs. He died at only 29 and never lived to see his most famous song gradually rise in popularity to become the song that Tynesiders the world over continue to sing as a celebration of their roots and culture.

This drama-documentary by award winning director Geoff Wonfor turns history into reality and gives us a closer look at the life of George Ridley. ‘Geordie’ is played by Tyneside born Craig Conway. Craig’s first major TV appearance was in ‘Our Friends in the North’ and more recently has been seen in feature films ‘The Descent’, ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Vera Drake’. Filmed on location around the region and including performances of a number of Ridley’s songs, Craig tells the fascinating tale, scripted by Roger Burgess. The project is inspired by Dave Harker’s book ‘Gannin’ to Blaydon Races – The Life and Times of George Ridley’ published by Tyne Bridge Publishing.

Extras on this DVD include the Newcastle & District Amateur Cinematographers’ Association colour film made in 1962 for the centenary celebrations of the Blaydon Races and a performance by opera star Graeme Danby of the new, updated version of Blaydon Races compiled by Pete Scott from lyrics written by BBC Radio Newcastle listeners to celebrate the 150th anniversary.

This DVD has been made in association with the Northumbria Anthology, a Not For Profit Company.