Dennis Westgate

Member

Composer/Lyricist:	Composer
Genre:	Songwriter

Biography

I'm just one of your everyday run-of -the-mill guys (a printer by profession) who enjoys writing in his spare time. I have no illusion about 'making it big' in the business, at my time of life (60+). I only began writing after my doctor advised me to 'pursue a hobby' as a form of relaxation after a suspected heart attack due to stress. I had dabbled in music at an earlier age when, just for a laugh, I wrote and directed a musical for my neighbours and friends. It wasn't exactly Rodgers and Hammerstein, but we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was then asked to write a stage review for the Scouts and Guides of the North Yorkshire County which was well received and brought even more offers to my door. However, my responsibilities as a father and husband were of greater importance, as at this time my wife was undergoing major heart surgery.

Although I was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, my work took me to Yorkshire where we lived for 15 years, but my wife's illness made it necessary to move the family (three children) back to Tyneside to be nearer our parents. It was then that I set myself up in business (printing) and for the next 10 years concentrated on providing for my family. The long hours and stress, as most business people will know, did eventually begin to take its toll and a timely visit to the doctor culminated in a piece of fatherly advice: "Ease up, or else!" So I rekindled the subdued passion that had always been bubbling away under the surface.

Sadly, my wife died in 1995, so now I fill my life with my other love, music. I have my own little recording studio where I while away many hours writing to my heart's content. I have always loved working with young people, and concentrate most of my writing around this age group, an area which I think is sadly neglected for teenagers looking for stage experience and who cannot afford the fees of the professional stage schools.

Now that I am nearing retirement age, I shall again become more active in the community and set up my own theatre group for any youngsters who wish to become involved in music and drama. Who knows - they could be the stars of tomorrow.

Not all of my activity is devoted to stage writing. I also write and record with local artistes and have written quite a number of popular songs in the country and western vein, as well as modern pop ballads, plus the odd choral work and ballet piece and a solo song entitled "Take My Hand" which was dedicated to the children of Belarus in Russia and was featured on a CD recording presented to all of the Heads of State throughout the world, a copy of which is framed and hangs in the headquarters of Unesco, also the British Embassy in Paris.

Being a printer has its advantages, as I produce my plays and music 'in house' and publish under the title "TYNE MUSIC". Some day I may even get around to promoting them, if and when I find the time.


THE BUCCANEERS
A musical play for young players (9-14 years); approximately 75 minutes duration
After disposing of their hated rival 'Black Jake' and releasing his prisoners, Captain Nauseus and his crew set off on a quest for hidden treasure to a tropical island where the female natives have a particular liking for par-boiled sailors.

PANTOMANIA
A musical play for teenagers (12-16 years); approximately 75 minutes duration
Follow the heroine 'Toria' as she wanders through the pages of a story book and meets a host of pantomome characters including the Queen of Hearts, Widow Twankey, Mister Scarecrow and the Witches of Manic Castle.

A GRAIN OF SAND
A musical play for teenagers (all girls, 16-19 years); approximately 75 minutes duration
At anytime, suicide is a traumatic and saddening experience, but never more so than when it concerns a young person. Whether driven to it by bullying, family problems, pregnancy or drugs, for the person involved there seems to be other way out. The play takes a hypothetical situation and without being too morose, addresses this all too common problem amongst today's teenagers.

A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE
A musical play for young players (9-12 years); approximately 60 minutes duration
A Little Fir Tree sets out to save Christmas from being sabotaged by a crafty Foxy and his sidekick the Weasel. Lots of a fun and great Christmas sing-along numbers.

U.F.O.
A musical play for teenagers (14-19 years); approximately 90 minutes duration
The story centres around a group of alien students out on a school excursion. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they become marooned on Earth, with hilarious consequences.

PLATFORM NINE
A musical operetta for teenagers (16-19 years); approximately 90 minutes duration
One day on Platform Nine of a busy city station in the mid 50s. The story follows the daily routine of various railway staff and travellers from morning to night.

CHRISTMAS IS HERE
For all ages
A full evening's entertainment celebrating Christmas. Consisting of 14 songs and 14 poetic narrations. The first half of the programme looks at the lighter side of the occasion, while the second half covers the nativity.

A CRY FOR PEACE
A choral work for mixed choirs; approximately 15 minutes duration
Written especially for 'A Ray of Hope', the well known children's choir of Northern Ireland who are the appointed Ambassadors for Peace to Unesco.

For any information on the above contact:
D. A. WESTGATE
TYNE MUSIC, 38 Westmorland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EN Tel/fax: 0191 232 2479

Important Works		Performances
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