Keeping it real – the opening night and first 3 night stint of the play is at the Middlesbrough Empire - some of the activity takes place  here, in the shape of the girls first ‘proper’ night out.

You often wonder how a stage production of a book you love might work out, well this worked out pretty darn good! From the very start you get to know the characters, and love them, for all their good and bad points -  regardless of upbringing or age,  I think you can really relate to an aspect of each one from your own youth.  Seeing the production was amazing, every second of the 90min run was thoroughly entertaining, not least because of the ability of the actors bringing the characters right into living. 

If you have or haven’t read the book, its a must to check out!  The fact that this production will now tour the country, the success of the book and the author, makes me one very proud localer!

Be prepared for strong language, hysterical laughing, sympathy, tears - and if your from the area – a whole lot of pride.

Apples will run at the Empire from today, 2nd June, to Fri 4th June, but will be touring the UK for the next few months – check out  http://applestheplay.co.uk/ for more info and dates.

The hall itself dates back to 1854 when the Backhouse family built it, when you enter reception to the left hand side is the old hall which has been painstakingly restored to its glory which is divine and intriguing in every single way.  To the right is the new hall, which blends in well and decor to the highest quality.  We had a tour of the hotel, from the rooms in the ‘old side’ which took your breath away to say the least all set like a period executive suite kind of style but with top of the range fixtures and media.  The rooms in the new side were set more modern an all have their own private balcony but with period style decor.  If I was a guest staying over I would be very pleased to be allocated either style!

We moved onto the the spa, which is just exceptional, the largest and most diverse spa in the area by a long shot! Gym too! You can view the full range of treatments on their website, perhaps a treat for yourself or a family member?  

There are 3 different eateries here, the clubhouse, anytime food but real good quality and a good price too.  The bistro, more formal food with a twist and on the first floor level of the new side of the hotel, with a balcony overlooking the golfing green.  Then the Orangery, where Michelin star chef Kenny Atkinson cooks for your delight in this victorian conservatory to the old side. I have sampled Kenny’s food whilst he has been at Rockliffe and have to say, A M A Z I N G!, if you like good food a trip to the Orangery is a must!  If you fancy any meal at Rockliffe or even a coffee and pastries please call, the staff are very helpful!  If you want any further info on any aspect of this stunning complex please see their website www.rockliffehall.com.

Onto the golf now if you haven’t already heard of the golf facilities here, then this is a slight intro ‘Award winning course architect Marc Westenborg has created one of the longest and most challenging courses in European golf. Whilst designed to give tour professionals a true test, the five individually designed tee positions allow players of all abilities the chance to enjoy a quite an unforgettable golfing experience. Encased in 300 acres of stunning countryside and situated on the banks of the river Tees, the course has been created with the environment in mind, introducing three new lakes and eight beautiful reed beds which fit seamlessly into the countryside’.

Now I myself didn’t play golf, but here are 2 extracts the first from my Husband, Andrew who plays occasionally, and the second his friend Sean who plays a lot and in many a competition.

Sean (my friend) and i, decided to tackle one of the longest Golf courses in Europe head on by arriving at 8.30am and ordering a bacon sandwich each.

We were met by Tim at the entrance to the Clubhouse and were taken to the Bar for breakfast, Whilst our Golf clubs were collected from our cars and cleaned along with our Golf shoes.

before teeing off we were offered to warm up on the new driving range facilities which were fresh and state of the art.

The course itself was very challenging but every inch exiting with it’s 5 individual tee boxes on each hole, and a range of holes spanning from 124 yards par 3 to 664 yards par 5, incorporating various rough, water and slope on every hole.
The course is set in grounds of Rockcliffe hall and next to the Training facillities of Middlesbrough football club, also surounding the course are the banks of the River Tees and small farm building with character.

when we had finished our round we had lunch in the Clubhouse, Sean and myself had Steak and my wife Joanna had the seafood special, i must admit the food was cooked to perfection and the service was exceptional throughout the day, even the “small touch” aspects of the day like receiving pitch marks and strokesaver booklets prior to our round of Golf, and made to feel welcome every minute we were there, as a customers point of view i was 100% completely satisfied.’

So I arrived at 4pm in the 15 acres of land on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors on a Sunny snowy day, (check in is available from 3pm).  After a swift check in I was shown up to my room with my bags carried by the delightful concierge man, who has worked here over 20 years – a good sign if ever i needed one that this is a great hotel!   Room spacious, elegantly decorated, plasma TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a very high standard bathroom.  Since my friend wasn’t arriving for a couple of hours I sat on the bed, and began to read the complimentary Sunday paper – absolute heaven as a hard working Mother ,who is always busy and never stops, this was just the tonic I needed.  After an hour i met my younger sister and my son Ramsay in reception (I’d accidentally taken her keys earlier in the day!) and decided they might as well stay for a warm drink and bite to eat in the drawing room, after all I had £99 to spend! We sat by the log fire and had hot chocolates and cakes, and a hearty sarnie for Ramsay.  A little while later after a great time, they left and my best mate Katie arrived.  She was in need of some relaxation time too and so I thought she was a great choice to acompany me! We got ready for dinner in the restaurant and we opted for the Table De Hoe menu at £35 per head.  Once seated we had canapes and a class of champers, we ordered some red wine from the extensive choice then indulged in the food menu.  My choice was smoked salmon to start, with creme fraiche, caviar and cucumber jelly, Sea Bream with crushed black pepper potatoes for main, and Yorkshire tart with plum sorbet for desert.  Katie chose the soup, then Seam Bream also, then Chocolate Fondue for desert.  Each and every single course was perfectly timed, perfectly cooked, super fresh and perfectly enjoyed!  Coffee and pettie foirs followed in the games room.  This really was top class food, heaven on a plate, in a n amazing, grand stately room, and one thoroughly enjoyable evening.  Even on an ordinary evening at £35 per head it was a steal, and I will most certainly return.  Retired to the room we chatted for hours after facials and milkshakes – it was like a sleepover when we were kids – except we were in a huge manor surrounded in luxury!   We sunk in to our perspective beds for a pure relaxing sleep!

In the morning Katie had work – so they delivered her breakfast early to the room.  I got up an hour later and had Ramsay dropped off as Hubby was at work, it was ok though because he joined me for a delicious breakfast!  With it being such a beautiful morning we went for a long walk around the grounds.  After returning to the room I packed my bag whilst Ramsay watched TV between gazing out of the window to the beautiful surroundings, then we checked out – which I was really sad to do so!  Thank you Crathorne for an amazing stay – I will be back very shortly

If you would like to book a meal or stay at Crathorne Hall please see http://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/crathorne-hall/, and for many more fantastic days out in the Tees Valley please see www.visitteesvalley.co.uk (and don’t forget to sign up for the happening pass for a few cheeky discounts!)

This one I took Ramsay my lil boy who’s nearly 2, my Nana, and my friends 2 kids Annaliese age 5 and Georgie age 7.

We got parked easily and went straight to our seats in the dress circle, the theatre is set out as such so that you can see the stage very well wherever you’re sat.  Settling down to our seats for the 2pm matinee and the curtains rose, sending anticipation reeling round the theatre!

We were then in for the fastest 2.5 hours of our life, why? Because it was the most amazing, hillarious and entertaining panto ever to be staged!  We had Chicco playing Aladdin with his actually very amazing voice, we had a baddie whom we all booed (who was Max Somerset from BBC2’s The Sourcerers Apprentice) and the unforgettable Grumbleweeds who provided us with non stop laughter all in one fabulous historic theatre!   That was the one sound from the show, laughter, everyone was roaring with it.

The story, as with any panto, had a variation to the original Aladdin story and they did so well with it.  There really was something to suit all.  Plenty of jokes only us adults would get, my Nana had a fab time and sang away to the songs, despite not knowing the words (but its her signature trait, she makes them up)!  Annaliese and Georgie got involved from the off with the ‘oh no you didn’t’ ‘oh yes you did’s’.  There was so much to keep them entertained from the funny dances to the fantastic fireworks, even an appearance from the Churchill dog!  The children didn’t even so much as wriggle, it captivated them for the duration!  Most songs were from Hannah Montanna and High School Musical so the hundreds of school kids around were waving their arms in the air and singing every word, it was so lovely to see. 

There were magic tricks galore which even left me with the ‘How did they do that?!!’  question reeling in my head. If we thought we couldn’t be left more in awe Yu Yin from the chinese state circus balanced spinning umbrellas (all 5) whilst doing a hand stand, and this was just one of the many amazing things she did!

To be honest I thought i’d have great difficulty with Ramsay, he doesn’t watch telly and not a lot holds his attention.  Constantly running around, active and looking what he can get into next – he’s your typical toddler.  We sat down and he remained in his seat until the baddie came on, when he jumped onto me and tucked is head in. So cute, I was more pleased he understood it and was still.  Within no time at all he was booing, clapping his hands in time with the music and laughing with all the other kids.

What an amazing magical afternoon! 110% recommended to anyone looking at a great day/night out. Any ages and number of people, adults with kids, or if you don’t have children, get yourself out for some joyus time!

After we headed to Joe Rigatoni in Darlo. Really acommodating, beautiful restaurant and brilliant service.  All before we even looked at the menu!  My Nana and I both opted for the 2 course special for £8.95 available lunch and tea times until 7pm.  I went for chicken wings and the regions best known dish a chicken parmersan, my Nana had potato skins and seafood risotto. 

Let me tell you, there’s very few restaurants my Nana enjoys the whole experience from, more so the food, but she absoltuley loved it!  Couldn’t stop raving about the risotto!  Mine was also delicious the whole lot, i loved the homemade chips too!  The children each had a kids meal, they all chose the margarita and curly fries option from their menu.  They all loved it, and ate the lot (an achievement for any child in any restaurant!), and got ice cream included for afters, theirs were only £3.50 each!  Drinks for all of us as well as all the food totalled the bargain price of £35.80.  Just Brilliant, easy, accesable and delicious!

On the journey home we all talked non stop about the day!

If you would like more information on the panto and other great days out please please check out www.visitteesvalley.co.uk