Gary Clarke
Gary Clarke, who lives near Barnsley, is an award-winning dancer and choreographer. He trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds and has worked with Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Eddie Redmayne.
What is your first Yorkshire memory? I grew up in Grimethorpe and we had one of the deepest mines in the UK. It was a thriving village and I remember the noise of the bell going off at 5am to signal the start of the shift. You’d hear the clatter of the miners’ boots going down the road. People came from all over to work in the mine. My grandfather was a miner and his dad, too. My grandad didn’t allow my father to work in the pit and instead was sent off to work in a bottle factory. When it got to my generation, we weren’t expected to work in the mines but it might have been an option if the pits were still around.
What is your favourite part of the county and why? I have a close relationship with South Yorkshire but I always remember leaving Grimethorpe for the first time and going to Leeds, which I fell in love with. It was full of art and culture and had a great nightlife. So Leeds has a good place in my heart but what’s so brilliant about Yorkshire is that you don’t have to look very far for beautiful scenery, so you’ve got the best of both worlds.
What is your idea of a perfect day or weekend out in Yorkshire? When my friends come up from London, they can’t believe how picturesque Yorkshire is… forests, fields, footpaths and fells. It depends where you are but a good, brisk walk followed by a country pub with decent grub like pie and mash and a pint or two.
Do you have a favourite walk or view? As I look out of my window at home in Grimethorpe, there’s a fabulous area called the Back Field. It’s one of the highest points in the village. You can see for miles over the Pennines towards Manchester. Throughout my life I’ve gone there to sit, be by myself and reflect. It’s a special spot.
Which Yorkshire sportsman or woman, past or present, would you like to take out for lunch? Nicola Adams. I love the way she talks about her roots, her working-class upbringing and how she’s had to fight for everything having come from nothing. I really like her. One of Nicola’s trainers, Fred Gummerson, came from Grimethorpe.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take out for dinner? Sadly, he’s no longer with us, but it’d be Brian Glover. He was a great man and I once got an award named after him. I loved what Brian brought to the screen. He left a remarkable legacy.
If you had to name your hidden Yorkshire gem, what would it be? I wish more people would visit it and this is the Cooper Gallery in Barnsley. It showcases some excellent art work. Many people don’t know it exists but when I pop into town I always go in to see the exhibitions.
If you could choose somewhere or some object from or in Yorkshire to own for the day, what would it be? A building I’ve always loved and a great place for a party is the Corn Exchange in Leeds. It’s a stunning piece of architecture. The inside and its shape are impressive and I’d love to transform it into a performance space.
What do you think it is that gives
Yorkshire its unique identity? We love our heritage, we are straightforward and call a spade a spade.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub? I like many and if there’s beer
I’m in there. Romano’s near Barnsley
Town Hall is a wonderful Italian which we go to every year on my birthday and we sing in Italian. It’s always packed and full of charm.
Do you have a favourite food shop? Barnsley Market is very good for fish, fruit, veg, meat and cheese. It’s cheap and coachloads of people come to the market just to shop.