Brassed Off

Written by Paul Allen and adapted by Mark Herman, this play depicts the lives of men and their families facing lost livelihoods due to the consequence of the possible closure of Grimley Pit and their allegiance to the local Pit Band. This is shown across a powerful script which includes humour and grit in equal measure.                                                         

This is the second airing of this play for the society, both directed by Joan Heard. The first in 2006 was phenomenal and justly award winning! This time around, it earns equal status with a strong cast including some of the originals and of course the core of the play, the Sidmouth Town Band, their playing, a performance in itself with the magical tones reverberating around the theatre, stirring the emotions. As previously observed, the join between band and cast very firmly fixed!

With some obvious parallels to her first production, the director’s aim was to make this play stand out in its own way; this was achieved with subtle staging changes which appeared as layered and concise scenes moving from one to the other with short blackouts. An austere set with a projected pit head winding wheel gave immediate perception of the subject matter, commanding the stage without complete domination.This worked well in principle, allowing the differential between family lives and the band’s ultimate journey to the Albert Hall to be clearly defined along with the darkened times akin to the subject matter! However, the blackouts appeared too frequently, briefly slowing pace of performance and became an expected, predictable feature. Fundamentally, being too much of a good thing! 

The beautifully lit trombone, standing alone on the stage at the finale was inspired and touching, strongly representing the impulsion of the play.       

The opening gave an introduction to the main characters and established their lives as they were and to present time! A surprised, initial reaction to Jake Burlow, a young man rather than ‘lad’ playing the part of narrator Shane, son of Phil and Sandra was quickly dispelled. His consistent understanding of a younger person’s movement and ‘turn of phrase’ complete with an excellent accent was spot on, bringing believability and factualness to the character, completely overruling what the eyes perceived.                                                          

Phil and Sandra played by Adam Owen-Jones and Julie Salmon worked together in a realistic relationship, their performance naturally capturing the disharmony and struggles as they tried to cope with overwhelming rising debt which threatened the very core of their home and family. John Griswold played Danny, the conductor of the brass band and father to Phil. His fervent commitment to ensuring its continued existence, despite his acute illness is clearly evidenced in his performance. The awards passionate, final speech hit home in its entirety. Phil’s mates, Jim and Harry, presented as  typical ‘Likely Lads’, their comical banter being a particular high point. It was evident to see why David Ballinger as Jim, was cast to reprise the role he played eleven years ago. His easy manner, precise accent and delivery of dry, northern humour were spot on!

Josie Denning as Gloria is to be congratulated for her musical skills, the sound of her heart-rending, solo audition piece bringing a spectral overtone to the theatre. Rekindling her schoolgirl flirtation with Andy, (Jonny Robinson) both were able to personate their attraction while struggling with the rocky road to romance.

With an accomplished, united cast, this production hit all the right chords for success, directed with sensitivity and a cutting bluntness; it was very obvious the director had a strong feel for the play. The culminating soaring resonance of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ spoke volumes!

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