BRASSED OFF

Based on the award-winning 1996 film of the same name, “Brassed Off” follows the journey of a Yorkshire colliery brass band, against a background of threatened pit closures and the potential loss of 1200 jobs.

The brilliant set with its atmospheric background projections of the colliery provided a bleak picture of the threatened closure.

Strong links are found between the miners and the close-knit brass band and you sensed that one would not survive without the other. This could not have been made clearer than by the band conductor ‘Danny’ (expertly played by Frank Etchells) in his relentless desire for national recognition.

Things look up when ‘Gloria’ a talented flugelhorn player, originally from the area, returns officially to review the viability of the colliery. ‘Gloria’ (Sarah Kay) and ‘Andy’ (Fen Greatley-Hirsch) re-meet following a previous teenage ‘encounter’ and I was enthralled in all of their scenes together, which were so well acted, so very natural and completely believable.

Danny’s son ‘Phil’ (Jonny Kennedy) and his wife ‘Sandra’ (Lucy Evans) both gave excellent powerful performances illustrating the serious strains that the threat of unemployment can place on a family. Their son ‘Shane’ (Lily-May Greenhill) provided a useful narration throughout the performance.  There were great cameo’s from ‘Craig’ (Albie Spiers) and ‘Melody’ (Charlotte Wilson) too.

Phil’s work colleagues ‘Harry’ and ‘Jim’ (brilliantly played by Alan Young & Martin Isbister) provided convincing ‘foils’, mixing emotion with superb comedy and their partners ‘Rita’ and ‘Vera’ (Janet Magson & Shirley Broadbent) gave outstanding support adding well timed humour (despite the seriousness of the situation).

Whilst this was essentially a play, the music provided by the Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band added depth and superb quality to the overall performance. The acting ‘instrumentalists’ blended in brilliantly, and to be honest I really couldn’t tell who WASN’T actually playing – the characters were so convincing throughout.  It was particularly impressive to see and hear ‘Gloria’ (Sarah Kay) playing the flugelhorn in “orange juice”.  Very impressive – and really quite emotional!

This excellent production directed by Rick Hyland (with Kat Owens as Assistant Director) was a stark reminder of the political and personal pressures that can impact relationships and how loyalty and humour help those involved to cope.  The casting was excellent – characterisations were brilliant.  The entire cast really brought out the true Yorkshire grit, the comedy, and the heartache.  Talk about a roller coaster ride – one minute we were all laughing our heads off and the next crying our eyes out.  Brilliant performances from everyone.

Not forgetting the excellent set, brilliant lighting, superb sound, fabulous props and ‘era appropriate’ costumes, this whole production was a fitting “Yorkshire” tribute to help celebrate your Centenary Year!  Congratulations to everyone involved, both on stage and off!  Can’t wait for “School Of Rock”!

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