Brassed Off

The stage version of Brassed Off was first performed at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in March 1998 and subsequently at the Olivier at the Royal National Theatre in London. The action takes place in various locations with a total of 41 scenes over the two acts. Add to this the need to have a live brass band, some challenging characters, a hard-hitting story, some youngsters and you have Brassed Off.

The play takes the audience through a range of emotions especially for those who can remember the demise of the mining industry during the mid-1990s. We saw how individuals dealt with the inevitable closure of the pit and the effect on the community. This included working relationships, personal relationships and hardships, dedication to the band and failing health. Every aspect of the play crucially highlighted the plight and hardship encountered by a struggling mining community. The background being a test of survival in facing the consequences of the industry’s decline during the time of the Thatcher government

Danny, leader of Grimley Colliery Band, played by David Newall is pivotal to the production. His determination to keep the band going and achieve his aim of them playing at the Royal Albert Hall is offset by the demise of the mine as well as his own failing health. He played the tender moments well and when he showed his frustration with band members he played these scenes with conviction. The final scene can be emotive as firstly Danny refuses to accept their award on a point of principal and to hit the news headlines. This is followed by Danny handing over his baton to Shane which if played right can be heart wrenching and this was most certainly done so.

The play was narrated by Shane Ormondroyd, excellently portrayed by Joshua Tywang, remarkably mature and thoroughly convincing, torn between his warring parents Phil and Sandra, but full of character and optimism. Aaron Tywang gave an accomplished performance as Craig as did Hannah Tywang as Melody, Phil and Sandra’s other children. (At other performances Shane was played by Rebecca Leavesley, Melody by Edie Hutchinson and Craig by Freddie Robey)

Jack S Fitzsimmons (Danny's debt-troubled son, Phil) gave a powerful performance throughout, coping with his financial problems and the consequential breakdown of his marriage. When his worried wife, Sandra, discovers he has splashed out on a second-hand trombone while she is struggling to feed the kids and keep the bailiffs at bay, Sarah Vetch played this role with love and compassion. The pair were well matched and showed the tensions which existed during their family dispute scenes.

Lottie Cuerden played the flugel horn player, Gloria who is seen by some of the miners as a management spy when they discover she is there to carry out a feasibility study on the doomed pit on behalf of the Coal Board. Lottie was wonderfully natural in the role and delivered her lines with ease especially when up against the sexist attitudes of some of the band players, where she gave as good as she got. 

Some notable performances from the supporting cast of miners played by Ben Hopkins (Harry), Derek Blackwell (Jim) and Josh Richards (Andy) who worked well together during scenes in the locker room and in the band rehearsal room such as when two of the characters were trying to pluck up the courage to quit the band due to the inability to fund their subs, while the other was, as always, late due to his busy social diary.

Miners wives Rita and Vera (Penny Hart-Woods and Pam Whatley-Holmes) provided some lighter moments in addition to the determination of Rita and others on the picket line with the ‘The miners united will never be defeated’ rally.  

Finally, well done to Helen Kerr, Jeannie Powell and Neil McCormac who played every other character in the play with style.

Central to Brassed Off is the music and as far as this goes the audience would not have been disappointed. Otley Brass Band looked and sounded good especially playing, Death and Glory, Danny Boy, Concierto de Aranjueze and Pomp and Circumstance. They were a joy to listen to although maybe needed to be softer when playing over dialogue.  I enjoyed the utilisation of the hall for much of the band’s performances.

Relying on a single, yet highly effective, set, comprising of a pithead with winding gear, built by Grassington Men’s Shed, different scenes were depicted using small items of set or furniture. This was suitably enhanced by lighting and sound, courtesy of Paula Vickers & Skye Wilkinson and 24/7 respectively. Props were provided by Mary Wilkinson & Melodie Robinson, whilst Mary and the cast provided costumes. The Stage Manager, Rachel Hutchinson, should be very proud of the overall look and feel of the of the play, especially as this was her first time in the job. I see a great future for her.

The play was directed by Colin Waterman and produced by John Anderson, and what an incredible job they made of it. They elicited all the drama, pathos and humour out a very dark time in Yorkshire history. 

I’d also like to give a final credit to Polly Chapman for the production of an excellent programme. Next time, why not think about including some NODA details, and then enter NODA’s programme and poster competition. It could well be a contender.

Thank you, once again, to everybody at Grassington Players, for a thoroughly entertaining evening in the Dales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.