Brassed Off

NODA Show Report – Brassed Off

Date: 19th November 2025

Society: Cleckheaton & Spenborough Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society

Venue: Batley Town Hall

Type of Production: Drama

Director: Giles Atkinson

Written by: Paul Allen (from the screenplay by Mark Herman)

Set against the bleak yet resilient backdrop of a Yorkshire mining town in the shadow of pit closures, Brassed Off tells a deeply moving story of pride, community, and survival. As the very lifeblood of the town is threatened, the Grimley Colliery Brass Band becomes both a lifeline and a symbol of defiance. However, as hardship tightens its grip, not all can cling to the same unwavering optimism as their determined band leader, Danny.

The production opens with projected historical news footage from the 1980s, instantly transporting the audience to a politically charged and emotionally raw era. This powerful introduction seamlessly gives way to an exquisitely atmospheric stage picture: the full brass band revealed in soft blue lighting, punctuated by the warm, amber glow of miners’ lamps. It was a striking and poignant opening moment that set the emotional tone for the evening beautifully.

The story is largely viewed through the eyes of young Shane, portrayed by the remarkable Alphie Wretham, whose performance belied his tender age of just nine years old. His confident stage presence, flawless Yorkshire accent, effortless comedic timing, and emotional maturity were nothing short of outstanding. He captivated the audience and provided a steady emotional thread throughout the production, guiding us through both the lighter and more heartbreaking moments with sincerity and charm.

Phil and Sandra, played with great emotional depth by Darren Smith and Louise Thatcher, delivered powerful, authentic performances that captured the strain of a marriage buckling under relentless financial pressure. Their scenes were charged with realism, portraying the desperation, fear, and simmering tension that threatened the foundations of their family life.

As Danny, the fiercely proud conductor of the brass band and Phil’s ailing father, Martin Tyrrell delivered a performance rich in passion and quiet dignity. His unwavering belief in the band’s survival, even as his own health continues to fail, gave the production much of its emotional heart. His scenes were touching, raw, and deeply affecting.

Phil’s loyal friends Jim and Harry, portrayed by Nick Thatcher and John Fisher, brought much-needed humour and warmth with their trademark dry Yorkshire wit. Their easy camaraderie and razor-sharp comic delivery provided perfectly timed light relief, while their ever-supportive wives Vera and Rita, played by Louise Blackburn and Noreen Armitage, completed the ensemble with warmth, strength, and unwavering loyalty.

A special congratulations must go to Sarah Kay for her stunning portrayal of Gloria. Her heart-stopping solo audition was a true show-stopper—haunting, emotional, and beautifully delivered, leaving the auditorium suspended in silence before erupting into well-deserved applause. Her developing romance with the charismatic Andy, played by Andrew Naylor, was tenderly performed and full of youthful hope, with an undeniable chemistry that added a welcome light to an otherwise weighty narrative.

The set design was deliberately minimal yet extremely effective. Stage right housed the static representation of Phil and Sandra’s humble home, simply furnished with a table, chairs, and the prized possession of a portable television—perfectly reflecting the modest reality of their domestic life and the innocence of young Shane and Baby.

The main stage remained open and fluid, transformed through subtle prop changes and imaginative projection. With ease, the audience was transported from the pit changing rooms to band rehearsals, the local pub, and eventually to the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall itself. Despite the limitations of Batley Town Hall’s stage size, the space was used with impressive creativity and never appeared overcrowded—even with a full brass band performing on stage.

This production was a heartfelt tribute to the strength of community, the power of music, and the resilience of the human spirit. Cleckheaton & Spenborough AODS should be immensely proud of what they achieved both on and off the stage. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this powerful and deeply moving production to life. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable evening of theatre.

Rebecca Newham

Assistant NODA Representative

District 10
07984 685761

 

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