Association of Community Theatre

BRASSED OFF

Bacup Royal Court Theatre Group

Director Jim Rowe assisted by Megan Ashworth

Music played by the Stackstead Brass Band

 

Set during the 1984 miners’ strike, and focusing on the hardship of the Grimley mining community as it faces the closure of the colliery, families are divided by the forced redundancy of the workforce. “Brassed Off” is a heart-wrenching story exposing the community to the realisation that nothing will ever be the same again. Danny, the current pit brass band M.D. believes nothing can be more important than the music.

 

To capture all the locations dictated in the play, scenic projection was cleverly used (operated by Adam Greenwood) which gave atmosphere for the tension to be felt and developed. Giving an added visual impact, a reversible truck was used for the interior scenes, all helping to enhance the drama. The combined mix of lighting and sound created the overall atmosphere for this production.

 

The Stackstead Brass Band became thespians, taking on the role of the Grimley pit band in appropriate scenes. Their playing was everything it should be, whether drunkenly, or at competition best. Congratulations!

 

Young Shane introduces the story; the character has sustained monologues that need careful interpretation. Master Joseph Wills clearly and precisely delivered his lines lifting Shane right of the page.

 

The cast has to be disciplined so that each of the many scenes can blend seamlessly with each other. Bandsman Jim was played by Ian Eastwood, and Rebecca Ashworth played Jim’s wife, Vera. They honestly tell Jim’s and Vera’s story and show their anxiety for their future. It was a man’s world; it was the men who were the head of the family, and the man was the “bread winner”.  To lose their jobs and status had many knock-on effects within the community all of which added to the tension. A friend of Jim, also a pit man and member of the band, is Harry whose wife, Rita, is manning the picket line. Gary Kennedy and Dawn Rowe as Harry and Rita found the rugged humour of the characters and the despair at the situation.

 

The year-long strike a decade earlier, coupled with the present threat of the pit closure leaves Sandra and Phil destitute. Alison Grimshaw. as Sandra. gave a touching performance of a woman, wife and mother in despair. Her husband. Phil, who at one point cannot face life anymore, attempts suicide by hanging himself from the pit shaft. Darren Brierley sympathetically portrayed the hopelessness of Phil’s existence.

 

The romantic interest comes from snooker playing trumpeter. Andy. and flugelhorn player. Gloria. Gloria is working for the enemy. The National Coal Board. creating a barrier between them. Patrick Duffy and Sophie Lord. as Andy and Gloria. were believable characters and had that chemistry to prove that love will win the day.

 

In charge of all these brass players is Danny, who is so passionate about his music. He is dying and has one desire to take the band to London for the national Brass Band competition. Stephen Woods brought honesty to the role/ His final speech, in which he realised that people matter more than the band, was well measured and delivered.

 

This is a play that stirs the emotions and this cast certainly did.  It was “top brass”.