Mining gold: theatre group and band rise to Brassed Off challenge
Watching a production of "Brassed Off" on Budget Day certainly put the action in sharp focus.
Having seen Tuesday's economic strategy in action on TV, financial policies and their consequences of years ago seemed more immediate, particularly with the benefit of hindsight.
Pit closures ended a way of life that had been familiar for generations, changing communities for ever and Grimley was no exception.
In "Brassed Off", presented by Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society with Wardle Anderson Brass Band at Todmorden's Hippodrome Theatre this week - enjoyed by a full house on opening night - we see how shifts in economic policy impact on the lives of individuals and families.
We see bailiffs repossessing televisions because of mounting debt and how personal relationships can crumble under such pressure.
But there is strength in music - when everything else is taken away there is still the band.
Wardle Anderson Brass provided concert standard support for the Todmorden actors and the audience responded with enthusiasm.
The performance by John Eastwood as Danny must count as a highlight - he was funny, tragic, strong, yet vulnerable.
The lighting in the production was another strength. Atmospheric moments with miners' lights and the pit head outlined against the sky. Both contributed to the compelling atmosphere.
Strong support came from other members of the cast. Ben Coup as Shane was wiser than his years, Martin Cook as Phil was coping the best he could and Jodie Potter as Sandra was trying to keep her head above water in a sea of unpaid bills.
Romanic interest was provided by Janet Spooner as Vera and Michael Gill as Jim.
It was a challenging production and the Todmorden team responded with bells on.
In our current health and safety obsessed society how would you handle an attempted suicide on stage?
With humour? Not everyone's choice, but it worked well.
As always the wardrobe department came up trumps. Gillian Winslow and Linda Cook had everyone dressed appropriately, the children looking particularly of the period.
The ever-changing scenery must have been daunting but the Todmorden team proved equal to the task.
It's a tall order to meet a programme note which says: "The action takes place in various locations around the town of Grimley, Saddleworth and the Albert Hall"!
The show was directed by Peter Wakefield and Andrew Rawlinson and runs until June 26.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
