One Big Blow

The Boys are back in the pit to launch our new studio theatre at Hatherlow Wharf.

Following successful runs back in 2007 and 2012, including a UK tour which took in venues from The Swallow in Scotland to the Kings Head in London, we're pleased to announce that we're bringing this popular show back, with many of the same cast and creatives.

This influential play about the mining industry and brass bands was written 15 years before 'Brassed Off!' and tells of a colliery brass band going to the Mineworkers Championship in Blackpool.

The band, all miners, discover that Wally, their star cornet player can no longer play because he has pneumoconiosis. After trying to persuade him to get out of his sick bed to no avail, they are forced to employ the services of the mad Welshman, Psycho.

Written in 1981 by playwright John Burrows, with original music by Rick Lloyd, a former member of the ‘Flying Pickets’ pop group, the play is a strong indictment of the lack of culpability shown by the then National Coal Board towards health problems suffered by miners, such as emphysema and pneumoconiosis. This colourful, emotive and witty production features 6 actors but no instruments, all the songs and band pieces being performed a capella.

Don't miss this triumphant return!