Stage: Brassed Off

Music and drama at The Hawth

Brass bands may not be the most fashionable musical form but they have a great following, a following that was certainly boosted back in 1996 when the film Brassed Off was released.

This poignant comedy-drama film written and directed by Mark Herman and starring Pete Postlethwaite, Tara Fitzgerald and Ewan McGregor struck a note for those of us who lived through the Thatcher years and saw the gradual shut down of the British coal mining industry and the devastating effect that it had on coal mining communities across the country. There was comedy yes, but the message went far beyond a few northern stereotypical gags, far more than whippets and flat caps!

Far more than whippets and flat caps

Now, after a successful run in East Grinstead, Chequer Mead Productions presents a special one off performance of Brassed Off to coincide with The Hawth’s new Brass Season for 2016/17.

It’s 1994 and the miners are striking as the local colliery faces closure.

Danny’s dreams of leading the pit’s band to victory at a national competition at the Albert Hall seem remote as the men choose between picket lines and redundancy packages. But when Flugelhorn-playing Gloria returns to her hometown, the band get their oompah back and romance is rekindled with her childhood sweetheart Andy.

However, when the real reason for Gloria’s return is revealed and the pressures of the strike get too much for the band members, things start to fall out of tune…

Featuring The Horsham Borough Brass Band live on stage, this is a unique show and one not to be missed.

Wednesday 19 October, 7.30pm, The Hawth Crawley
The Hawth Box Office on 01293 553636 and online at www.hawth.co.uk. This is an amateur production.

Desford Colliery Band kick off the new 2016/17 Brass Season on Sunday 2 October 3pm with a concert guaranteed to delight its many fans.

The season will also feature Grimethorpe Band (30 October), Fairey Band (20 November), Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band (22 January), Virtuosi GUS Band (26 February) and Black Dyke Band (19 March).

Tickets: £12.75 (discounts: £11.25).

Book 3 concerts for £10.25 each, 4 concerts for £9.75 each, 5 concerts for £9.25 each, all six concerts £8.75 each.
Season Tickets for more than three or more concerts available now. Individual Concert tickets on sale from Mon 25 April.