Brassed Off, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review and pictures
It has been almost forty years since the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has presented its own in-house production, but at last audiences are being treated to a full-scale professional show with community involvement.
The chosen play is Paul Allen’s stage adaptation of Mark Herman’s film script, Brassed Off, which runs from August 23- Sept 2.
Staying true to the West Midlands theme, Walsall born actor, Jeffrey Holland, probably best known as the crazy holiday camp entertainer Spike in the hit BBC TV comedy Hi-De-Hi, leads a stellar cast as Danny, band leader and health plagued miner, in this tale of the closure of Grimley pit.
Not only does the closure result in job losses and despair for the miners and their families, but also the loss of the Grimley Brass Band. But help is at hand as flugelhorn player, Gloria, who is returning to her roots after a long spell away, shares Danny’s dreams of transforming the band into British champions, but can they then raise enough money to get them to the finals at the Albert Hall?
Prior to seeing the play, I had Brassed Off down as the thinking man’s Full Monty, but actually, the storyline is far more intricate and intelligent. The comedy is witty yet subtle, but still provides some laugh out loud moments. Add to that superb characterisation by this outstanding cast and the effect is riveting.
That said, Gareth Tudor Price’s production is far too long at two hours forty-five minutes and shaving maybe half an hour off would have provided a much more concise, snappy offering to keep the audience alert and engaged.
Jeffrey Holland is an excellent choice as Danny and perfectly portrays the character’s passion for the miners’ cause and his music. His delivery of his final monologue will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Christopher Connel and Miriam Grace Edwards make a believable couple facing the pressures of unemployment whilst bringing up four children, their dramatic scenes reducing some audience members to tears as they wring every drop of emotion out of the script.
Clara Darcey as Gloria brings a splash of glamour to the proceedings, not to mention a wonderful flugelhorn solo, while Ash Matthews provides many of the brighter moments of the play with his outstanding portrayal of nine-year-old Shane.
But, it was local amateur actors, Tim Jones and Greg Yates who completely stole the show in their respective roles of mining pals, Harry and Jim, showing the West Midlands just how much amateur talent is out there in our community.
Their comedic timing, delivery of lines and chemistry is exceptional. They have been pals off stage since schooldays and that friendship is extremely evident as they work together in harmony, each one knowing exactly what the other is about to do and thus ensuring maximum effect in both their dramatic and comedy scenes.
Well supported by amateur actresses Donna Heaslip and Susie Wilcox as their wives and a group of talented community actors who appear as the miners and their families, the am dram performers of our city did the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre proud!
Add to this the outstanding City of Wolverhampton Brass Band who soared through traditional pieces and the whole production feels like the perfect combination of home grown talent and professionalism. It was also nice to see the Grand Theatre’s Chief Executive, Adrian Jackson making a cameo role appearance as Albert Hall conductor Hirsty.
The simple staging is effective, proving that a few simple props can fool the imagination very easily and atmospheric lighting effects perfectly depict the mining town. Maybe some of the costumes were a little too modern for the era the play is set in, but artistic license is always allowed.
For lovers of a blend of gritty, hard-hitting drama and northern comedy, Brassed Off is an idyllic evening’s entertainment and a great start to what I am sure will be the first of many successful Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in-house productions.
Runs until September 2. For tickets call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk
