Brassed Off at the Kings Theatre Edinburgh Review
Brassed Off
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
29 April to 3 May 2014
Reviewed by Emma Gibson
‘Brassed Off’ adapted from Mark Herman’s 1996 film based on the film of the same name, coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the mining strike and subsequent closure of the mining pit and loss off 1,000 jobs in real life town Grimethorpe, North Yorkshire.
We are taken back to 1994 to the town of Grimley, where miners are threatened with the closure of their profitable and viable mine where 1,200 people are employed.
Shane, who is the narrator, is an 8 year old boy who is the son of Phil and grandson of band conductor Danny, gives an insight into his thoughts and feelings throughout. Although, played by an adult actor, he provides a youthful naivety that makes his part believable and realistic.
The miners are all part of the Grimley Colliery Brass Band, an unnecessary expense for most but a way of bringing the town together. We are introduced to a beautiful girl, Gloria, who wants to join the band. She grew up in Grimley but went to London for college and job opportunities – but is everything as it seems?
The brass band playing at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh was the local Dalkeith and Monktonhall Colliery Band who were live on stage. I thought this was a really fantastic touch to have a band local to Edinburgh. The rousing music had the audience clapping and cheering them on and was a fantastic addition to the show.
The second half delved into the depression and anxiety of the mine workers, with families struggling to pay their bills and the worry of being seen to vote with management in favour of closure. Danny, the conductor was a character to bring some needed comedy to the dark situation although for those who have seen the film will know that Pete Postlethwaite is a hard act to follow but John McArdle does a fantastic job. The audience are behind Danny all the way in trying to persuade the band to realise his dreams of performing in the Albert Hall in London.
I would highly recommend that everyone go and see ‘Brassed Off’, this is currently running in Edinburgh at the historic King’s Theatre from Tuesday 29 April until Saturday 3 May.
A must see show in a wonderful setting in a beautiful building.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £14 to £29.50 (plus booking fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000.
