Brassed Off at The Little Theatre Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Leanne W

The Little theatre sits in the heart of Leicester City Centre with easy access to parking and places to eat and drink. It is almost entirely staffed by volunteers.

Tonight’s play was written 30 years ago, though you may be familiar with the title as it proved to be a very popular film. It is a story set in the mining community of Grimley colliery, a mine soon to close. This means a loss of 1200 jobs as well as the brass band, who are also miners. Despite the impending loss of their jobs, the miners continue to rehearse and compete in a national competition. The story shows us the social and economic struggles of a small mining town but also the hope and joy they find through a shared love of music. The music for the play is performed live by The Enderby Band.

The opening of the performance was a rousing number/overture provided by the band. Next, we saw the miners assembling as the emerged from under the stage – head torches beaming out into the audience. Immediately the scene was set. The staging consisted of a small, raised stage area to accommodate the band and at each side was a small suggestion of different locations, the men’s changing room and the Ormand Royd’s kitchen. Cleverly, Anita Adam’s and Matt Stirk’s set also suggested the cogs and steel, giving it a real colliery feel.

Under the direction of Mary Jones, the story is introduced to us in the form of narration from young Shane, more than ably played for tonight’s performance by Samuel Smith. The story moves us through the tough times in the small town focusing on the lives of four men of the mining community: Single man Andy, Robin McFarland; Jim, played by Paul Large and his wife Vera, Jane Towers who delight us with the relationship with second couple Harry and Rita, played by Andy Longley-Brown and Siobhan Ball. Finally, is trombonist Phil, perfectly played Chris Brookes, and his family – consisting of Shane and his siblings played by Charlie Blaylock and Ruby Preston and his tired and despondent wife Sandra, convincingly portrayed by Chloe Thorpe. We share with them the turbulent times of hard ship and the facing of the pit closure, and their decision to vote for, or against, it.

Additional cast members include Adam Jones as conductor of the band, and Phil’s father Danny and Nikki Favell as guest to the town Gloria. As well as the cast and Enderby band, there is a huge supporting ensemble, and it was great to learn several were making their Little Theatre stage debuts. What was exceptional about this cast was that there was no standout performer and equally no weak link, every single performer doing an excellent job in their respective roles. The cast provide us with moments of devastating sadness right through to moments of hilarity and joy (the competition being the absolute highlight for me).

I noted that the band were so much more than just an accessory for the music on the stage, creating a convincing sight as they set up for rehearsals, performed in the competitions and generally kept up the feeling of being the colliery band.

With the story set in 1994, there were whispers through the audience where reusable carrier bags were used as it didn’t go unnoticed that these were not in keeping with the time. Additionally, there were times where some cast members were in the shadows of the lights and as such facial expressions were lost. Generally, the Yorkshire accents were good, however, I felt that that with Gloria struggling with this there was an opportunity for her to have a neutral accent, acceptable to her back story of having left the county many years before. But with only a handful of niggles this does not affect the enjoyment at all.

Another excellent performance from these great people and this fabulous theatre – the standing ovation at the end affirming that quality. Treat yourselves to a ticket – a fabulous evening’s entertainment and supporting a brilliant venue at the same time.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Brassed Off is on until Saturday 12th July with tickets remaining for all shows priced between £16 and £18.50

For more information or to book tickets, visit thelittletheatre.co.uk