Cast far from Brassed Off as work on first in-house show in 40 years begins
For the first time in almost 40 years, the Grand Theatre will produce a full-scale show entirely in house – with actors and musicians working alongside the professionals.
The platform for the made-in-Wolverhampton production is Brassed Off, the heart-tugging story of colliery brass band in a northern village, where its coal mine is threatened with closure.
Theatre bosses have been busy recruiting home-grown talent for the show from amateur dramatic groups, as well as musicians to play in the band.
They will work alongside the show’s star Walsall-born Jeffrey Holland, playing band conductor Danny, and other professional cast members for the production’s 10-day run.
They include Christopher Connel who will play Phil, Miriam Grace Edwards, as Sandra, Ash Matthews, as Shane, Clara Darcyas, as Gloria, and Eddy Massarella who will play Andy.
Sharing the stage with them will be Black Country am-dram favourites Tim Jones as Harry, Greg Yates as Jim, Susie Wilcox as Vera and Donna Heaslip as Rita.
The role of youngster Craig will be shared among Henry Hart, Samuel Allen Cooper and Alexander Hogg.
Sharing the role of Melody will be Lydia Hart, Mollie Cotterill and Catherine Richmond-Maud. Theatre spokesman Scott Bird said: “Meeting our cast for the first time was a very special moment.
“We’re all working towards a new chapter in Grand Theatre history. The opportunity to produce our own drama production and have incredibly talented local actors and band members working with well-respected professional actors will no doubt create something very unique.”
Brassed Off centres on ex-miner Danny’s difficulty in keeping up the morale of his musicians, while the prospect of their jobs and way of life being threatened by the possibility the pit closures looms.
Danny has set his heart on winning a major national competition at the Royal Albert Hall and when a former resident, Gloria, returns to assess the mine, she becomes involves with the band and former boyfriend, Andy, joining them in their last hurrah on the London stage.
The parts were made famous in the 1996 film by Pete Postlethwaite, who played as Danny, with Tara Fitzgerald and Ewan McGregor providing the love interest.
The Grand’s production will be directed by Gareth Tudor Price, former artistic director of Hull Truck Theatre.
Set and costume design are by John Brooking while lighting design for the production is by Anthony Aston.
Brassed Off runs between August 23 and September 2. Tickets are now on sale and can be bought at the Box Office by calling 01902 429212 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk
