Wellington Repertory presents Brassed Off

Press release

WELLINGTON REPERTORY PRESENTS BRASSED OFF

Wellington Repertory Theatre presents Brassed Off, directed by Ewen Coleman, at the Gryphon Theatre from 19-29 October. Adapted for the stage by Paul Allen from the screenplay by Mark Herman, the production is not only highly entertaining and unique, featuring a brass band performing with the cast, but also timely and thought-provoking.

Thatcher’s reforms of the 1980s, which are the backdrop for Brassed Off, are never far from the spotlight as anti-globalisation sentiment around the world grows, and just last month the British Government announced an enquiry into the clash between South Yorkshire Police and picketing miners at Orgreave in 1984.

“Brassed Off captures the spirit of the miners and their families during those tumultous times, and provides an opportunity to reflect on the human cost of stuctural reforms and political machinations,” said Ewen Coleman, Director.

Set in a Yorkshire mining town threatened with the mine’s closure that will affect the lives of everyone in the community, Brassed Off follows the fortunes of a group of miners who are part of the Grimley Colliery Brass Band, portraying the difficulties of both personal and musical survival. Danny, the conductor of the band, has difficulty maintaining the morale of his musicians with the impending mine closures. When Gloria, a former resident of the town, returns to assess the mine, she gets involved with the band including her former flame, Andy, and joins them in their ultimately successful quest to triumph, against the odds, at the national championship at the Royal Albert Hall.

“We’ve been fortunate to be able to get into the spirit of the production by using the Wellington Brass Band’s bandroom as our rehearsal space, while they’ve been in the UK competing in the 2016 British Brass Band Open, alongside the Grimethorpe Colliery Band of today,” said Ewen Coleman.

The production has a cast of 18, including three children, plus a brass quintet playing live under the direction of Musical Director, Topher Clinch.

Wellington Repertory Theatre is the capital’s oldest community theatre, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. It stages several productions each year, providing opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved in theatre and for audiences to see popular plays they may not otherwise have the chance to see in Wellington.

Brassed Off runs from Wednesday 19 to Saturday 29 October (excluding Monday 24 October, and production times vary) at the Gryphon Theatre, Ghuznee Street, Wellington.

To book tickets, email bookings@wellingtonrepertory.org.nz, call 479 3393, or book online via www.wellingtonrepertory.org.nz/bookings. Tickets prices are $25 waged, $20 unwaged, $20 for pre-paid groups of 10 or more.

ENDS

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