NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film “Billy Elliot†was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, “The Pitmen Painters†is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930’s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who’s on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group’s chairman, for their “mangling†of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver’s refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners’ paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening’s entertainment. Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
Reviews of The Pitmen Painters
NODA Review
As one would expect from the pen of the celebrated playwright Lee Hall, whose acclaimed play and film "Billy Elliot" was also set in the coalmines of Northumberland, "The Pitmen Painters" is a delightfully entertaining true story about a group of miners at Ashington Colliery, who decide to join an Art Appreciation evening class, with surprising results. But this was also a play about attitudes of class and the nature of art and its accessibility to the working classes that prevailed in England in the 1930s, which was brought to the fore by the cleverly written script and provided some very thought-provoking moments.
As some light relief from their daily grind of working long hours down the pit, miners Oliver Kilbourn (Connor Hughes) and Jimmy Floyd (Mike Clarke) embark on an Art Appreciation evening class, organised by George Brown (Jem Deans), the trade union and local WEA representative. They are joined by Harry Wilson (Stuart Handysides), the local dentist and an unnamed young lad (Ollie Robinson), who's on the dole. Initially Robert Lyon (Mark Edwards), the tutor hired from Newcastle University, uses slides to illustrate his talk about paintings by the great Masters, but the miners are unimpressed, having never visited an art gallery, although they are anxious to learn about what art means. So Robert Lyon hits on the idea of encouraging the men to produce their own works of art! This has varying degrees of success, and in time leads to them being recognised by some of the influential Art collectors of the time, including Helen Sutherland (Penny Deans), who arranges for their pictures to be included in important Art exhibitions around the country including London. Recognising the natural talent that young Oliver Kilbourn has as an artist, Helen Sutherland attempts to persuade him to become a full-time artist, offering him a stipend equal to that he earns at the pit. But his meeting with Ben Nicholson, a member of the celebrated St. Ives School of Painters and close associate of Helen, leads Oliver to question whether he should embrace this new opportunity, and leave his working class background behind, but his family roots and the comradeship between his mining pals prove too strong to let go.
Despite the apology expressed in his welcome by Jem Deans, the group's chairman, for their "mangling" of the Geordie accent, Connor Hughes, Jem Deans, Mike Clarke, Stuart Handysides and Mark Edwards had all perfected a pretty good representation of the dialect! Sue Clarke, as Director, ensured they took every opportunity to use the many funny lines to good effect, particularly in Act 1, with great interaction between the characters. The standard of acting was exemplary and I must especially commend Mike Clarke, who at the last moment had agreed to take on the dual role of Jimmy Floyd and Ben Nicholson and played both such contracting characters, with passion and conviction, to full effect. Well done! Penny Dean well portrayed the bountiful P & O Shipping Line heiress; her disappointment at Oliver's refusal to take up her offer quite convincing, whilst Molly Connolly gave a good and sparky performance as Susan Parks, the model engaged by Richard Lyon for a life class!!
The simple set of a typically run down and sparsely furnished room within the local community hall, complete with coal fired stove, was the background for the entire play, with the use of projected backdrops and minimal props to depict the various locations, including the home and garden of Helen Sutherland, which all worked well. This medium was also used to project the miners' paintings during the evening class sessions, enabling the audience to also appreciate them, as they are being discussed by Richard Lyon, the tutor, and his students.
Suitable lighting and sound effects and costumes all added to a very enjoyable and engaging evening's entertainment.
Thank you, Much Hadham Drama Group, for another memorable performance.
Review published in the Much Hadham Parish Newsletter:
Since April 1992 The Much Hadham Drama Group has been producing entertainment that other places must envy. Sue Clarke oversaw their latest offering, The Pitmen Painters by Lee Hall, and an excellent evening she gave us.
This play was based on real events of the 1930/40’s. It told the story of a group of Northumberland miners who, having hired an Art Appreciation Teacher through the Workers’ Education Association, against all odds went on to become acclaimed artists themselves.
It was great to see some new faces on the stage and to note how very well they acquitted themselves. Connor Hughes held us gripped with his portrayal of Oliver Kilbourn and it was good to see the way he made his character grow as the story unfolded. Ollie Robinson as Young Lad showed a natural flare. His swagger, coupled with lack of confidence, made the character totally credible. Stuart Handysides (Harry Wilson) and Mark Edwards (Robert Lyon) also put on very good performances and along with all the other cast members, managed convincing Northumberland accents throughout. (This must have required great dedication and it certainly paid off.) Mike Clarke’s portrayal of the angriest miner of the group, Jimmy Floyd, was splendid (and a tour de force considering that he took over the part at virtually no notice). We all loved Molly Connolly’s sunny characterisation of the art class’s life model, Susan Parks. No doubt she was wearing something but from the audience she looked convincingly nude!
I have no idea of the experience of this new gang, but they avoided the pitfalls of the inexperienced by keeping their performances real and understated. Each character was carefully drawn and totally convincing. I hope we will see more of them in the future.
Bringing experience to the production were Jem and Penny Deans (George Brown and Helen Sutherland), both of whom fulfilled their roles with the competence we have learned to expect from them.
The projected images with appropriate music that linked the various scenes were an excellent touch.
Our thanks are due to all on the Production Team, Cast and of course to the Director, Sue Clarke. The Pitmen Painters was another real achievement for our local Group.
Review written by Sandra McAdam