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Review- Brassed Off

September 6, 2008

Venue: Oldham Coliseum
Date reviewed: 6th September, 2008

star

Oldham Coliseum can always be relied upon to provide a solid and gratifying evenings entertainment and their production of Brassed Off based on the 1996 film is yet another example of their commitment to decent, down-to-earth entertainment.

Set against the backdrop of the destruction of the coal mining industry by the Conservative government during the 1980’s and early 90’s, the story concentrates on the members of Grimley Colliery Band and their families whose pit is on the brink of suffering the same fate as many others. On a wider scale the story also serves as a gritty reflection of the suffering and hopelessness felt by many similar communities as the mines were shut, jobs were lost and communities demolished.

This is not a direct screen to stage adaptation. Adaptor Paul Allen has taken the film script and cleverly streamlined the characters and modified plot elements to create a theatrical presentation that feels like it belongs on the stage, yet retaining the defining elements of the movie. Chief amongst these is the music provided at press night by the enthusiastic Dobcross Silver Band. This meets with mixed success as some pieces of music sound slightly under-rehearsed. However, their performance of “Danny Boy” follows in the footsteps of the film version and is a major highlight of the evening.

Leading the cast is Eric Potts as band leader Danny whose passion for music and the future of the band is evident from the outset. His relationship with his son Phil, played superbly by Stuart Wade, is beautifully portrayed and the moment when Phil hits rock bottom and Danny gives simple comfort is tremendously moving.

Emma Gregory works well as Phil’s wife, successfully portraying a woman frustrated with her situation in life but desperate to keep her family together. Also excellent is Phil Rowson as lovelorn Andy who falls for the charms of outsider Gloria played by Clara Darcy who not only acts very well but also actually plays the flugelhorn with real precision, almost stealing the show early on with a solo performance of Rodrigo’s Concerto D`Aranjuez.

Richard Foxton’s set is practical and effective although I feel a greater variety of change is needed to differentiate between locations. Nevertheless director Kevin Shaw makes good use of the space available to him and ensures the action moves on at a reasonable pace. However, some scene changes could still do with being a little speedier.

Overall, I found this production hugely entertaining and judging by the ecstatic reception from the capacity crowd, Brassed Off is a winner!

-Malcolm Wallace

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