Reader Reviews
The Pitmen Painters (Lyttelton (National Theatre), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Lee Hall's The Pitmen Painters is very similar ti Billy Elliott except this time adult miners use art as a means of self-fulfillment rather than a career. I suspect this is a highly romanticised version of the actual story. Obviously things were different in the thirties but it is absurd to argue that the arts are still reserved forthe elite and Hall's belief that "common ownership", ie nationalisation should have brought about a socialist utopia demonstrates a refusal to accept the lessons oh post-war history. Despite the polemic the play is extremely funny as the miners and their art appreciation tutor struggle to find a common language and allows the miners to express varying arguments about the nature of a wide range of artistic styles. - David | 12 Mar 09 |
| I agree that the final scene dripped with sentimentality, but I did not think it spoiled what had gone before. The director has done well to transfer the play from the small Cottesloe to the massive Lyttleton without losing its sense of intimacy. This is a fine ensemble piece in which all the actors take equal credit. It is both moving and funny, and also provides a debate about art and what it is for, and, more important, who it is for. Whoever goes to see the play should also make a point of seeing the exhibition of paintings by members of the Ashington Group, showing in the circle foyer of the Lyttleton, and should, I think take special note of the small sculpture by Harry Wilson of a miner erecting a pit prop - it is spectacular. - sc | 12 Feb 09 |
| an absorbing debate about the nature of art, comic and touching in equal measure, with a rich political undertow that is far more measured than it was in Billy Elliot - right through until the final scene, when Lee Hall's judgement flies out of the window and the audience is subjected to five minutes of hectoring that undoes all the good work of the previous three hours. Wonderful acting from this well established ensemble, especially from Christopher Connel, and it is staged with fabulous simplicity - Job | 29 Jan 09 |
| If you liked Billy Idiot you'll love this. God forbid Elton John sees it and turns it into another musical. Badly written preachy TV script which will win every award going and be a huge popular success. The acting is pretty good though. - joesmith | 26 Jan 09 |
