Close the Coalhouse Door

Synopsis

A musical play celebrating the magnificent spirit of the North East, written by Alan Plater - one of the region's most celebrated playwrights. Close the Coalhouse Door is told with a wry smile, sparkling dialogue and moving songs by an extended family of wives, vicars, sons, daughters and of course the miners themselves.

Our Review:

19 April 2012

Northern Stage and Live Theatre have joined forces to present a revival of Alan Plater's hit play Close the Coalhouse Door.

First performed at the Flora Robson Theatre in 1968, the play has gone on to be performed over the years in many guises, this time round as a tour de force in acting, direction, comedy and musicianship.

Performed in true Brechtian fashion, the audience is distanced from the action on stage. You're made to think, to get angry, to get mad about the injustice of the character's situation, to get mad about the history of the politic, and the lies that continue to be told.

Yes this is real grass roots theatre, the type of theatre that was the main stay of an early Live Theatre. The production is directed by Samuel West, taking time off from a busy schedule as an actor. This is why the production works and benefits from an actor's knowledge and experience.

The company are so at ease with each other the scene...

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Latest User Review

Margaret Barlow - 26 May 2012:

I first saw this play in 1968 at the Flora Robson Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne whilst a student at the university. I have watched it again today at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and was once again overwhelmed by the whole experience. The new cast and production team have 'done it proud'. I would give it at least 10 out of 5....

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