Derby Theatre—formerly Derby Playhouse—is celebrating 40 years since it opened with a gala performance of its big autumn production: Paul Allen’s adaptation of the hit film Brassed Off.
The theatre’s general manager Gary Johnson said, “Brassed Off is the perfect show to celebrate the occasion: a big-hearted, rousing production full of heart and humour, which we’re confident will be a huge hit.
“Every penny from the event will go towards our work within the community. This special gala event will celebrate 40 years of the theatre being at its current site and the arts thriving within our city, and we sincerely hope our audiences will want to come and celebrate this landmark occasion with us.”
Brassed Off is set in 1992 when miners are striking as their colliery faces closure. The band’s conductor dreams of leading the pit’s brass band to victory at a national competition at the Albert Hall. But that seems remote as the men choose between picket lines and redundancy packages.
As previously announced, Garry Cooper plays conductor Danny, Jimmy Fairhurst plays Phil and Adam Horvath, the first recipient of the Brian Weaver Fellowship Award—which provides an aspiring actor with professional, paid work at Derby Theatre—is Andy.
The cast also includes Adam Horvath’s Fellowship successor Jake Waring, Jo Mousley, Lisa Allen, Kate Wood, Darren Bancroft, Derbyshire-based Howard Chadwick and Seren Sandham-Davies.
Joining the professional cast will be a group of young actors, who will perform key roles in the production in three teams of three on a rotational basis, and brass band Derwent Brass.
During the run, audiences and visitors will be able to view an exhibition of archive materials including photographs from past productions.
Brassed Off runs at Derby Theatre from Friday 18 September until Saturday 10 October. The gala performance will be on Tuesday 22 September.