It’s 1994 and the tight-knit mining community of Grimley, Yorkshire, are fighting to keep their colliery open. Meanwhile, revered band leader, Danny, battles to keep his dispirited band of brass-playing miners together with the dream of qualifying for the National Championships at London’s Albert Hall. When the uncertainty around the pit’s future becomes too much for the band members, loyalty is tested, pressure mounts and the community begins to break apart. With their whole way of life at stake, can the band find a way to play on?

A talented company of 10 actors including several actor-musicians make up the cast for this new production full of grit, heart and northern humour.

The cast features: Daneka Etchells (The Real And Imagined History of the Elephant Man - Nottingham Playhouse/UK Tour, Titus Andronicus - Shakespeare’s Globe); Maxine Finch (Maggie May - Leeds Playhouse, LIT - HighTide); Joey Hickman (Brassed Off - Aberystwyth Arts, Brief Encounter - Theatre by the Lake/Stephen Joseph Theatre/Octagon Theatre Bolton); Joanna Holden (Pinnochio - Hull Truck Theatre, Lets Build - Polka Theatre/Bologna Festival); Matt Ian Kelly (What's Wrong with Angry - Oval House/BAC, I Am Star Trek - Hackney Empire); Greg Patmore (On The Night - Falling Pennies/Arcola, Educating Rita - Contexture Theatre); Russell Richardson (The Book of Will - Shakespeare North Playhouse/Octagon Theatre Bolton); Barney Taylor (The Unfriend - Playful Productions/Criterion, Henry V - Antic Disposition / Tour); Andrew Turner (Every Brilliant Thing - Theatre By The Lake, I Think We Are Alone - Frantic Assembly); Hannah Woodward (Dick Whittington and Sleeping Beauty - Queen’s, Hornchurch, The Wizard of Oz - Hartlepool Town Hall).

Brassed Off Director, Liz Stevenson (A Little Princess, Every Brilliant Thing - Theatre by the Lake), said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate once more with our co-producers Octagon Theatre Bolton and Stephen Joseph Theatre on this dynamic in-the-round production. It is a timely moment to present this iconic play, 30 years after the 1984 miners strike. Our production looks back on the battles of this close-knit mining community, asking, what has changed? And what does this play mean to us today? We have assembled an incredible team to make this show and we're excited to be working with the Penrith Town Band, to weave live brass music throughout the show to deliver a moving theatrical experience that celebrates the resilience of communities and the transformative power of music."

Penrith Town Band Chair, Michael Lawler added: "It's a great honour for members of the Penrith Town Band to participate in Brassed Off for its run at Theatre by the Lake. The powerful story of the play has a special place in the hearts of most brass-band enthusiasts, and our players are really looking forward to performing the emotive music which is central to this exciting production. 2024 is shaping up to be the busiest year ever for Penrith Town Band. Among our many engagements, we're especially excited about our debut at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, marking a significant milestone in our 130-year history."

The creative team includes: Simon Kenny (Set and Costume Designer); Matthew Malone (Musical Supervisor, arrangements and additional compositions); Johanna Town (Lighting Designer); Russell Ditchfield (Sound Designer); Chi San Howard (Movement Director); Alice Roberts (Costume Supervisor); Callum Berridge (Associate Director).

Tickets are on-sale now. Accessible performances are available including Audio Described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and Relaxed. 

Find out more and book tickets by visiting the Theatre by the Lake website at theatrebythelake.com or calling the box office on 01768 774411.