Brassed Off

Melville Theatre’s Brassed Off is a unique production, with Melville Theatre Company working with Challenge Brass Band, under the leadership of Blake Seglar, to provide the brass band of the story. Sitting nicely in accidental repertory with Koorliny’s Billy Elliot, which covers similar theme, this is a strong production whose reputation has preceded it, with the production largely sold out before it opened.

Playing on a striking set, by Vanessa Jensen, featuring a mining pinwheel designed by David Cotgreave and realised by David with Gary Wetherilt, this striking image is beautifully lit from a design by Lars Jensen throughout. Costumes by Michelle Sharp are well chosen for the area, character and time and include some very striking band uniforms.

The show is narrated by Shane, the 8-year-old son of miner Phil, and grandson of band leader Danny. Played by young adult actor Mark Schaap in an impressive community theatre debut, he anchors the show beautifully. The generational line is continued with Jamie Lea, sporting a genuine Yorkshire accent and making an excellent Australian debut, while David Cotgreave plays patriarch Danny with depth and heart.

Louise Fishwick gives us Sandra, a miner’s wife at her wits end, with whom we can easily sympathise, with Suzannah Churchman as Vera and Susan Lynch also creating strong Northern women.

Lovely camaraderie between the miner/band members with strong and convincing performances from Nigel Goodwin as Harry, Peter Neaves as Jim and Christopher Steicke as Andy. Michelle Ezzy as Gloria is a breath of fresh air as a new band member, who also happens to work in management. Great musical miming from these performers.

It is difficult to mention everyone in such a large cast, but the quality of the ensemble was outstanding, with excellent actors in cameos and walk-on roles. Commitment to storytelling was outstanding, with direction and performance showing intelligence and understanding.

Beautifully and thoughtfully acted throughout, the standard of performance is matched by the excellent work of Challenge Brass Band, seated in the auditorium to stage right. The sound balance is great.

A fine production that deserves its capacity crowds, it is well worth joining waiting lists to try to get tickets

Kimberley Shaw