Musical mines a rich seam

A musical play which tells of a mining community’s fight to save its coal industry is being staged at the Gulbenkian on Friday, October 28.

Called COAL, it is the story of the unbreakable spirit of working class men and their families, which critics have called “emotional dynamite”.

It commemorates the 30th anniversary of the miners’ strike and reflects awardwinning choreographer Gary Clarke’s own experience of growing up in the Yorkshire coalfields.

He said: “COAL is a direct response to my upbringing in the working class mining village of Grimethorpe.

“It is an attempt at keeping the memories of the mining industry alive - an industry that I believe shaped the fabric of our society and how we live our lives today.”

Providing the distinctive voice of Margaret Thatcher is actor Steve Nallon, known for his many performances as the Prime Minister in TV satirical comedy hit Spitting Image.

The performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 (students and under-16s £8.50) on 01227 769075 or at www.thegulbenkian.co.uk.

A scene from COAL