Rich seam of talent is mined for Coal sequel
The demise of mining communities up and down the country is marked in a new production which will be at Stirling’s Macrobert Arts Centre this spring.
And the Macrobert and Gary Clarke Company (GCC) are on the lookout for four non-professional singers aged 40 and over to play four pit men in ‘Wasteland’ when GCC return to Stirling on March 18 and 19.
It is a unique opportunity for local performers to make their contribution to this acclaimed production, the sequel to the hugely successful ‘Coal’ which toured the UK in 2017.
In 1994, hundreds of coal miners hung up their pit boots as coal mines all over the country were destroyed along with the tight knit working class communities that surrounded them.
This thrilling yet deeply touching new production from acclaimed British choreographer Gary Clarke takes a close look at how two different generations coped in an era of radical upheaval.
“Our MT groups are growing steadily thanks to our wonderful MPAS tutors and we’d like to encourage more new members to join us.
“It’s a terrific opportunity for our
Neil Abdy, who grew up in the mining community of South Yorkshire and whose father was a miner, was one of the team of volunteers who took part in a special preview at CAST in Doncaster in 2018.
He said: “Being given the opportunity to be part of this excellent work was unbelievable. Everyone made us feel special and the friendship and camaraderie was excellent.
“I have a new spring in my step. If you have the opportunity to take part, definitely give it a go.
“It’s one of the best experiences you will ever have working with this wonderful team.”
Anyone interested in getting involved should be aged over 40 and have experience of singing in a group setting or community choir to play the role of ex-coal miners. No professional experience is necessary, but applicants should have experience of learning songs from memory and singing in unison.
The role will also involve some moving on and around the stage and interacting with other members of the company.
Singers will be supported throughout the process by musical director Steven Roberts, assistant musical director Charlie Rhodes, choreographer and artistic director Gary Clarke and company associate Alistair Goldsmith, working with everyone’s individual needs and abilities.
Music and tracks will be provided four weeks in advance of the choir intensive rehearsals, where participants will work directly with the company to learn the show.
Each participant will also receive a food and travel allowance to help cover the cost of rehearsals and performances.
Anyone interested in taking up this opportunity can find more details on the Macrobert Arts
Centre website: macrobertartscentre.org or email engagementgcc@gmail.com.