Just seen “The Pitman Papers” by Lee Hall who wrote “Billy Elliot”, at the Richmond Theatre. It was absolutely brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very quick, dramatic and witty. Loved the group of men. They all played their stereotypical roles very well and worked seamlessly together.
What a great, almost true story. A group of very ordinary, uneducated pitmen with harsh and brutal histories became inspired by art. Their journey is hilarious as they move on from a clueless disdain “what do you mean by the meaning?” for what art is and what constitutes a “blob” to being a group feted by some of the most important artists of their time. Encouraged to start reading art books one of them retorts that there are no books in Ashington “so unless you’re interested in wippets and leeks you’re pretty much stuffed”.
The set was simple and dramatic – I loved the scene changes.
I believe the play is going to be back at the National later on in the year.
john
July 14, 2011The play is already booking. It is at the Duchess later in the year.