Wingates Band are pleased to announce that we will be partaking in the production of Brassed Off at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, alongside Eagley Band.
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?
Wingates band member Laura Hounsome said: “We are delighted to be invited back to
work with the Octagon to perform ‘Brassed Off’. The show depicts so many gritty, funny and
emotive themes of British and banding history and community, with scenes backdropping the
Whit Friday March Contests, and National Championships (of which Wingates has won four
times in our history) still being annual highlights of the banding calendar. The music is
hugely enjoyable to play and listen to and it is a privilege to be able to come and bring this
play to life. Our players are looking forward to starting rehearsals for this iconic show!”
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 ; Maxine Finch; Joey Hickman; Joanna Holden; Matt Ian Kelly ; Greg Patmore; Russell Richardson; Barney Taylor; Andrew Turner; Hannah Woodward).
Brassed Off Director, Liz Stevenson, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate once more with our co-producers OctagonTheatre 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 local brass bands, 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.”
Brassed Off plays at the Octagon Theatre Bolton Thu 5 – Sat 28 September.
Tickets start from £15 and are on-sale now.
Find out more and book tickets via the Octagon Box Office on 01204 520661 or at
octagonbolton.co.uk