by Jeannie Jordan

Jack Greatorex, a retired colliery deputy has never understood why his son, Paul, came out with the other 11 at Cadley Hill colliery in 1984.  The inflamed hotheads trampled all over the NUM’s golden rule, no 41, to ballot the membership before taking any strike; his union, the National Association of Colliery Officials, Deputies and Shot-firers, at least observed those rules and had a vote but then took no notice of the majority and went back to work!

 

Paul’s return to his estranged father for his mother’s funeral ignites the argument of the past 30 years as they relive those tumultuous 12 months.  Paul did what he though was best to preserve the future of his family, his community, his industry and was damned because of it – and would have equally condemned himself if he had not taken action.

 

Reviews

“The simple, yet effective, set designed by Barry Brown makes terrific use of a small room at the community venue, and clever projections and sound transports the audience from Jack’s tiny miner’s cottage to the picket line with ease.” Amanda Penman reviewed the play for Arts Beat. You can read the full review by clicking on the link: here.

“Overall, this production was again another great piece of work from Marde Hen Productions. They clearly have a knack for creating really unique and original pieces that are a joy to watch.” Duncan Leech reviewed the play for Playhouse Musings. You can read the full review by click on the link: here

“This was a very thought provoking, intense and moving piece of theatre brought to life by a very talented cast. Congratulations must go to Director/Writer Jeannie Jordan, to Producer Stephen Lee Rees and especially to Marde Hen Productions for giving support and backing to the work of new writers.”  Joyce Handbury reviewed the play for NODA. You can read the full review by clicking on the link: here.

Cast List 2016

Wayne Parkin as Paul Greatorex

Alex Wrampling as Linda Greatorex

Jane Robertson as Sylvia Greatorex

Neil Winfield as Jack Greatorex

Mark Poole as Irvine Beardsmore

Martin Weston as Eric Armstrong

Mark Wilde as Sgt. Danny Craven & Honky Tonk

with

Marie Stone as Voice1, DHSS Official, Police 1, Woman 2 & Interviewer 1

Rebecca Bagnall as Voice 2, Old Lady, Police 2, Woman 1 & Interviewer 2

Sophie Mander as Woman on picket line, Student & Sandra

Andrew Barlow as a Striker on the picket line

 

Cast List 2017

Richard Buxton as Paul Greatorex

Holly Hauri as Linda Greatorex

Catherine Dolan as Sylvia Greatorex

Ron Frost as Jack Greatorex

Mark Poole as Irvine Beardsmore

Martin Weston as Eric Armstrong

Mark Wilde as Sgt. Danny Craven & Honky Tonk

with

Elaine Sellors as Voice1, DHSS Official, Police 1, Old Lady & Interviewer 1

Pauline Revell as Voice 2, Police 2 & Interviewer 2

 

(Poster for 2017 Production)

(Poster for 2016 Production)