“Wonderland” by Beth Steel
Nottingham Playhouse

The Midlands, 1984. Two young lads are about to learn what it is to be a miner, to be accepted into the close camaraderie and initiated into a unique workplace where sweat, toil, collapsing roofs and explosions are all to be met with bawdy humour.

London, 1984. A conflicted Tory MP, a brash American CEO, known as “The Butcher”, and an eccentric maverick are the face of a radical Conservative government preparing to do battle with the most powerful workforce, the miners.

As the two sides clash, the miners fight for their livelihoods and families, and the government for its vision of a free Britain. Together they change the fabric of the nation forever.

This play was first performed in Nottingham at the start of last year, and such was the success at that time, it’s been brought back, and let’s face it, Nottingham is a mining city and for some, those old 1980’s wounds are still being picked at, which is why this play is as popular as it is.

Writer Beth Steel knows what she is writing about as she is the daughter of a Nottinghamshire miner so she is able to inject warmth, honesty, passion and a first-hand knowledge of the situation. As the son of a Nottingham miner, I was regaled with tales of what happened down on the pit face and the possible hazards of working the seam plus what strike action really entails, so I know that what you see on stage is based on fact.

The play holds a lot of passion as the characters stand up for what they believe in, often sacrificing their home comforts, being reduced to begging for food and money to live and hold their families together. It also shows the brotherhood they share and the humour that binds them together, at times retaining their sanity.

The set is impressive and you get the claustrophobic feel of being deep underground, designed by Morgan Large.

Set in the Welbeck area of Mansfield, the vocal coach Kay Welch has worked magic, as we all know that this area of the country isn't an easy accent to do and get right.

The excellent cast are, Jack Quarton (Fanny). John Booker (Malcolm), Karl Haynes (Bobbo), Paul Kemp (Peter Walker), Nicholas Shaw (Spud), Giles Taylor (David Hart/Mr Bishop/ Chief of Metropolitan Police), William Travis (Colonol), Robin Bowerman (Ian McGregor), Geff Francis (Tilsley/Nicholas Ridley/Milton Friedman/Security Guard and the Chief of Metropolitan Police) and Joshua Glenister (Jimmy).

There are parts which include sections of contemporary dance and song which, may not be the sort of thing that miners did down t'pit but it adds an extra layer to a wonderful piece of theatre which depicts an important part of British history.

There is also quite a bit of swearing and some nudity, but both these aspects reflect a typical day in any miner's working day. It's gritty but real.

Directed by Adam Penford, and back in February 2018, this was Adam’s Directorial debut at The Playhouse, and like a fine wine the play, and Adam’s Directing has matured nicely.

Lighting Designer Jack Knowles creates that suffocating atmosphere perfectly with his lighting design

“Wonderland” is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 23 February 2019.