“Brassed Off” by Nods Theatre Company
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton

Based in Ockbrook, Derbyshire, this is the first time that I have seen anything from Nods Theatre Company and their 100th production, Nods actually stands for New Ockbrook Drama Society.

1994 and the miners are on strike as the local colliery faces closure.

Danny's dreams of leading the pit's brass band to victory at a national competition at the Albert Hall seem remote as the men choose between picket lines and redundancy packages, there’s not even enough money for the band’s subs. But when Flugelhorn-playing Gloria returns to her home town the band get their oompah back and romance is rekindled with her childhood sweetheart Andy. But what is the real reason for Gloria's return?

This is such a heart-warming story of community spirit, family and passion, one that really has you rooting for the characters.

This cast has gelled well and I love the way that they have not only brought out the hard-nosed bluntness of the Yorkshire people but also the faithful love that the pairs in the play show so obviously have for each other.

The main cast are Ray Harrison (Phil), Alan Hough (Jim), Jonathan Wolff (Harry), Jo Homer (Vera), Heather Reid (Rita), Tim Fryzer-Smith (Andy), Hazel Whaley (Gloria), Brian Meese (Danny), Joel saniford (Shane), Ellie Homer (Kylie) and Freya Slater (Melody). Liz popple, Ian McHugh, Gwen Murray and Owen Anthony make up the ensemble.

Although the whole cast were great, I had my favourites.Ray and Sharon worked so well together as the husband and wife having big money issues. the pit closures and strike really put the pressure on, and showed through their characters actions, which although I have seen the play several times, still have the ability to cause concern and sadness.

Hazel is ballsy, and I am not sure if she was playing that flugelhorn for real - it sure looked like she was, and I only say that because I know that some of the cast don't actually play their instruments - no spoiler I'm sure. She sure convinced me.

Joel, as Shane, Phil and Sandra's son, as well as the narrator, was such a relaxed and confident young man, big for an eight and a half year old, but some licence has to be taken. He really impressed me because of his enthusiasm and zeal. and not the easiest of roles for a younger actor, as he is also the glue that moves the story on, well you do as narrator don't you.?

Brian though as Danny was just wonderful and an excellent example of how to be a character actor. He completely got under the skin of Danny and from passion to pathos, he drew me in with his performance and made me believe in Danny without seeing Brian the actor.

Directed by Jane Hough, there were a couple of times that it could have been tightened up to make the flow better, but I'm becoming picky again as i am sure that the rest of the audience would not have noticed a bare stage for a few seconds. i do know though that being a director is like having a baby, you spend so long growing the production to make it as perfect as you can, but then comes opening night and you let your baby into the world and you no longer have the same rein hold. That said, i think Jane did an absolute cracking job.

Being a big fan of accents, i did notice that some actors may not have quite mastered the Yorkshire accent as well as some of the others, but it is not the easiest to do by any stretch of the imagination, so well done to all.

The set was minimal, but it is the characters personalities that drag you in, not big scenery. What there was, designed by David Bloodworth, created just the right effect and also separated the scenes. There was also a ramp from the stage into the auditorium which expanded the performance area for the cast and this, as well as other parts of the room were also used well and to their advantage. An inspired decision by Director Jane.

Sound and lighting (Alistair Ruddle) also helped to split the scenes and created focus on staged areas.

And then of course there is the band. The Newhall Band sounded beautiful in the Duchess; the acoustics are so good with music like this, and band members Vicki Kennedy, Calvin Hayton, Jo Priestley, Glyn Jones, John Warner, Mike Allcock, Kevin Holdgate, Adam Hawkins and Phil Baggaleybrought a lovely atmospheric feel to the whole play.

Nods are also collecting for their chosen charity, The Aplastic Anaemia Trust, throughout the week at the theatre.

For those not aware of the play, there is bad language, scenes of distress and semi nudity involved.

“Brassed Off” is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 6 April.