Welsh mining drama Land of Our Fathers begins its English tour at Live Theatre in January 2016
Presented by Theatre503, Tara Finney Productions and Wales Millennium Centre
Written by Chris Urch
Directed by Paul Robinson
Critically-acclaimed play Land of Our Fathers, which follows six Welsh miners trapped down a mine, starts its English tour at Live Theatre, Newcastle in January.
With five performances over four days between Wednesday 27 and Saturday 30 January, including a Saturday matinee, this funny and deeply moving Welsh mining drama is packed full of blistering comedy and echoes a generation of lost voices.
It’s May 1979 in South Wales. Thatcher is county her votes, Sid Vicious is spinning in his grave and six Welsh miners are trapped down a coal mine. As the men await their rescue, secrets emerge and accusations fly. Within two weeks, everything they believe in and everything they know will have changed.
Max Roberts, Artistic Director, Live Theatre said:
“We are delighted to be the first venue on the English tour of Land of Our Fathers, after its success touring Welsh venues. The story of miners in the play will have a strong resonance here in the North East with our shared mining heritage, and with Live Theatre’s audiences after our success with plays such as The Pitmen Painters and Close the Coalhouse Door. It is a very powerful drama to start the 2016 season here at Live Theatre.”
Land of Our Fathers has been described by The Guardian as ‘undeniably powerful’ and The Times as ‘a high voltage production’.
Paul Robinson, Artistic Director of Theatre503 and Director, Land of our Fathers said:
“The response so far has been thrilling and we’re delighted to be bringing the production to some fantastic venues in England in the New Year. The story is so universal with characters that you can’t help but fall; in love with, and we hope the play will continue to bring laughs and tears as it continues its journey.”
Tara Finney, Co-producer, Land of our Fathers said:
“I am delighted to be taking Land of Our Fathers on tour, enabling more people around the country to see this beautiful play. I have no doubt it will continue to enthral people as we move from the Welsh to English venues.”
Original cast members Joshua Price (Llwyth/Tribe) and Taylor Jay-Davies (Great Expectations – West End, The Passion) reprise their roles as Mostyn and Chewy. They are joined by John Cording (Pobol Y Cwm, Da Vinci’s Demons), Tomos Eames (Pride, Resistance), Cornelius Booth (Pride & Prejudice) and Robert Jezek (The Bodyguard – West End).
Two free events will accompany the shows at Live Theatre. Meet The Cast takes place after the show on Thursday 28 January, when the audience can discuss the making of the play with the creative team and cast. A Post Show Discussion will take place on Saturday 30 January after the 2pm matinee, when Ian Lavery MP for Wansbeck and former President of the National Union of Mineworkers joins Max Roberts Artistic Director of Live Theatre to discuss issues raised in the play. Both events are free, but booking is essential.
For more information on Land of Our Fathers and to buy tickets costing between £22 to £12, over 60s concessions from £22 to £16 and other concessions £15 to £10 call Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or see www.live.org.uk.
Listings:
Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 January 2016
Land of Our Fathers
Presented by Theatre503, Tara Finney Productions and Wales Millennium Centre
Written by Chris Urch
Directed by Paul Robinson
3 May 1979, six Welsh miners are trapped underground as Thatcher is counting her votes.
Winner of Time Out Critics Choice & Fringe Show of the Year 2013
DATES: Wed 27 to Sat 30 Jan, 7.30pm
PERFORMANCES: Wed to Sat, 7.30pm
MATINEE: Sat 30 Jan, 2pm
LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx. 2hr 20mins (including interval)
SUITABILITY: 14+, contains some swearing
TICKETS: £22-£12, over 60s conc. £22-£16 other concs. £15-£10
Meet the Cast
Thursday 28 January, after 7.30pm show
Meet the cast and creative team to discuss the making of the play.
DATE: Thurs 28 Jan,
LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx. 40mins
SUITABILITY: 14+
TICKETS: Free, booking essential
Post Show Discussion
Saturday 30 January, after 2pm show
Ian Lavery MP for Wansbeck and former President of the National Union of Mineworkers joins Max Roberts, Live |Theatre’s Artistic Director to discuss the issues raised in the play.
DATE: Sat 30 Jan
LOCATION: Main Theatre
DURATION: Approx. 40mins
SUITABILITY: 14+
TICKETS: Free, booking essential