IT IS a show that few can resist, even someone with the experience of Peter Armitage.
Here’s the man who has acted, directed, written his own shows and generally worked with some of the best stage companies in the region. Oh, and when called on he’s a cracker of a compere too.
Brassed Off is the show that’s lured him back into the arms of his many friends at Marsden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, where he has long been valued for his skills as a director.
The society was so aware of the show’s success, both on stage and on film, that it took what for them was a gamble and extended the normal three night production to five.
And it has paid off.
There’s barely a seat left in the house for any of next week’s performances at Marsden Church Hall of what Peter says is a wonderful show but a difficult one.
It is certainly a challenge for any amateur society, both in terms of staging and in getting the people with the right skills on stage.
Set in a pit village at the height of the miners’ strikes and struggle against closures this black comedy became a hugely popular film and was greeted with similar enthusiasm when it was then put on stage.
Brass band music, with its roots in the communities that were under attack, made the emotion of the black comedy in Brassed Off all the more poignant. And you’ll hear that for yourself next week from Tuesday. If you’ve got a ticket!
Peter has gathered a strong team round him for next week’s performances, on stage and off.
His cast includes many faces which will be familiar to Colne Valley audiences; faces such as those of Robbie Pogson, Susan Gledhill, Holly Comber, Michael Hellawell, David Snooks and Alan Muskett.
Brass player Steve Henshall, a former Marsden Band player, has used his contacts in the banding world to put together enough players to provide the miners cum musicians at the heart of this story.
And if you wonder why this Marsden version of the band is called Hanson International Brass you don’t have far to look. Hanson International Music is a Marsden-based family company which makes instruments and also supports the local community.
“We’ve had to find instruments for all the players, as well as uniforms. Hanson have helped us out and we’ve hired some from Slaithwaite Band,” said Peter.
Rod Taylor, who conjures up magic annually to set the scene for the Avalanche Dodgers pantomime in Marsden, has done wonders creating a pit village.
“He is an amazing scene painter. The stuff he does for the Avalanche Dodgers is amazing. We’ve had people wanting to buy them,” said Peter
Marsden looks set for packed houses and an overdose of the feel-good factor.
