Ashington hit play may cross Atlantic

Posted by The Journal on Apr 24, 09 08:54 AM in News

Talks are under way to take the hit play The Pitmen Painters, which is set in Ashington, to America. If a deal is struck, it could open on Broadway alongside the musical Billy Elliot, making it a triumphant twosome for Newcastle-born playwright Lee Hall.

Yesterday Lee said it was "very likely" that the play would open in America.

The Pitmen Painters, by Lee Hall

"We can't say anything officially but we are in serious talks with a Broadway producer about taking it to New York next spring," he said.

Billy Elliot has been a great success on Broadway and is also still running in London's West End. Having been nominated for an Oscar for the original film version of Billy Elliot, Lee is also highly respected across the Atlantic.

The Pitmen Painters was commissioned by Live Theatre, Newcastle, to reopen the Newcastle Quayside venue after a major refurbishment.

The play was inspired by the real life achievements of the Ashington men who, between the wars, attended Workers' Educational Association art evening classes and became accomplished painters, documenting local life.

Lee read their story in a book by William Feaver, one-time art critic of The Journal, and was moved by it. Many thousands more have been moved by the play.

After two sell-out runs in Newcastle, it transferred to the National Theatre in London, opening in the studio theatre and then moving into a 900-seat auditorium.

The second National Theatre run ended last week with cast members exhilarated by the experience.

Michael Hodgson, who lives in Newcastle, said: "It was absolutely wonderful. I can honestly say that we only ever performed to capacity audiences.

"Actually, we did once perform to 52% but that was when there was heavy snow in February and most of the theatres in the West End were shut. Everyone seemed to get everything about the play and people were very, very appreciative."

Chris Connel, also based in Newcastle, said Prime Minister Gordon Brown came to see it one night and also lots of actors, including Richard Gere and Gillian Anderson from The X Files.

"She left a letter saying how much she enjoyed the show - and I've got it!" The line yesterday from the National Theatre and Live Theatre was that talks are still under way.

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