A new, powerful, musical drama set in an abandoned pit village in County Durham spanning the 1970’s-1980’s. Based on actual stories, told verbatim, encompassing the trials of generations living with the effect of economic abandonment after the pits close and the changing of ingrained roles within families living with the repercussions of the death of an established community.

Portraying the often tumultuous journeys of those marginalised by a traditional community as they endeavour to achieve their dreams, whilst highlighting the resolve of the matriarchs that demand “It’s time… for a transformation!”

Funded by the Art’s Council England,”Coal Faces”,with original music and lyrics by Jo Collins,co-founder of the internationally acclaimed ‘Chickenshed Theatre Company’

 is set to tour County Durham this October. Written and Directed by local born Andrew Golightly, who transferred the memories of local residents into a unique narrative recounting the stories “ a lot of families don’t talk about” Confronting issues of domestic violence, alcoholism, prejudice, mental health…love, tragedy, laughter, heart, “the fear of not being able to provide” and “the sheer bloody-mindness that got people through it. I wanted to put all of that on stage!”

Early feedback from the rehearsed reading in March, registers ‘...audiences, being genuinely moved by a story that needs to be told…”