The Pitmen Painters

The Pitmen Painters

Audiences in the West End will finally be treated to “The Pitmen Painters” at the Duchess Theatre this Autumn as the production returns to London after two years away. The show was previously witnessed at the National Theatre in 2009 and clearly left enough of an impression for a jaunt in Theatreland, where audiences will get a glimpse at the lives of the real-life Ashington miners, who became successful in the art world in the 1930s.

It is also an opportunity to witness another production from “Lee Hall”, who is best known for “Billy Elliot the Musical” at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Hall is one of the best known writers and playwrights in the United Kingdom and whilst his best known work remains “Billy Elliot” (he wrote both the film version from 2000 and the musical version in the West End), he has also been behind a wealth of other shows for the stage and screen. “Cooking with Elvis” and “I Luv You Jimmy Spud” are two of his previous stage productions, whilst he also co-wrote the 2005 movie of “Pride and Prejudice” and the television adaptation of “Toast”. So his work is wide-reaching, making “The Pitmen Painters” a welcome addition to the London theatre scene.

The plot of “The Pitmen Painters”, taken from the novel by William Feaver (which itself is based on real events), tells of a group of miners in 1934 Ashington.  Deciding to broaden their horizons they hire Robert Lyons, an art teacher, to provide art appreciation classes in the evening. Pretty soon they give it a try themselves and they soon make a big impression with their work in the art community. Eventually their work is held up alongside the best in the art world as part of some prestigious collections, but they must ultimately decide what they want in life and where they want to call home.

Previously, “The Pitmen Painters” has been seen in various locations, from the Live Theatre in Newcastle to the Lyttelton National Theatre, plus numerous other venues around the UK on a national tour. Following last year’s appearance on Broadway the next step is another national tour in this country, following autumn’s arrival in the West End.

“The Pitmen Painters” arrives at the Duchess Theatre from Tuesday 11th October 2011 (with previews from Wednesday 5th October 2011).

Venue Information and Directions

Duchess Theatre
Catherine Street
London
WC2B 5LA

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden and exit into the piazza. The theatre is approximately 10 minutes walk.