Review: Band of Hope and Glory - Brassed Off at the Bolton Octagon

A Performance of a Beloved Classic that Hit All the Right Notes

“It’s not a trumpet - it’s a bloody euphonium!”

As this iconic line rang out at the Bolton Octagon, a smile crept across my face. For many, it’s just a witty moment synonymous with the film and production of ‘Brassed Off’ ,but for brass banders, it strikes a deeper chord. This line is a microcosm of what it’s like to be a bander, as it sometimes feels like we live in a separate world with our own quirks, humour and challenges. For me personally - well you can guess why hearing this line always provides me with a little extra joy compared to most!

Watching a production that tells a story of a community to which you belong adds a whole deeper layer and this production really hit all the right notes with me - both from production value and from an emotional perspective as a bander myself. A higher compliment to the cast, creative and musicians within this production isn’t possible. 

The Heart of the Story

The theme of community and camaraderie in the face of social, political and economical struggle that forms the heart of this story, still resonates deeply almost 30 years on from Mark Herman’s original film.  Behind the clever wit and humour, the storyline is dark and gritty and this production, directed by Liz Stevenson, delivered the emotional blows with well-crafted pathos and multi-faceted performances from the small, but incredibly talented cast. 

The production also captured the close-knit and resilient spirit of brass bands, with the members of Wingates Band being integrated within the cast of actors during the banding scenes. Their natural camaraderie and stunning musical performances really brought this production to life - more on that shortly. 

Staging and Design

The Octagon Theatre in Bolton is a perfect location for this kind of production; with its amphitheatre design and room for only basic props and sets - you feel more immersed in the story than you would feel in a typical theatre layout. The simple staging of a colliery wheel hanging over the Octagon stage with a slanted black bench bookended by piles of coal provided the perfect backdrop - resolute and industrial. 

Furthermore, the use of movement and simple props, such as chairs and plain metal benches were really effective in providing the framework for the locations in each scene. There was just enough to let your mind’s eye effectively craft the rest of the backdrop and provided plenty of space for the incredible performances of the cast to shine through without distraction. 

Powerful Performances

Hats off to Brassed Off’s casting director, Olivia Barr for sourcing such a talented group of actors. The cast managed to capture the nature of their characters so perfectly and also made them their own with performances that were multidimensional and so real, that it made the light and shade within this production’s writing so visceral as an audience member. You were rooting for each of them, as if they were your friends!

The icing on the cake? They were all musicians who actually played their instruments along with the band - no miming here!  Russell Richardson (Danny) wasn’t simply waving his arms about, but actually conducting -  detail that I didn’t miss and greatly appreciated!

Russell Richardson’s, ‘Danny’ had all the obstinance and bluster of Pete Postlethwaite’s  original character but with a soft, ‘grandfatherly’ side that was reminiscent of many an older, stalwart bander I’ve met. His delivery of the hard-hitting Royal Albert Hall monologue had me quietly sobbing into my programme - what a performance. 

Joey Hickman as Phil was quite simply extraordinary and was one of the standout performers for me throughout the show. His comedic timing and heart-wrenching dramatic performance had me laughing and crying in equal measure. The dark moment where Phil makes an attempt on his life was incredibly poignant and his ability to transition the scene from satirical comedy to heart-breaking desolation was an acting masterclass. Joey is also a brilliant trombone player  - turning ‘Danny Boy’ into what was essentially a trombone solo was so moving and played brilliantly. The chemistry between him and his onstage father was so natural with emotionally charged quarrels and endearing moments that warmed the heart.

Similarly, Daneka Etchells’ Sandra tugged on your heartstrings as a struggling mum who’s trying to keep her children fed whilst experiencing extreme poverty. The moment she finds out Phil has spent £300 on a new trombone when the bailiffs have been knocking on the door has your heart sinking along with hers. A very moving portrayal of a wife and mother picking up the pieces of the devastation the dissolution of the mining industry caused. 

Maxine Finch and Joanna Holden as Rita and Vera, respectively, offered light relief when we needed it most and perfectly embodied the caring, spirit of a northern lady - more than a little nosy, cares for those around them, feisty, humourous and capable of keeping their husbands in check! Speaking of which, the duo of Greg Patmore and Matt Ian Kelly playing their husbands Harry and Jim had a great, brotherly chemistry and effortless humour. 

The recognisable ‘Orange Juice’ flugel solo had to be swapped out for a rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’ but it worked just as well and was delivered with a lovely sound from Hannah Woodward’s Gloria, supported beautifully by the band. The youthful love affair between Gloria and Barney Taylor’s Andy, was portrayed with a mix of flirtatious fun and also dramatic confrontation. Barney’s portrayal of Andy went beyond the naive, jack-the-lad this character represents and delivered real emotional depth - particularly when he finds out Gloria’s position within the colliery’s management. 

Andrew Turner’s, Shane - Phil’s son - was a completely different portrayal to previous productions I’ve seen, with the adult actor acting as a narrator looking back on the story as an adult and also interacting with Sandra, Phil and Danny within the story as a child. It was a really interesting interpretation and not an easy character to portray, but it really worked!

Musical Support Offers Wings to the Production

The production boasted incredible acting, effective staging and thoughtful direction, but it’s important to recognise the impact the music had within this production. The repertoire used within Brassed Off is held very closely within the hearts of our community. In a world where theatre, opera and ballets are cutting back on live performance in favour of cheaper pre-recorded soundtracks -  it was a joy to see not only a company of incredibly talented brass musicians in the form of Wingates Band, but also the actors possessing musical talent too. I was grateful for the production not overlooking the key component of live music within this production. 

As a former member of the Wingates Band and a fiancée to one of the members who performed on Saturday afternoon, I have been privy to the long rehearsals and the amount of commitment the Wingates Band put into this performance. Let us not forget they are all amateur musicians with day jobs, who finished up their shift at work and went straight to evening rehearsals that could be up to 5 hours long. 

To have this music performed live is one thing, but to have it performed live to such a high standard not only adds to the performance - it makes it. The success of this production was rounded off by the high-class playing of the band and it is only right that it is recognised and commended. I can imagine how tiring, but rewarding this process has been. 

Having the privilege to know the players onstage created another layer to this performance (it was like art imitating life) and I watched with sheer pride and admiration for every member of the band performing on that stage on Saturday (Andy M, Rob, Sue, Laura, Joey, Andy W and Keith)  - you were absolutely brilliant; I was jealous I couldn’t be up there with you! The acting during the rehearsal, Whit Friday, Regionals and National Finals performances were also commendable!

Band of Hope and Glory

All in all, it was an outstanding production of ‘Brassed Off’ and I wish I could go back and see it all again - I’m already tempted to buy a ticket to another showing before it closes! The production is running until Saturday 28th September with Eagley Band and Wingates Band performing alternately across performances (click here for the schedule of bands). Tickets can be bought from the Bolton Octagon website - click here to visit.