Blood Brothers (the play) by Willy Russell - May 2011

Click on any thumbnail image to enlarge

You can then zoom in using the scroll of the mouse to view the article closer

We Love You Arthur by Fiona Evans - April 2010

I wonder if any of our candidate politicians took the trouble to see this play presented by the Tickety-Boo Theatre Company. Not because it is a play set during the miners’ strike, not because it explores the emotional turmoil, divided loyalties or the financial strains facing the families of striking miners, but because it featured two young ladies in their early teens, showing very clearly and publicly that the youth of today are not all rude unpleasant yobs. Katie Drayton and Bobbie Meadows took the roles of Lisa Jackson and Julie Burns, daughters of striking miners and best friends. Their portrayal of the interaction of friends plotting a way to meet Arthur Scargill, their reactions to inadvertently stumbling on the hidden behaviour of adults, and their devastation in getting caught up in the emotions of the strike was stunning, a tribute to the hard work they had put in under the direction of David Thatcher. Vince Empsall gave a strong measured performance as the father, Ray Jackson, coping with the emotional reaction of his daughter as his dark secret was exposed. The dual roles of mother, coping with the hardships and poverty the strike carried with it, and grandmother hiding a terrible secret, were superbly handled by Rachel Swain.

The cinematic style of the play with its short scenes required frequent changes to the set, all of which was done smoothly to a well chosen soundtrack featuring music of the time. The whole cast presented the comedy in a gentle way which allowed the contrasting times of heartbreak to develop into powerful drama.

A well designed set coupled with the smooth integration of lighting and sound made this an impressive performance of this timely reminder of the miners' strike written by Fiona Evans. Congratulations are due to the director, David Thatcher and the whole cast, especially the two young ladies, on producing a powerful, enjoyable piece of drama.

Bernard Atkinson, submitted to the Pontefract & Castleford Express