The Stage - Close the Coalhouse Door

Close the Coalhouse Door

Published Thursday 19 April 2012 at 14:20 by Laura Fraine

Alan Plater’s celebrated 1968 play of the North East miner’s struggle was based on stories by his friend and mentor Sid Chaplin. The play has been handed down like the stories within and there is a pleasing continuity in the fact that Lee Hall, for whom Plater was a mentor, has brought it up to date.

From a powerful opening, the production maintains a keen rhythm. As always, Soutra Gilmour’s set enhances the narrative.

There is a lot of talent on stage. All actors sing and play music arranged by Sam Kenyon. Jane Holman (Mary) and Nicholas Lumley (Thomas) both give outstanding performances as the resilient older couple for whom history, family and the pit are all intertwined. Chris Connel’s union man, Jackie, is an interesting character, his strong self-assurance in direct contrast to embittered John (Paul Woodson), the only man of the group who still labours at the coalface. David Nellist plays Geordie, the joker, and as such is given the pivotal line: “But the conscience of the nation was stirred,” which becomes emptier with each refrain, even while the production hammers away to stir something in us. The politics are central, just occasionally at the drama’s expense, which demands an unlikely but politically convenient love-triangle. The beautiful writing in this play strikes right to the heart, though it is Alex Glasgow’s songs - tough as the pitmen, rich as the seam - which endure long after the curtain falls.

Production information

Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne, April 18-May 5, then touring until June 30

Author:Alan Plater, Lee Hall

Director:Samuel West

Producer:Northern Stage and Live Theatre

Cast includes:Chris Connel, Louisa Farrant, Jane Holman, Nicholas Lumley, David Nellist, Paul Woodson

Running time:2hr 40min

The Stage