The Pitmen Painters

by Lee Hall
inspired by a book by William Feaver

A co-production between Live Theatre, Newcastle and the National Theatre.

‘A play about the importance of not just feeding your stomach and your brain, but about feeding your soul. And it does just that.’
4 stars Guardian

‘Lee Hall’s new play is witty and touching… the inspiring story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.’
4 stars Metro

‘An inspiring, important new play. A play that's both deliciously comic and grave.’
Observer

In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint. Within a few years the most avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collections; but every day they  worked, as before, down the mine.

Straight from a sell-out season at Live Theatre Newcastle, Lee Hall’s new play is a humorous, deeply moving and timely look at art, class and politics.

Photo © Keith Pattison