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Performing Arts: Theatre Ashington Group: The Pitmen Painters

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In 1934, some enlightened colliery men in Woodhorn, Northumberland, formed an evening class on art appreciation. The group subsequently took up painting, drawing and sculpting, depicting their own known experiences and creating a fascinating record of working-class art. Selected works are now showcased in a National Theatre exhibition, which runs alongside The Pitmen Painters, a new play from Lee Hall of Billy Elliott fame. A joint production with Newcastle's Live Theatre, the play captures the earthy humour and realities of bringing up the black stuff, as well as the desire to understand avant-garde art.

– Joe Rudkin