Review: Brassed Off (Leeds Playhouse)

Tuesday 23rd June 2026 at Leeds Playhouse

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Based on the 1996 film, this stage adaptation of Brassed Off from Paul Allen (after Mark Herman’s original screenplay) is full of heart and grit – and a good dose of humour. Directed by Amy Leach, who does great justice to the emotional ebbs and flows of this story, we see a mining community on the brink of losing their livelihood. Leaning on friendships, family and playing in the local Brass Band after hours for support, we see the full impact of pit closures on hard-working men and their families.

This production tells an incredibly human tale of surviving against all odds brilliantly. Alongside a sub-plot of lovers torn asunder by circumstance (Maddie Hansen and Frazer Hadfield as the plucky young Gloria and angsty Andy), we mostly follow Phil (Robin Morrissey) as he navigates the painful toll of standing up for beliefs, and a political climate very much not on his side. Factor in the family woes, and Phil cuts an incredibly sympathetic figure, with Morrissey’s performance really hammering home the impossible struggle in a very moving performance.

Danielle Henry’s Sandra (wife to Phil and mother of three hungry youngsters) is warm and generous in spirit but also at the end of her tether, providing a sympathetic snapshot of the women propping up the working men, trying to support the cause while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood amidst uncertainty and stark economic struggle. Henry is in good company too, not only with Morrissey’s heartfelt portrayal but also Stuart Naylor who is a standout as the sparky youngster Shane and  Aria Trijonyte as the adorably mischievous Melody.

It’s a proudly northern story too, full of Yorkshire wit, charm and solid principles. Andy Cryer is a strong force as Jim – principled and outspoken to a fault, he’s very much the wronged grafter struggling to come to terms. Ewen Cummings is a great counterpart to Jim, caught up in snatches of hope and bickering in turn, he’s a quieter force, but a strong one. And then there’s good-hearted Vera (Wendy Albiston), always ready with a kind gesture and Danny (David Birrell), the true invincible Yorkshireman who runs the local Grimley Colliery Brass Band with winning northern bluntness and a good dose of galvanising rebellious spirit. 

Katie Scott’s set puts the mine at the heart of the action, with scenes playing out in front of the ever-present pit wheel, reminding us that behind those historic headlines were families and individuals struggling to stay afloat. And music is of course also very much at the heart of the show (Musical Supervisor: Jonathan Mitra) as the pit men rehearse and perform frequently, for which the cast are joined at intervals by Horbury Victoria Brass Band and Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band for rousing renditions of classics. Those segments are not only a highlight of the show (who doesn’t love a full brass band filling the space?), but also provide an emotive bulls-eye at crucial points. 

Very much in line with the likes of I, Daniel Blake, Blood Brothers and even The Full Monty in terms of staging the strain and toll of ordinary working folk in systems actively working against them, Brassed Off is a thoroughly entertaining, funny, gritty, thought-provoking and moving story well worth the trip.

Brassed Off is at Leeds Playhouse until July 11th 2026 – more information and tickets can be found here.