Queens of the Coal Age at Royal Exchange Theatre

THIS POWERFUL PLAY FULL OF NORTHERN WIT IS ASSOCIATE ARTIST MAXINE PEAKE’S FIRST PLAY FOR THE ROYAL EXCHANGE FOLLOWING THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, BERYL. QUEENS OF THE COAL AGE IS THE TRUE STORY OF FOUR WOMEN TAKING A STAND IN THE FACE OF A CHANGING WORLD.
“WE ARE WOMEN AGAINST PIT CLOSURES AND WE’RE OCCUPYING THIS PIT”

Anne, Elaine, Dot and Lesley. Four ordinary women, facing the closure of their community. It’s 1993 and the Parkside Colliery pit may be winding down, but they’re not giving up.

Their bras stuffed with contraband, they take a tour of the pit and refuse to come up. Settling into the depths of the mine, making tissue roses and walking imaginary dogs, they face bribery and threats. But as they dig in, those up top start to realise these ladies are not for turning.