The Pitmen Painters 2010

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: September 30, 2010
Closing: December 12, 2010

The Pitmen Painters - 2010 - Broadway History , Info & More

Direct from a sold-out engagement at London’s National Theatre, this funny and fascinating new play by Tony Award winner Lee Hall (writer of Broadway’s mega-hit Billy Elliot) comes to Broadway with its entire original London cast intact.



The Pitmen Painters is based on the triumphant true story of a group of British miners who discover a new way to express themselves and unexpectedly become art-world sensations! An arresting and hilarious salute to the power of individual expression and the collective spirit, The Pitmen Painters takes you on an unforgettable journey from the depths of the mine to the heights of fame.

The Pitmen Painters - 2010 - Broadway Cast

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Pitmen Painters

The Pitmen Painters
8 / 10

Lee Hall's 'The Pitmen Painters' is a bit like the art made by its characters: Whatever it lacks in technique it more than makes up for in expression. If the characters are sometimes too predictable and the sentiment a bit thick, that doesn't prevent the two-and-a-half-hour play from being thoroughly entertaining.

The Pitmen Painters: Don't Quit Your Day Job
8 / 10

Even if the story of a chance to elevate one's self from a dangerous, working-class life through art sounds a bit too much like Billy Elliot, Hall's other current Broadway offering, The Pitmen Painters is a far superior piece with a strong emotional pull; its heart pumping primarily from the sensitive Oliver Kilbourn (the excellent Christopher Connel), the most talented of the bunch, who is timid about this new world that is not only accepting him but is offering an opportunity to become a benefactor's fully-supported resident painter. Though there is much of the expected fish-out-of-water humor, especially when the boys first encounter modern art, Hall also develops a good deal of empathy as their skills, as well as competitiveness, develop. Since this is a British play, issues of class and labor threaten to bog down the darker second act with its heavy-handed presentation; the time might be better spent showing the early artistic progress of the group (they seem too good too soon) and exploring more of their day-to-day lives in the mines.

THE PITMEN PAINTERS Enters Final Weeks Of Run
by Gabrielle Sierra - November 9, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS begins the final five weeks of its limited engagement tonight.

Review - The Pitmen Painters: Don't Quit Your Day Job
by Ben Peltz - October 17, 2010

As Lee Hall's The Pitmen Painters, inspired by the true story of a collection of miners who art history books now refer to as The Ashington Group, commences, the title characters are quite figuratively blank canvases.  Raised to spend nine hours a day working the northern English coal mines from the time they're still boys, the small gathering of fellows who decided they wanted to learn a bit about culture through weekly visits from a university art professor have never set foot in a gallery and know nothing of the great works most of their countrymen would recognize as part of common knowledge.  Their understanding is that there is some 'secret' behind art that only the elite know about, giving them the ability to determine what's good and what isn't.

Photo Coverage: THE PITMEN PAINTERS Opens on Broadway!
by Kevin Thomas Garcia - October 1, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club's (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS opened last night, September 30 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The play began previews on Tuesday, September 14. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the opening and brings you photo coverage of the performance arrivals, curtain call and after-party below!

BWW TV: Video Show Preview - The Pitmen Painters!
by Craig Brockman - September 30, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS began previews on September 14 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and opens tonight! BroadwayWorld is pleased to bring you these video highlights of the production.

THE PITMEN PAINTERS Opens at MTC, 9/30
by BWW News Desk - September 30, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club's (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS opens tomorrow, Thursday, September 30 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). The play began previews on Tuesday, September 14.

Photo Coverage: THE PITMEN PAINTERS on Broadway
by Jessica Lewis - September 24, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS began previews on September 14 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The play will celebrate a September 30 opening night. Today, the first production shots have been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a look below.

MTC Announces After Words: THE PITMEN PAINTERS 9/18
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 17, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club is pleased to announce guests for the upcoming session of After Words, the popular discussion panels held after selected Saturday matinees at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: Phillippa Wilson
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 17, 2010

The Pitmen Painters recently concluded an acclaimed run at London's Royal National Theatre.

Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: David Whitaker
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 16, 2010

The Pitmen Painters recently concluded an acclaimed run at London's Royal National Theatre.

Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: Lisa McGrillis
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 14, 2010

What is your hometown? How long did you live there? I was born in Cheltenham and I moved to Carlisle in Cumbria when I was 5 and lived there until I was 18. I went to University in Newcastle to study performance and lived in Newcastle for 8 years. I consider my self an honorary Geordie! I'm now living in London. Does your family still live there? Who? I have three older brothers, two of which live in Newcastle, the other in London. My parents both still live in Carlisle. Were you aware of the Ashington Group's story before your involvement with The Pitmen Painters? I had no idea The Ashington Group existed before I started the show. On the second day of rehearsals we went on a 'school trip' up to the museum at the colliery [coal mine]. I was completely overwhelmed by their story; it's definitely worth a visit. You began your journey with the show back in 2007, how has your performance evolved? Because we have performed the show so many times sometimes there is a risk it can begin to feel a bit stale. Fortunately Mr. Hall is a bit of a genius so there is always something new to discover. Since starting the show back in 2007 I feel I've really grown into the role and discovered a real warmth and admiration for Susan. Her story is a small sub-plot in the play but there are still so many layers to her and her journey. What are you most looking forward to about bringing the show to New York/Broadway? It's such an important story that needs to be told and it's a privilege to be putting Ashington and the north east on the map. I just hope the American audience can understand the Geordie accent! What do you hope Broadway audiences take away from this production? IT IS SUCH AN INSPIRING STORY. It highlights the fact that art is for everyone. I hope that everyone who sees the show will be inspired to pick up a paint brush! What quintessential New York experience are you most looking forward to? All of it... I'm ready and waiting to be impressed by everything New York has to offer! Do you have any painting talent of your own? I did a lot of painting and drawing at school and studied Art and Art History for A level. Top three songs that are most played on your iTunes/iPod right now (or name the three songs you always find yourself listening to). Vampire Weekend- 'Diplomat's Son', Elbow- every song Guy Garvey has ever written and I'm listening to 'Toots and the Maytals' right now. Name the three TV Shows that are the highest priority on your DVR (or name three television shows on "your must" watch list)? "Mad Men", "Mad Men" and "Mad Men"- I love "Mad Men"; I want to be in "Mad Men". I want to pretty much marry Don Draper and look like Betty. What are the next three movies in your Netflix/Blockbuster queue (or name the last three movies you watched at home)? Shutter Island, This is England (I think Shane Meadows is a genius, he's pretty much my hero) and Avatar (in 3D) What website is your current online addiction? I hate to say it but I do spend more time than I should on Facebook. What's the last book you purchased for yourself to read? One Day by David Nicholls Name the place you hope to visit when you go on your next vacation. NEW YORK, NEW YORK- my next vacation is going to be a working one but it doesn't get better than New York (apparently) What is the one role (musical theatre, straight play, television, film, opera, ballet) you MUST play before you die? I would love to play Nora in Ibsen's- A Doll's House Name one thing you want to accomplish in the next six months. I would love to land a good role in a new comedy sitcom.

THE PITMEN PAINTERS Begins Previews Tomorrow 9/14
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 13, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club's (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS begins previews tomorrow, Tuesday, September 14 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). The play will celebrate a September 30 opening night.

Photo Coverage: PITMEN PAINTERS Meets the Press!
by Peter James Zielinski - September 13, 2010

Manhattan Theatre Club's (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) American premiere of Tony Award winner Lee Hall's THE PITMEN PAINTERS begins previews tomorrow, Tuesday, September 14 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The play will celebrate a September 30 opening night. Today, the company met the press and BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage below!

Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: Brian Lonsdale
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 13, 2010

The Pitman Painters recently concluded an acclaimes run at London's Royal National Theatre.

Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: Ian Kelly
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 9, 2010

The Pitmen Painters recently concluded an acclaimed run at London's Royal National Theatre. Inspired by a book by William Feaver, and hailed by London critics as 'a glorious instant classic' (Evening Standard), 'a wonderful piece of theatre' (Financial Times) 'a beautiful work of art that everybody should see' (The Times of London), and 'a superb piece of work; warm, funny, sad, and thought-provoking' (The Daily Telegraph), the play tells the story of the Ashington Group - miners from Northumberland who became celebrated painters.

Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: MICHAEL HODGSON
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 8, 2010

The Pitmen Painters recently concluded an acclaimed run at London's Royal National Theatre.

Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: Chris Connel
by Robert Diamond - September 7, 2010

The Pitmen Painters recently concluded an acclaimed run at London's Royal National Theatre. Inspired by a book by William Feaver, and hailed by London critics as 'a glorious instant classic' (Evening Standard), 'a wonderful piece of theatre' (Financial Times) 'a beautiful work of art that everybody should see' (The Times of London), and 'a superb piece of work; warm, funny, sad, and thought-provoking' (The Daily Telegraph), the play tells the story of the Ashington Group - miners from Northumberland who became celebrated painters. THE PITMEN PAINTERS was named Best Play at the 2008 Evening Standard Awards.Max Roberts directs the British cast, which will include Christopher Connel, Michael Hodgson, Ian Kelly, Brian Lonsdale, Lisa McGrillis, Deka Walmsley, David Whitaker and Phillippa Wilson. The play begins previews Sept. 14 and opens Sept. 30 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

Tickets Now On Sale For PITMAN PAINTERS And GOOD PEOPLE
by Gabrielle Sierra - September 1, 2010

The box office of Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) is now open for the 2010-2011 Broadway season. Single tickets to MTC's upcoming Broadway productions of THE PITMEN PAINTERS and GOOD PEOPLE are available for purchase at the box office.

The Pitmen Painters FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Pitmen Painters have there been?
The Pitmen Painters has had 2 productions including Broadway which opened in 2010 and West End which opened in 2011.

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