THE PITMEN PAINTERS Extends Run at the Duchess Theatre

THE PITMEN PAINTERS has extended its run at the Duchess Theatre, with tickets for performances up to 14 April 2012 now available.

Art critic William Feaver, author of the book that inspired Lee Hall to write “THE PITMEN PAINTERS” will also host a special Q&A session at the Duchess Theatre after the matinee performance at 5.00pm on Thursday 8 December.

In his capacity as Trustee of the Ashington Group, William has kindly agreed to bring 2 of the original works to the theatre to be displayed during this talk, which will be a unique opportunity for audience members to see the real paintings up close.

In addition to this, Ian Kelly, who plays art teacher ‘Robert Lyon’, sketches a live chalk and charcoal portrait of ‘Oliver Kilbourn’ (played by Trevor Fox) at every performance. From Wednesday 23 November, the sketch from the previous night’s show will be mounted and displayed in the foyer every day. The audience will have the opportunity to make a donation to the Swansea Valley Miners Appeal Fund, and all donors (whatever the amount given) will be automatically entered into a prize draw for the chance to win the very same sketch that they’ve just seen created.

Lee Hall’s play, inspired by a book by William Feaver, charts the story of a group of Ashington miners who in 1934 hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint – prolifically. Within a few years avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collectors; but every day they continued to work, as before, down the mine…

National Theatre Box Office: 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Duchess Theatre Box Office: 0844 412 4659 www.nimaxtheatres.com