Celebrating the magnificent spirit of the North East, CLOSE THE COALHOUSE DOOR is told with a wry smile, punchy dialogue and moving songs by an extended family of wives, vicars, sons, daughters and, of course, the miners themselves.

The show is an exhilarating ride through the strikes, victories and disappointments in British mining history and captures the political anger and fight for justice of ordinary people from the formation of the first Unions in 1831.

At its heart beats the joyous, soulful music of Alex Glasgow, inspired by the anthems of working people.

Acclaimed director SAMUEL WEST and award-winning writer LEE HALL bring to life ALAN PLATER’s masterpiece for new audiences in a landmark collaboration between NORTHERN STAGE and LIVE THEATRE.

Close the Coalhouse Door has all the irony and lively mischief of Oh What a Lovely War, the dark grit of Our Friends in the North, and the triumph over adversity of Hall’s own Billy Elliot.

'This production really has to be seen... if you really appreciate good theatre, then you have to see it.'

WHATS ON STAGE

'The beautiful writing in this play strikes right to the heart, though it is Alex Glasgow’s songs - tough as the pitmen, rich as the seam - which endure long after the curtain falls.'

THE STAGE

'A glorious, instant classic of early 21st century theatre'

EVENING STANDARD ON LIVE THEATRE'S THE PITMEN PAINTERS

'Perfectly judged, not to be missed'

THE TELEGRAPH ON NORTHERN STAGE'S OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR