News.
NEW IMAGES – first look at Amy Leach’s dynamic new production of Brassed Off
25th June 2026
“The miners, united, will never be defeated.
The miners, united, will never be defeated.
Say no to bloody blackmail. Say yes to miners’ jobs.”
Stunning new production images capture the raw energy and emotional connectivity that power Brassed Off, as Leeds Playhouse’s major new production takes to the stage. Directed by Olivier Award-nominated and UK Theatre Award-winning Amy Leach and adapted for the stage by Paul Allen, the production brings Mark Herman’s iconic story vividly to life with a sensational company of stage and screen performers.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the beloved film, these newly released images offer a striking glimpse into the world of the mining community at the centre of the story, showcasing the passion, resilience and humour that have made Brassed Off a much-loved British classic. Running in the Quarry Theatre at Leeds Playhouse until 11 July, the production combines an outstanding cast, live brass music from Horbury Victoria Brass Band and Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band, and Amy Leach’s distinctive vision to create an unforgettable and deeply moving theatrical experience.
Interview excerpt – Amy Leach:
“This is a story rooted in a period of British history whose aftershocks we’re still feeling.
“Brass music connects directly with people’s hearts. Hearing it live, in the same space as the story, brings something you simply can’t replicate.”
Leading the cast is David Birrell as Danny, returning to Leeds Playhouse following his previous success in Wendy and Peter Pan and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. His recent credits include One Day: The Musical (Edinburgh, Lyceum Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Bolton Octagon) and Witness for the Prosecution (West End).
He is joined by Robin Morrissey as Phil, who returns to the Playhouse following his appearance in the Olivier Award‑nominated and UK Theatre Award-winning Animal Farm. His recent credits include Macbeth (Storyhouse) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Royal Exchange Manchester).Maddie Hansen stars as Gloria, following appearances in Aladdin: The Rock and Roll Panto and Jack and the Beanstalk at Leeds City Varieties, while Frazer Hadfield plays Andy, having appeared as Nate in the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man and in a leading role in the comedy‑drama Frayed for Sky and HBO.
The production also features Wendy Albiston as Vera (Rivals, Seasons 1 and 2 for Disney+), Andy Cryer as Jim, whose credits include Noises Off (Stephen Joseph Theatre), and Ewen Cummins as Harry (Witness for the Prosecution, County Hall; White Christmas, Sheffield Theatres).
Danielle Henry appears as Sandra, with previous roles including Twelfth Night, A Christmas Carol and The Hypocrite for the RSC, alongside Alasdair Linn as Callum & Cover (Bark Bark, national tour; Bottled, Arts Depot) and Pauline Tomlin as Rita, whose credits include We Are Still Asafo (Theatre in Flow) and Chisholm for President (Southbank Centre).
The company is completed by ensemble members and covers Stacey Ghent (Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, Pins and Needles, Lyric Hammersmith, Theatre Royal Plymouth) and Pete Sowerby (A Christmas Carol, Rage Arts).
Four members of Leeds Playhouse Youth Theatre play the roles of Shane and Melody. Oliver Bowman and Stuart Naylor, both members of the Senior Group, share the role of Shane. They are joined by Aria Trijonyte, a participant in Leeds Playhouse Juniors Youth Theatre, and Maari Kent, who attends the satellite youth theatre programme delivered in partnership with RJC Dance in Chapeltown, who share the role of Melody.
Joining director Amy Leach on the creative team are Designer Katie Scott; Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria; Sound Designer John Biddle; Musical Director Jonathan Mitra; Audio Description Consultant Dan Parr (Hear the Picture); Audio Description Consultant Esther Irving; BSL Interpreter Dave Wycherley; Fight Director Kev McCurdy; Assistant Director Verity Richards; and Casting Director Lucy Casson CDG.
Set against the backdrop of a Yorkshire colliery town in the 1990s, Brassed Off remains a powerful, funny and deeply moving story about community, resilience and the life‑affirming power of music. The story follows the tight‑knit mining community of Grimley as they face the closure of their colliery and fight to keep their brass band and their dignity alive.
Combining live brass with a bold reimagining of the film’s themes for 2026, this production is a rousing tribute to solidarity, hope and the enduring power of community spirit.