Although the 1984 Miners’ Strike was almost 40 years ago, the impact of the strike and its aftermath still lingers. The playwright John Godber was bought up in Upton West Yorkshire and lived through the crippling effects of this industrial action where 200,000 miners lost their jobs.
John Godber’s play Shafted focuses on one ex-miner, Harry, and his wife Dot. Together they fight to find and hold down new jobs from window cleaning in Wakefield to running a boarding house in Bridlington.
Fuelled with eye-watering honesty and true Yorkshire grit, the play is a hilarious and poignant account of those whose jobs were taken and communities destroyed. And how they fought back after being shafted!
Rotherham audiences have always enjoyed Godber’s plays with previous productions such as Bouncers, On A Night Like This, Happy Families and Perfect Pitch all being great successes.
Described by The Observer as a ‘powerful two-hander’ and by The Guardian as a ‘post-mining drama with real emotional impact’, Shafted is unlikely to be an exception.
Rotherham Rep’s production is directed by Richard Wilshaw, the society’s Dramatic Director who also plays the role of Harry. Professional actor Polly May plays opposite Richard as Dot.
Shafted will be presented by Rotherham Rep at the Civic Theatre from 19th to 22nd September.
Tickets are available from 01709 823621 or www.rotherhamtheatres.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173644282.