The Pitmen Painters transfers to Duchess Theatre 5 Oct

The Pitmen Painters, by Lee Hall, inspired by a book by William Feaver, transfers to the West End's Duchess Theatre, opening 11 Oct 2011, following previews from 5 Oct 2011.

The play started life at Newcastle's Live Theatre, before opening at the National Theatre in London in 2008, and on Broadway in 2010. It is touring the Uk prior to its West End opening.

This is the original production directed by Max Roberts, with set and costume design by Gary McCann, lighting by Douglas Kuhrt and sound by Martin Hodgson, and featuring many of the actors who starred at the National Theatre and on Broadway.(Cast not confirmed yet!)

In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint. Within a few years the most avant-garde artists became their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious collections; but every day they worked, as before, down the mine.

The Live Theatre Newcastle and National Theatre Co-Production, is presented by Bill Kenwright.