Standing Ovations, Missing Socks, and a Whole Lot of Heart: Skelmersdale Prize Band's Unforgettable Week with Brassed Off
What a week it has been! Skelmersdale Prize Band wrapped up a thrilling and emotional run of Brassed Off with Southport Dramatic Club on Saturday, 17th May, and what an experience it turned out to be. From quick changes and coal dust to show-stopping solos and backstage dancing, it was a week packed with laughter, music, camaraderie, and a few forgotten socks.
Taking to the stage night after night, the band provided the live musical soul of the production, bringing the powerful story of a struggling colliery band to life with authenticity, passion, and a whole lot of heart. Ellen, our wonderful Flugelhorn player, delivered a stunning rendition of Concierto de Aranjuez every night. A moment that brought goosebumps to cast, crew, and audience alike, and earned her well-deserved applause show after show.
But it wasn’t just about the performances. Behind the scenes, the greenroom was buzzing with energy: sandwiches, cakes, cups of tea (and probably a few too many biscuits), a nightly dance to Whigfield’s Saturday Night kept some of our cornet section busy, and quick costume changes kept everyone on their toes. Navigating coal dust with white shirts became a full-time job for some!
Yet for all the chaos and comedy, the heart of the story shone through. Night after night, audiences grew, with the final 3 nights completely selling out. The week culminated in a standing ovation from the crowd, as the look of pride shone through from the cast, crew and band. It was a powerful reminder of why Brassed Off remains such an important and emotional piece of theatre and why brass bands continue to play such a vital role in communities across the country.
As the final curtain fell, the band was honoured with a special gift from the cast: a signed miner’s helmet; a gesture of appreciation that left more than a few of us with lumps in our throats.
Skelmersdale Prize Band is incredibly proud to have been part of such a meaningful and memorable production. Huge thanks to Southport Dramatic Club for inviting us to share the stage, to the fantastic audiences who laughed, cried, and clapped along with us, and to every band member who gave their all to make it happen.
A special thank you from the members of the band goes out to JP, Ellen, Neil, Mel, Stevie, Liz, Andy and Lou, who without this week would not have been the same or even possible. And to our wonderful deps, Barbara, Gareth and James, you were, as always, fabulous.
