The Pitmen Painters are now to be celebrated in dance

To mark the 90th anniversary of the Ashington Group, Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) are revisiting, PITMAN, a contemporary dance work originally created in 2016 by their founder and creative director, Eliot Smith.

The story of the Ashington Group has been celebrated throughout the world of British art as well as a book by William Feaver, and a play by Lee Hall (The Pitmen Painters), but this production if the first depiction through dance.

Smith’s PITMAN is based around ten paintings from the Ashington Group collection and on permanent display at a former 19th-century coal mine, Woodhorn Museum, with the kind permission of the Ashington Group Trustees. One of the paintings interpreted through dance is ‘Whippets’ by George Blessed (the uncle of Brain Blessed) which was recently chosen by a public vote.

PITMAN highlights the simple but inspiring real-life story of a group of miners who with no formal artistic training, depicted their daily lives in a series of paintings which have provided an important visual commentary for social historians.

The first performances will take place at the Alnwick Playhouse on Friday 06 and Saturday 07 December 2024, followed by an online performance on Boxing Day (26 December 2024) and a North East tour to various theatres and community centres in February 2025.

With intimate solos, duets and dramatic ensemble dancing PITMAN explores the hopes, dreams and determination of the Ashington Group also known famously as the Pitmen Painters.

Alongside re-staging of PITMAN and to commemorate the women involved in the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, which took place forty years ago, Smith will be collaborating with up to ten women living in South East Northumberland to create their own community dance piece titled, HAWAY THE LASSES – a slogan that came to symbolise the miners’ wives’ movement in the North East. The piece will be performed at Woodhorn Museum on Saturday 09 November 2024 at 12 noon.

Eliot Smith, the choreographer and creative director says, “PITMAN is very special to the ESD repertoire. The work speaks volumes to many. PITMAN reminds me to revisit my interest that has always fascinated me: the link between art in all its diverse forms and the working class.”

Damian Cruden, the artistic director of Alnwick Playhouse says, “We are delighted to be hosting the first performances of PITMAN. This work has its roots in the North East landscape. The Pitmen Painters have been a constant source of creative activity, giving voice to those who went unheard and unnoticed. Smith’s response is passionate, truthful and beautiful. We look forward to welcoming our audience to this exceptional evening of brilliant dance”.

Elizabeth Ritson, Director of Programmes and Engagement at Museums Northumberland. “It’s incredible that the extraordinary story and work of the Ashington Group of artists continues to inspire creative practitioners and audiences today, 90 years after the group formed in 1934. We’re thrilled that PITMAN will return this season and as full production for the first time”.

Tickets are now on sale at, www.eliotsmithdance.com/pitman

PITMAN (The Bowler) Photographer Simon Drew