Call out for Women

The drama, the tragedy and the unbreakable spirit of a working class community fighting for its future comes to the stage as Gary Clarke Company embarks on the final UK tour of their multi-award winning show COAL!

We’re offering a unique opportunity for four women to make their own contribution to the story as they join dancers and musicians in a remarkable live theatre tribute to the people of the coalfields.

Gary Clarke Company’s COAL is a riveting dance theatre show that takes a nostalgic but honest look at the hard hitting realities of life at the coal face, the back breaking physical graft and the impact it makes on body and soul, both underground and on the surface.

It is created by internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Gary Clarke who has vivid memories and personal experience of growing up in the Dearne Valley pit village of Grimethorpe, where he continues to live today.

Gary is looking for four women aged 30 plus (no upper limit) with no professional performance experience in dance or theatre to join him, his seven dancers and a live brass quintet on stage as COAL tours the UK (4 local women recruited for each tour venue). The four women will feature in a small section of the show and play members of the women’s union ‘Women against Pit Closures’ established in 1984.

The four women, who will receive a food and travel allowance to cover rehearsals, will perform alongside and be supported by acclaimed dance artist TC Howard.

No stage or dance experience is preferred. The role will involve some physical work. Gary Clarke and TC Howard will work with everyone’s individual needs and abilities.

Kelly Leighton, a cleaner from the mining village of Kellingley, was one of the team of volunteers who took part in a special preview at Cast in Doncaster in 2015. She said of her experience:

Anybody interested in finding out more about the production and the involvement needed should apply to attend a taster. Tasters provide an opportunity to meet TC Howard, find out more about the production, ask questions and try out some ideas from the show. Following this session, the four pit women will be selected. Ticket deals to see the show will be made available to all women who have attended a taster.

For any enquiries or to register interest in attending a taster e-mail or call:
Laura Barber
COAL Engagement Manager
Mobile: 07391 621966
Email: engagementcoal@gmail.com