JOHN ELKINGTON opens Maxine Peake’s new play QUEENS OF THE COAL AGE in a co-production between the Royal Exchange and New Vic, directed by Bryony Shanahan.

This powerful play full of Northern wit is associate artist Maxine Peake’s first play for the Royal Exchange following the critically acclaimed, Beryl.

Anne, Elaine, Dot and Lesley. Four ordinary women, facing the closure of their community. It’s 1993 and the Parkside Colliery pit may be winding down, but they’re not giving up.

Their bras stuffed with contraband, they take a tour of the pit and refuse to come up. Settling into the depths of the mine, making tissue roses and walking imaginary dogs, they face bribery and threats. But as they dig in, those up top start to realise these ladies are not for turning.

Queens of the Coal Age is the heartwarming and funny true story of four women taking a stand in the face of a changing world.