THEATRE PREVIEW: On Behalf of the People

On Behalf of the People tells the tale of struggling mining communities in the aftermath of World War Two.

Penned by Ray Castleton, it stars Rotherham-born actor Danny Mellor as returning soldier Tom Mason. 

The play will be staged at The Trades, Greasbrough Road, next Thursday, June 21.

Danny’s character Tom Mason returns from combat after his brother is killed in action.

From the Hell of the front line, he returns to the pit, just as Britian’s coal industry begins to wind down.

Danny said: “Tom is a kind-hearted young man with a strong sense of duty, displayed in his work life as much as his personal and family life.

“Tom bridges his father’s passion and his mother’s tact in his approach to life, making him a very level-headed person.

“He often puts other people before himself — his girlfriend Liz, his mum and dad and his workmates and comrades in the armed forces.

“Tom is a selfless guy with a good heart. This said, Tom is no push-over.

“He is strong and will stand up for what is right, even if that is to the people he loves.”

Danny is joined on stage by Ray Ashcroft as George, Kate Wood as Connie and Lizzie Frain as Liz.

The play was commissioned by the National Coal Mining Museum, to mark 70 years since the industry was nationalised.

It is being performed at 28 Yorkshire venues, following its premiere at the museum.

See www.thetradeslive.co.uk for more information and to buy tickets, priced at £8 each.