A historic local brass band is set to perform at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe in a unique Scottish take on a much-loved film.
Lochgelly Band will appear in a new production of Brassed Off, with the story relocated from the Yorkshire Dales to the coalfields of Fife.
The band, which was founded more than 175 years ago, is teaming up with Edinburgh-based community theatre group Leitheatre for the run.
Director Susan Duffy, who grew up in Kelty and is the granddaughter of a miner, said bringing the story to Fife felt natural.
She said: “When we decided to put on Brassed Off, I was determined we would highlight how relevant the original film is to Fife.
"Like Yorkshire, the closure of the mines had a devastating effect on communities.
"And like Yorkshire, we have our brass bands.
“Setting it in Fife without a Fife brass band wouldn’t have felt right, so we were delighted when Lochgelly Band agreed to work with us.
“It has been a labour of love. Being able to bring the spirit of Brassed Off, and the traditions of community and solidarity of Fife, to the Fringe is a dream come true.”
For Lochgelly Band, the production marks another highlight in a successful year.
Secretary of the band, Lynsey McIlwraith, said: “Brassed Off is every brass band’s favourite film.
"When we were asked to join this production we were excited, but words can’t describe how we felt when we found out it was to be set in Fife.
“This has been a fantastic year for us. We have been promoted to the Scottish Brass Band Championship section and have reached the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in York.
“Being part of Brassed Off with Leitheatre is not just an opportunity to take brass band music to the Fringe, it will set us up nicely for the finals in York.
“This is a must-see for fans of theatre and brass band music, and well worth the trip over the bridge for Fifers.”
The show will run from August 8 to 22, excluding Sundays, at Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre in Edinburgh.
Tickets are priced at £15, with concessions available at £12, and can be purchased through the Edinburgh Festival Fringe box office.
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