Solihull Arts Complex

Since the first Pitmen Poets tour in 2011, Sam West's revival of the seminal “Close the Coalhouse Door” has completed a triumphant UK tour and Lee Hall's “Pitman Painters” has been a hit in the West End and also on Broadway. Interest in the North East's mining tradition has never been more intense. What better time could there be for an opportunity to experience the brilliant entertainment of The Pitmen Poets? 

The Pitmen Poets celebrate the songs, humour, and culture of North East England's Coal Mining tradition, bringing together four of the region's leading champions of it's musical heritage. ExLindisfarne singer and writer Billy Mitchell, songman from Londons west end musical Warhorse, Bob Fox, leading exponent of Tyneside song Benny Graham, and much-covered Folk Awards nominee songwriter Jez Lowe - individually and collectively the Pitmen Poets.

With archive footage and photographs, this is a journey through the centuries of a once-great industry,from the songs that saw it thrive and dominate, to those that saw it's demise and the resulting aftermath.

“...the audience sang along, laughed and also shared moments of sadness as the combined talents of Billy Mitchell, Jez Lowe, Benny Graham and Bob Fox took them on an epic journey through the life and times of the Northumberland and Durham coalfields. What a great night!” - Brian Coles (Rock of the North).