The Pitmen (and women) paint (and draw)

First Published 10 October 2011, Last Updated 10 February 2012

Lee Hall’s hit play The Pitmen Painters has already been a hit in Newcastle, at London’s National Theatre, on Broadway and on national tour. Inspired by a book by William Feaver, it tells the true story of a group of miners in Ashington, in 1934, who take an art appreciation class and soon become respected artists in their own right.

When the play finally announced its long-awaited West End debut – it opens at the Duchess theatre on Wednesday – it felt only appropriate to test the cast’s own artistic abilities. So we asked them to draw or paint us a picture inspired by their experiences in the show. Et voila; above you will find the rather splendid results. Scroll through the gallery for a unique insight into the lives – and somewhat surreal minds – of this singular group of actors.

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