Downshire Treading the Boards

On the morning of Wednesday 21st March, 5 members of Downshire Brass arrived at the MAC, Belfast to begin rehearsals for two performances of Gary Clarke’s award winning dance theatre show COAL which looks back at the realities of life at the coal face during the 1980s. 
The quintet shared the stage with professional dancers and four women from the local community - it was an opportunity to do something very different that none of the band members or women had experienced before. Rehearsals were intense and performances emotionally charged, receiving a standing ovation on Thursday.

All five members of Downshire thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would like to say a huge thank you to all the cast and crew of COAL for making them feel so welcome and especially to Steven Roberts, Musical Director for his guidance and encouragement over the two days. 
Wishing every success to Gary and the rest of the COAL team for their final performances in Brighton before heading oversees later in the year.