Queens Of The Coal Age at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

Queens Of The Coal Age

Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre
28 June-21 July 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Queens of the Coal Age at the Royal Exchange
Royal Exchange Theatre
Book now

Receiving its stage premiere at Manchester’s Royal Exchange, Queens of the Coal Age is based on the inspiring true story of four extraordinary women who went underground to occupy a Lancashire colliery during the wave of mine closures in 1993. Written by Maxine Peake, this new play follows Anne, Dot, Lesley and Elaine as they head eighty metres underground to make their stand for Women Against Pit Closures.

It’s 1993 and the Government may be winding down the Parkside Colliery in Newton-le-Willows but for Anne, Dot, Lesley and Elaine the fight is not over yet. Disguised as teachers these four ordinary women head down the pit, their bras and knickers stuffed with contraband – Nicorette gum and ‘Coal not Dole’ stickers – to make a stand for their families, their community and themselves. Facing bribery and threats from the top, they stand resolute and pass the time by making tissue roses and walking imaginary dogs. As they dig in for the long days ahead those up top start to realise that these ladies are not for turning.

This witty re-telling of the 5-day occupation of Parkside Colliery in Newton-Le-Willows is directed by Bryony Shanahan, the Royal Exchange’s new Associate Artistic Director. 

Maxine Peake and Bryony Shanahan bring Queens of the Coal Age, a tale of the indomitable women and their battle against the pit closures to Manchester’s Royal Exchange, in co-production with the New Vic Theatre, before transferring to Stoke-on Trent.

What's on at Royal Exchange Theatre

Where to go near Queens Of The Coal Age at the Royal Exchange Theatre

CUPRA City Garage DJ Decks
City Centre
Café or Coffee Shop
CUPRA City Garage

Already based in Paris, Mexico City, Sydney and Vienna, CUPRA’s international expansion is driven by culture as much as cars, and Manchester’s creative energy has clearly caught their attention.

St Ann’s Square
City Centre
Park
St Ann’s Square

St Ann’s Square is a quiet little enclave of shops, with Barton’s Arcade set back from it on one side, and St Ann’s Church, which dates back to 1712 and…

Rapha Clubhouse Manchester
City Centre
Shop
Rapha Clubhouse Manchester

AKA cyclist heaven, Rapha is more than just a cycle-wear shop. It’s a place for anyone who loves cycling to congregate and celebrate the sport together.

City Centre
King Street Manchester

King Street is one of the most picturesque parts of Manchester with buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse and C.R. Cockerell. Once Manchester’s financial epicenter, it’s now home to high-end retail and fine dining.

Manchester
Restaurant
KAI Deansgate

Kai is a Turkish restaurant on Deansgate, set up by the brains behind the well-regarded Zouk restaurant. Expect excellent mezze plates and an open grill that releases wonderful aromas throughout the venue.

City Centre
Restaurant
Lunya Manchester

Lunya is a Spanish and Catalan deli and restaurant in Manchester’s stunning Barton Arcade. The food is reliably fresh and the staff both charming and incredibly knowledgable.

City Centre
Shop
Aston’s Of Manchester

In Royal Exchange Arcade, Aston’s of Manchester is a tobacconist that recently branched out into whisky sales. In their shop you’ll find an interesting selection of bottles to buy, including

What's on: Theatre

Black Power Desk at Lowry
Until
TheatreMediaCityUK
Black Power Desk at Lowry

Following a sell-out premiere at Brixton House, this bold new musical brings the hidden history of Britain’s Black Power movement to Salford.

From £16.00
Lost Atoms at Liverpool Everyman: A broken mirror distorting the faces of a man and woman
Until
TheatreCity Centre
Lost Atoms at Liverpool Playhouse

Frantic Assembly join with award-winning writer Anna Jordan for Lost Atoms, a gripping 2025/26 premiere tour and 30th anniversary performance, exploring memory and love.

From £11.00
Myra's Story at Lowry
TheatreSalford
Myra’s Story at Lowry

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.  

From £10.00

Culture Guides

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre in the North

Picks this month include bold visual art, wondrous opera and cinematic dance - plus a touch of ghostly storytelling for the Halloween season.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries in the North are far from spooky this October - instead you'll find tactile sculptures, plant magic and curatorial experiments.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

It's busy month across the cinemas of the north as Halloween programming leads into two of the region's biggest film festivals.

Poet Helen Mort.
Literature Events in the North

One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...

Music in the North

From New York’s experimental underground to the most exciting sounds coming from local scenes, we're lining up a noisy autumn of gigs.