Richard Cameron's bittersweet comedy could easily bear the subtitle “The Pitman Singers” for this is about Northern miners occupying their spare time with close harmony rather than painting.

Set in 1962 the play tells of the club’s preparation for a gala concert, with the lives of the six colliery workers unfolding as seen through the eyes of the youngest member, Colin, a wannabe rock star.

An ill-judged joke and the sexuality of Phil, their musical director, are the catalysts that lead to personal tragedies and the break-up of friendships.

The seriousness of the storyline is well tempered, with songs punctuating and reflecting the action along with robust and fruity dialogue that produces plenty of laughs – the best being the description of putting out the blaze in a Wendy House.

The production has fine performances throughout. The explosive and violent temper of Brant, bitter from his wife walking out on him, is given full force by Anthony Clegg and is nicely contrasted by John Burton’s Walt, a simple and thick widower, who grieves not only for his wife but also for his children that he cannot care for. There is plenty in Michael Chance’s portrayal of the hapless Phil that could pass as an Alan Bennett creation.

A composite set effectively serves as the rehearsal hall and the miner’s changing room as they come off duty.

One small bone of contention is that the use of Northern dialect and the dropping of voices lead to the occasional lack of clarity.