Welfare, Derby Theatre Review

Reviewed by Sam for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Welfare is a new play written by Derby’s very own Abi Zakarian featuring Derwent Brass Band and directed by Sarah Brigham. 

The story is told by Bingo Bob (Ivan Stott), a man from Somercotes in Derbyshire who is joined by young adventurer, Kat (Tiana Maria Harrison). They both take us back in time to when the Derbyshire’s Miners’ Holiday Camp first opened in Skegness in 1939 as Kat’s father is suffering from dementia and has kept some memorabilia from the camp. The Derbyshire Miners’ Holiday Camp was opened to ensure working men, and their families could take a week off paid and be provided with bed, board and entertainment. This was a time to relax and enjoy the sun, sea and ice cream.

In order to make this happen, people across Derbyshire have shared their stories of the camp and what it was like to be a miner with the non-profit group We Live Here, commissioned by Derby Theatre, which enabled Derby Theatre to produce this incredible masterpiece. 

As we see each story unravel throughout the decades (from 1920s – 1990s), we’re also playing bingo, singing and dancing along as well as being envious we’re not up there with the cast. This production explores many themes of love, friendship, humour, emotion, dance and live music. It’s so hard to pinpoint any standout moments because the whole show is clever, informative, educational, emotive, energetic, realistic, moving, captivating and inspiring. It’s one of my favourite shows now because I was and am, genuinely lost for words.     

One of the main reasons this show works so well is due to the high level of audience interaction. As an audience member, you are fully immersed in the character’s lifestyles and feel like you are on holiday yourself. You don’t actually realise you’re watching a theatre show – I certainly forgot where I was at times. I think Ivan Stott was a born entertainer because it came so naturally to him, we were all joining in at every opportunity and he knew how to keep the audience engaged. He had the audience dancing and singing wherever possible and even had our attention before the actual show started.

As Kat discovers the history of her family, we see three generations of the Johnson’s, each with their own stories to tell. These range from men working in the mines to women voting followed tragically by illness and death. As the second generation grow through their loss, Patty (Jo Mousley) meets miner Joseph (Andrew Westfield), and they have their son Jack (John Holt-Roberts). This is where the story focuses on this family by guiding us through what they do for those within the camp and for the camp itself. They are the backbone and a group everyone depends on.

There were some uncomfortable yet poignant moments in the show, one particular scene focuses on racism, and it gave me goosebumps. I truly felt the words being spoken by Everine (Olivia Egbunike) because sadly, it’s still relevant today. The slurs may have changed but racism hasn’t and I’m glad it was included. We can’t ignore something that continues to happen day to day.

A number of cast members play instruments throughout the show as well as different characters with various accents including Hanna Winter singing in Hungarian. The costume changes blew me away, they were so quick and suited the eras well. I loved the colours as we were transported from the 1940s to 1970s, Neil Irish (Set and Costume Designer) captured and represented British and Hungarian fashion to a tee. 

Everyone on and off stage looked like they were having the time of their lives and as a viewer, I can’t ask for anything more. It didn’t seem like a show to me, as it didn’t seem rehearsed / scripted (in a good way, it flowed naturally) and I think this was because it was an immersive experience that I won’t forget – I imagine some of it was off the cuff because of the audience interaction but I loved every second of it. Welfare is a show that I’m proud to say has been born and developed in Derbyshire and I will be recommending to all wherever I can. Every single person on that stage, including the band, deserve a standing ovation at every performance. 

Even though I am from Derbyshire and live in a mining town, mining history isn’t something I know that much about but I’m keen to learn more as I was being educated throughout the production. Once I left the show, I found myself looking into books I could read to gain a better understanding of what happened to minors back in the 1980s. I visited with my mum and none of us were aware of our relationship with Hungarian citizens and I thought this was a great addition to the story.

Welfare is running until 12 October at Derby Theatre, so purchase your tickets here before the show ends.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆  ☆