Kettleboys was a story inspired by a very good friend of Cribhut, Steve Dowrick. As a native of Cornwall's china clay country, he was aware that the rich cultural heritage of that area was slowly being displaced by progress and change. 'Somebody needs to write a play about it before it's too late,' he said to the writer in a rather meaningful manner. So after much reading and research the play was born, and since music is an important part of the life of the clay country the play contained much music, and once again Chris worked his magic on the lyrics. The first student production, in 2007, was large in scale, and included dance choreographed by Helen Tiplady of
C-Scape and a brass band from St.Blazey. It was performed
in the Keay to much acclaim.
In 2009, it was suggested that the show be revived for the
Du Maurier Festival with cast of experienced actors.
Encouraged by the enthusiasm for the show, Cribhut Theatre was created to produce it, naming the company after the cribhut, which was part of the set of Kettleboys.
I was delighted to learn that Cribhut had resurrected Kettleboys and Captains for their contribution to this year’s Du Maurier Festival. Although this production contains small changes to the original, the team bring us another chance to enjoy this wonderful story of our mining heritage.
Exploring the history of Cornwall’s China Clay industry, the drama unfolds to recount tales of hard lives, early deaths and poverty. From the discovery of Cornwall’s white gold in the mid 18th century, through wars and hunger the story serves as a stark reminder of the cruel and dust ridden lives our ancestors endured to dig the clay. Although dealing with harsh reality, this isn’t a miserable play – far from it, filled with comedy and song the story proves how hard times formed close knit communities which are lost forever.
The two hour performance provided a wealth of laughter alongside heart breaking tales, including the arrival in 1913 of Stocker’s vicious coppers sent to destroy the miners’ strike with violence and hatred in their hearts.
With our mining rapidly diminishing to almost a thing of the past Kettleboys and Captains is a timely reminder of it’s heyday and importance.
- Du Maurier Festival Reciew
