Lisburn actor to star in uplifting new play

Pits and Perverts is an uplifting true story which tells of the unlikely and widely unknown alliance between Welsh miners on strike and a group of London-based gay activists and the formation of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) Group.

The semi autobiographical play is penned by Derry man Micheál Kerrigan who, at the height of the strikes in the 1980s, was involved in the LGSM group which was set up to support the miners and their families in South Wales.

The group became the largest fundraisers for miners in South Wales raising in excess of £22,000.

Directed and produced by Patricia Byrne for Sole Purpose Productions in association with The Rainbow Project, this touching and funny drama is based on real events that took place during Thatcher’s leadership.

Although the events around the miner’s strikes are well documented, this part of history and the struggle by the miners and their families in South Wales is generally unknown.

Michael, who plays the role of Gene in the show, commented: “The research phase of the production has been fascinating. We have been able to access archive video footage of the group and the miners, photos, minutes from meetings, and have spoken to some of the people who were involved to get their take on what happened.

“We have also received letters of support from Sian James MP for Swansea East, Dr Hywel Franicis MP for Aberavon and have been working closely with Mike Jackson who set the group up with Mark Ashton (RIP) in 1984.”

He added: “Audiences are in for a very special treat in this piece of incredibly origi