A MUSICAL society has been finding out more about a play about a North-East singer,.
Playwright Ed Waugh, whose new play The Great Joe Wilson is touring the region, met members of the Stanley-based Tommy Armstrong Society.
The meeting came about after it emerged that pitman poet Tommy Armstrong had been inspired by Joe Wilson after seeing him perform in Annfield Plain in 1865, the month before his 16th birthday.
Tommy Armstrong Society secretary Joe Wilson said: “When we read the article in the Northern Echo about Joe Wilson being Tommy Armstrong’s inspiration, we wanted to talk to Ed about the work we are doing to preserve Tommy’s wonderful legacy of songs.”
Mr Waugh said: “It was fantastic meeting everyone. It’s incredible to think a concert held 153 years ago can still have resonance and repercussions today.”
Joe Wilson performed in Pelton, Burnopfield, Annfield Plain and Stanley between 1864 and 1868, when crowds of more than 600 people would crowd into halls and marquees to see him.
The play is at the Alun Armstrong Theatre, Stanley, on September 13.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here