A PLAY portraying the miners' strike takes to the stage for the first time in the North-East next week.

Pickets and Pigs was written by former North-East police officer Arthur McKenzie, who, since the 1980s, has contributed to television dramas, including The Bill, Where the Heart Is and Wycliffe.

Director Chris Elphinstone said: "It's a hard-hitting piece, a moving and sometimes funny tale about the two conflicting sides on the miners' strike.

"It deals with the devastating effect the strike had on two families, on opposite sides of the divide, in a small parochial village.

"As a serving police officer involved in the strike, Arthur was perfectly placed to see at first-hand the way in which both sides were manipulated, and their roles distorted by politicians and the media.

"The play also recalls the commitment and loyalty of both sides, one fighting to save jobs and the community, and the other fighting to maintain the rule of law."

Pickets and Pigs can be seen at the Customs House Theatre, in South Shields, South Tyneside, from Wednesday to Saturday, October 27 to 30.

Tickets, costing £8 and £6 for concessions, can be booked through the box office, on 0191-454 1234.

Published: 19/10/2004