A play depicting the power of the arts is to be staged by Weymouth Drama Club.

Members will perform The Pitmen Painters at The Warehouse Theatre in Hope Street, Weymouth, from February 16 to 19.

The Pitmen Painters was written by Lee Hall, who also wrote Billy Elliot.

Jacqui Trent, the director, says: “I have wanted to direct this play for a while as it really speaks about the power of the arts, and how valuable it should be to everyone, not just the privileged.

"It really struck a chord with me during the pandemic, when a group of us read the play on Zoom, about how much the arts were suffering and how little store the powers that be placed in it. The arts are for everyone and this play clearly demonstrates that.”

The play is based on the extraordinary true story of the 'Ashington Group' of miners living in the North East of England. In the 1930s, almost by accident, they learned to become painters. They became celebrated in the art world and their work was exhibited and collected – but by day they carried on working in the pits.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from the website www.weymouthdramaclub.com