NIPSA has announced that a powerful and critically acclaimed stage play commemorating the centenary of the 1926 General Strike will come to Derry/Londonderry and Belfast this summer, following a sold‑out tour across England.
The Cramlington Train Wreckers is a gripping true story of injustice, solidarity and community, inspired by extraordinary real events from one of the most turbulent moments in labour history.
In May 1926, during the General Strike, a train derailment involving the Flying Scotsman led to eight miners from Cramlington being arrested and handed a total of 48 years’ imprisonment, despite no loss of life and only one minor injury. Widely viewed as a political punishment, the sentences sparked outrage, and sustained trade‑union pressure eventually secured the men’s release. They returned home as heroes.
Bringing these events to the stage, The Cramlington Train Wreckers has been praised for its warmth, humour and emotional power, placing working‑class voices and collective resistance at the heart of the story.
Following sell‑out performances at multiple theatres across England, the production now comes here, sponsored by NIPSA, Unison, Unite, the Fire Brigades Union and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
The play will be performed at:
The Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry - Wednesday 8 July, 7.30pm
The Waterfront Hall, Belfast - Thursday 9 July, 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Carmel Gates, General Secretary of NIPSA, said:
“The Cramlington Train Wreckers is a moving and uplifting piece of theatre, rooted in working‑class experience and solidarity. We’re proud to help bring this important production to audiences here as the centenary of the General Strike is marked.”
The play is written by Ed Waugh, whose work is well known to local audiences. His acclaimed one‑man show Carrying David received five‑star reviews at the Lyric Theatre, while Dirty Dusting previously sold out the Grand Opera House. Ed Waugh commented:
“This is a story about ordinary people standing together and refusing to accept injustice. A century on, its themes remain as relevant as ever.”
The production stars Micky Cochrane, recently named Northeast Performer of the Year for his role in the play.
Ed Waugh will visit Derry/Londonderry and Belfast in June for talks and events ahead of the performances. Details will be announced via www.cramlingtontrainwreckers.co.uk.
Tickets are on sale now from The Playhouse and The Waterfront Hall.