Amy Mondschein from Mansfield will be making a long-awaited return to the acting stage next month when she takes on the role of Gloria in a production of 'Brassed Off!' in Nottingham.

Flugel mustard

Over the years the part has been played by many actresses — including Tara Fitzgerald in the film — but few can actually boast that they can actually play the flugel horn to a standard that could pass the mustard on the stage of the National Finals itself.

That's certainly the case with Amy — whose maiden name may give a clue to why: Lippeatt.

Acting bug

Amy (on left above) has been caught by the acting bug once again after a 20 year break — especially as it will see her play the iconic part. And as she told 4BR, she doesn't mind being perfectly type cast!

"Understandably, banding was my life when I was young, and although I really enjoyed acting in school it was one or the other! However, getting the chance to play Gloria in 'Brassed Off!' was too good an opportunity to miss out on.

Even though I'm now a mum of two young girls, and after my youngest was born I 'retired' from banding, when I saw the advert for this play and I thought, I have to give it a go. Of course my acting skills needed brushing up a lot but somehow it seems I was destined to play the part!"

That is for certain.

Grimley link

Gloria — sorry — Amy, was born in Grimethorpe (the village of Grimley in the film) and her famous father Stan played flugel for the band. Amy joined Grimethorpe Colliery Junior band aged 6, and has played ever since.

She added: "Just like Gloria, the family left Grimethorpe but only because my dad got a job conducting another band and we went to live in the colliery village near Thoresby.

I was 11, and although not quite good enough for the band at that time, I carried on playing and a few years later joined them full time.

More recently, dad took the position of MD at Hatfield Colliery Band and I followed him — moving from cornet to flugel in the process. I had a wonderful time, and now it's been topped off with the chance to play Gloria playing alongside Newstead Band who are taking on the Grimley role."

Of course my acting skills needed brushing up a lot but somehow it seems I was destined to play the part!Amy Mondschein

Helping hand

Amy also revealed that perhaps fate played a part..

"I also happen to love playing the wonderful 'orange juice' solo — so although I would like to think that it was my amazing acting skills that won over the casting directors, I think some of my personal banding circumstances and history might have had a little helping hand too!"

You can see Amy in her role as Gloria in 'Brassed Off!' at the Nottingham Arts Theatre, 6th — 9th July.