*
banner

Gloria! Gloria!

There is sometimes nothing wrong with being perfectly type cast for a stage role...

 

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.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd