01/07/2026
The Cramlington Train Wreckers - Powerful Play coming to Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
A POWERFUL PLAY MARKING 100 YEARS SINCE THE GENERAL STRIKE COMES TO BELFAST & DERRY/LONDONDERRY
To mark the centenary of the 1926 General Strike, NIPSA is proud to support a major touring theatre production that tells a powerful true story of working‑class solidarity, injustice and collective action.
The Cramlington Train Wreckers is a critically acclaimed stage play based on real events during the General Strike. In May 1926, a train derailment involving the Flying Scotsman led to eight miners being arrested and handed a total of 48 years in prison, despite no loss of life and only one minor injury. The sentences were widely seen as political punishment, and the men were eventually freed following sustained trade‑union pressure. They returned home as heroes.
The play brings this story to life with warmth, humour and deep emotional impact, placing working‑class voices and trade‑union solidarity at the heart of the narrative. Following a sell‑out tour across England, the production is now coming here.
Performance Details
The Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry
Wednesday 8 July, 7.30pm
The Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Thursday 9 July, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
The production is sponsored by NIPSA, alongside Unison, Unite, the Fire Brigades Union and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Why This Matters
The story at the centre of The Cramlington Train Wreckers is one that still resonates today. Ordinary workers standing together, resisting injustice and demanding fairness. A century on from the General Strike, its themes remain hugely relevant.
The play is written by Ed Waugh, well known to local audiences for Carrying David and Dirty Dusting. The production stars Micky Cochrane, recently named Northeast Performer of the Year for his performance in the role.
Ed Waugh will be visiting Derry/Londonderry and Belfast in June for talks and events ahead of the performances.
Tickets On Sale Now:
The Playhouse: www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/the-cramlington-train-wreckers
Waterfront Hall: www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/the-cramlington-train-wreckers
We would encourage members who are interested in labour history, trade‑union activism, or powerful working‑class storytelling to attend and help mark this important centenary.
✨Win ✨ a pair of tickets to see The Cramlington Train Wreckers 🎭
Following sell-out performances across England, this powerful and moving play is coming to Belfast and Derry/L'derry next week!
Based on a remarkable true story from the 1926 General Strike, The Cramlington Train Wreckers is a gripping tale of injustice, solidarity, friendship and working-class resilience.
🎟️ To win 2 tickets to attend your preferred performance in Belfast or Derry/L'derry* all you have to do is:
✅ Like our page
✅ Comment below and tell us who you'd bring with you
Competition closes 12noon, Fri 3 Jul.
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁:
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🍀Good luck!
*𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
The Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry - Wednesday 8 July, 7.30pm
The Waterfront Hall, Belfast - Thursday 9 July, 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Info and tickets: https://nipsa.org.uk/nipsa-in-action/nipsa-latest/1340-sell-out-play-marks-100-years-since-the-1926-general-strike
