Join us for a screening of Iron Ladies, a celebration of the iron-willed women who maintained the 1984 to 1985 Miners’ Strike as they fought for the future of their communities. Followed by an open discussion with documentary contributor and community activist Lorraine Stansbie, one of the founding members of Barnsley Women Against Pit Closures, chaired by Amy Todd.
Amy Todd is studying towards a PhD at the University of Manchester in collaboration with PHM. Her research focuses on the Women’s Liberation Movement in Britain (1968-1988).
Synopsis and film details:
Iron Ladies by Daniel Draper, 2025, 98mins
The untold story of working-class women who, during the 1984 to 1985 Miners’ Strike, found themselves at the forefront of a battle against the British state. From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle, and how they became the backbone of the Strike. With many still active today, their actions reshaped the landscape of political activism for working class women.
Cast: Heather Wood, Betty Cook, Rose Hunter, Lorraine Stansbie, Linda Erskine, Kate Alvey, Kate Flannery, Aggie Currie, Liz French, Christine Powell, Linda Allbutt, Kay Sutcliffe, Juliana Heron, Carol Ross, Janet Wilson-Cunningham, Maxine Penkethman, Sue Poitrowski, Sally Higgins, Kay Case, Lynn Gibson.
Certificate: 12A – moderate violence, infrequent strong language (suitable for 12+, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult)
Language: English
About Shut Out The Light Films
An independent film company founded in Liverpool in 2014 by Christie Allanson and Daniel Draper, specialising in documentary filmmaking. Their first feature, Nature of the Beast, about then Labour politician Dennis Skinner, led to subsequent documentaries which give voices to under-represented communities. With a hands-on and personal approach in all stages of production and distribution, Iron Ladies is Shut Out The Light’s sixth feature to be released.
Part of PHM’s programme of activity exploring the history of strikes and solidarity.
Concession tickets:
Disabled attendees – if you need a wheelchair space please contact access@phm.org.uk to reserve and include the number of people in your party.
Full time students
Low-income workers (in receipt of income related benefits)
Senior citizens (over 65)
FREE tickets:
Essential companions
Unwaged attendees
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