THE true story of four women who occupied a colliery as pits were being closed in 1993 will be told in a play penned by Maxine Peake.

Queens of the Coal Age will get its stage premiere at the Royal Exchange, where Peake is currently playing Winnie in Samuel Beckett's Happy Days.

It is based on the inspiring story of four extraordinary women — Anne, Dot, Lesley and Elaine — as they head 80 metres underground to make a stand for Women Against Pit Closures.

This witty re-telling of the five-day occupation of Parkside Colliery in Newton-Le-Willows is directed by Bryony Shanahan the Royal Exchange’s new Associate Artistic Director.

Taking on the roles of these indomitable women are Kate Anthony as Anne, Jane Hazlegrove — who has appeared as East Is East and Blood Wedding in the Octagon — as Dot, Danielle Henry as Lesley, and Eve Robertson as Elaine.

This co-production with the New Vic Theatre runs at the Exchange from June 28 to July 28 before transferring to Stoke-on-Trent.

Disguised as teachers these four ordinary women head down the pit, their bras and knickers stuffed with Nicorette gum and "Coal not Dole" stickers, to make a stand for their families, their community and themselves. As they dig-in for the long days ahead those up top start to realise that these ladies are not for turning.

Peake, an associate artist at the theatre, said: "I wrote Queens of the Coal Age because I wanted to shine a light on Anne, Lesley, Elaine and Dot’s determination and bravery, their ingenuity and passion.

"These four extraordinary women did something — they took direct action.

"I didn’t want their protest to be forgotten I wanted to celebrate their efforts.

"Protest is more potent now than ever. To me it isn’t about clicking a mouse or ‘liking’ something, it’s about getting out there and facing your oppressors, being visible.

"It’s not always about winning the struggle, but it’s about stemming the flow.

"We need to show them that we are still here. We still have a fight in us and we won’t roll over, and The Queens are for me champions of that — four fearless women who stood up to be counted."

Peake's work at the Royal Exchange includes Happy Days, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Skriker, and Hamlet all of which were created in partnership with director Sarah Frankcom. Her writing credits include The Last Testament OF Lillian Bilocca; Beryl and Queens of The Coal Age.