It will be the last chance for local audiences to catch this humorous and poignant drama based on the true story of a group of Ashington miners and their journey into the high-brow world of art in the 1930s.

The production directed by Max Roberts, which opened the newly-refurbished Live Theatre in September 2007, will feature the original cast but not the original script.

"What audiences will see is a revised version of the one we opened Live with," said Lee Hall.

"Theatre is a living beast and I've found all of my plays are constantly evolving.

"Also, the cast of The Pitmen Painters made an unusually valuable contribution to the play and its development following the last run."

Tickets for The Pitmen Painters are already selling fast and a few dates have already sold out.

"With the support of Tyneside-based energy supplier, eaga partnership, we're delighted to offer the people of the north east another chance to see this wonderful play by Lee before we take it to London," said Max Roberts, the director.

"Hopefully everyone who missed the chance to see the production last year will take up this opportunity."

As well as the four-week run on his home turf, Max Roberts is also looking forward to taking the production to London for six weeks repertory at The National Theatre.

"This is the second time one of Lee Hall's plays has transferred to London from Live Theatre," explained Max Roberts.

"His first was the hit musical – Cooking with Elvis – which enjoyed a successful run in the West End.

"Pitmen Painters got rave reviews in both local and national press following its opening at Live and certainly deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

"So we were delighted when the National invited us to take it there as a co-production," he added.

Lyn Gardner of The Guardian remarked: "This is a play about the importance not just of feeding your stomach and your brain, but about feeding your soul. And it does just that."

Writing for The Observer, Susannah Clapp described The Pitmen Painters as, "an inspiring, important new play by Lee Hall".

The Pitmen Painters will run at Live Theatre from Thursday, April 3 until Saturday, May 3.

Tickets are available now from the box office on (0191) 232 1232 or by booking online at www.live.org.uk