The Matchgirls
Performances: 15-18 November 2023, Betchworth Village Hall
Director: Alison Cooper
Musical Director: Ian Stone
A rarely-performed musical by Bill Owen and Tony Russell. In 1888 female workers at the Bryant & May match factory in one of the poorest areas of East London went on strike for fair pay and safer working conditions. Many had been seriously affected by contact with white phosphorus (causing conditions such as ‘phossy jaw’) and the low wages were reduced even further by frequent fines. For more historical background visit matchgirls1888.org
Written in the 1960s, The Matchgirls dramatizes their struggle which attracted public support and resulted in historic new rights being established - eventually the use of white phosphorus was banned. Despite the subject and the grim setting, the musical contains plenty of humour and upbeat songs, as the traditional Cockney spirit rises above the darkest moments
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
The production was reviewed for NODA by Graham Botterill
Cast
Kate | Kelly Cross |
Polly | Jane Khan |
Mrs Purkiss | Sarah Esser-Haswell |
Old Min | Diane Mayall |
Jessie | Christina Usher |
Maggie | Joanne Packham |
Beattie | Julie Bickerdike |
Winnie | Linda Slater |
Nell | Emoke Soproni |
Dot | Tracey Hulf |
Louie | Georgia Bishop |
Mrs Harris | Jane Johnson |
Ruby/Scots girl | Dee Coutts |
Joe | Stephen Tickell |
Perce | Peter Telford |
Bert | Gerald Hulf |
Fred | Roger Nelson |
Tom/Mr Mynel | Peter Thomas |
Mr Potter | David Eccles |
Annie Besant | Jane Seymour |
Paula Westerby | Jane Flanders |
George Bernard Shaw | Julian Edney |
Production Team
Lighting | David Ames |
Stage Manager | Julian Edney |
Set & costume design | Alison Cooper |
Set construction | Julian Edney, Gerald Hulf, Tracey Hulf, Stephen Tickell |
Set painting | The Company |
Makeup | Julie Bickerdike |
Front of House | Julie Bickerdike, Selena Edney, Jane Flanders Neil Mayall, Lynda Barrett-Mercer |
Box Office | Sam Stevens |
Poster design | Stephen Tickell |
Programme | Josh Packham |
Dress Rehearsal photos | Geoff Martin |