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Free theatre coming to the Fens
The acclaimed Townsend Theatre production of Robert Tressell’s classic novel The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is coming to Fenland.
As part of its third national tour it will be at the Rosmini Centre in Wisbech on October 15 starting at 3pm.
Tickets for the show are free thanks to sponsorship from the NE Cambs Labour Party, RMT, UNISON and Unite unions, and Wisbech, March & District TUC.
You’ll need to book, though, and you can reserve your seats by emailing Sue at wmdtuc@gmail.com
Based on Tressell’s 1914 novel, its story is set in the building trades of Hastings where painters and decorators renovating a large house for the mayor struggle to keep themselves and their families in the face of poverty and the constant fear of unemployment.
It’s a scenario that will be recognised by many working people today.
Actor Neil Gore brings this humorous and absorbing book to life.
With projected animation, story-telling, music and magic there’s something for all the family not least the chance to discover a timeless story of working class life.
After the warm reception it received around the country, Gore and director Louise Townsend have reshaped the production, transforming it into a one-man show complete with speeches, audience participation and songs and featuring as its centrepiece the Great Money Trick.
The play has had glowing reviews.
Film director Ken Loach described it as “a strong and robust show that brings the characters, humour and inspirational ideas of this great book to life”.
Peter Yates of Last Minute Theatre Tickets said: “It’s a wonderful entertainment for all the family. It would be so beneficial if school-age children could be brought to see its witty and boisterous recording of aspects of our social history”.
