FROM THE BARN THEATRE ARCHIVE

The Matchgirls

A musical by Bill Owen
Directed by Amanda Sayers
Musical Director David Meek
21st – 29th April 2017

The remarkable true story of the Victorian scandal that sent shockwaves through Britain and changed women's lives forever

The Matchgirls musical play is based on actual events around the London Matchgirls strike of 1888 and focuses on working conditions at the Bryant & May factory in Bow, which had women and children suffering from ‘Phossy Jaw’ where the white phosphorus from matches would rot their jaws away. This was combined with sanctions and fines imposed by management if you were unable to work due to illness.

The match-cutters finally rebelled against their working conditions and this is their story. The incongruously named ‘Hope Court’ is the setting for much of the play, for it is there the workers live in shabby tenements. Desperation turns Kate, the tenement girl, into a reckless strike-leader, and complicates her courtship with Joe, a docker. Annie Besant, the liberal reformer, champions the strikers’ cause and plays a vital part in bringing about their ultimate victory over what was then a callous management.

Tickets

Tickets are now available for just £15. Buy online or from the Box Office.

Meal deal

Take advantage of our £29 meal deal with Terranova Italian Restaurant in Stanborough Park which includes a 2-course, pre-show meal from the set menu with a glass of wine and a ticket for the show. Download the menu

Not available Sundays and Mondays.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by
Amanda Sayers
Musical Director
David Meek

CAST

Mrs Purkiss
Jessie
Beattie
Scottish Girl / Matchgirl
Annie Besant
Paula Westerby
George Bernard Shaw
Foreman Mynel & Docker
Mr Potter & Docker

CREATIVE TEAM

Production Manager
Set Design
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Lighting
Poster & Program Design

DON'T FORGET, COMING UP AT THE BARN SOON

The Revlon Girl by Neil Docking at the at the Barn Theatre Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Opening 17th January
By Neil Anthony Docking

 

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Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Statement

At the Barn we are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination in all its forms. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the cast and creative team, regardless of their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity and will work to prevent any form of discrimination or harassment within our organisation.

Part 1, 18th Jan 8pm

Part 2, 19th Jan 8pm

Parts 1+2 20th Jan 2.30pm

Part 1, 23rd Jan 8pm

Part 2, 24th Jan 8pm

Part 1, 25th Jan 8pm

Part 2, 26th Jan 8pm

Part 1, 27th Jan 2.30pm

Part 2,  27th Jan 8pm