The touring theatre company, Townsend Productions, are now on the road with their excellent play, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, based on Robert Tressellâs novel, first published in 1914.
The play is the latest in a string of politically committed and successful plays, including âUnited We Standâ (the story of the Shrewsbury pickets), âWe Will Be Free!â (the Tolpuddle Martyrs story) and âOn the Road to Freedomâ (a choir and theatre community project).
The cast portray the novelâs central message of the brutality and injustice of capitalism whilst remaining true to the storyâs characterisations, class depictions and comic moments. This is all the more impressive as the cast comprise just two actors; Neil Gore, co-founder of Townsend Productions with Louise Gore, and Jonathan Markwood. Their skills, passion, energy and humour combined with creative use of props, music and puppets(!) results in a highly enjoyable as well as thought-provoking production.
The story is set in the Edwardian era and remains as relevant today as ever. The Great Money Trick (in which money is demonstrated as the cause of poverty) continues to be played out globally on the worldâs poorest and most vulnerable.
Tressell set out a valuable socialist critique, providing an explanation of inequity and its resulting poverty, division and despair though he is less clear about exactly how to overcome it. The central character, Frank Owen, tries to convince his fellow decorators to stand up to the ruling classes and capitalism but is ultimately unsuccessful in his endeavours.
Nonetheless, this remains an inspiring socialist classic. Tressellâs work was credited in helping Labour win the General Election of 1945. Tony Benn said of Tressell, âHe gave us a torch to pass on from generation to generation. He gave us a lamp to light the wayâ.
In Townsend Productionsâ adaptation, it will continue to inspire audiences and activists.
⢠Further information: Townsend Productions @raggedtour
