A classic piece of working class literature will leap off the page onto the stage, in the form of the Ragged Trousered Philanthropists at two Artsreach venues.
On the page “The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists” is a classic piece of pre-First World War working-class literature, but in this adaptation for the stage, by Townsend Productions, it’s mixed with fast-paced, madcap action and performed by two highly accomplished performers: Fine Time Fontayne and Neil Gore.
The story takes place in a time where, if you weren’t able to work, you ended up starving or in the Workhouse, and follows a group of painters and decorators who are ‘doing up’ the home of the local Mayor. They gradually come to realise that they are their own worst enemies as the bosses walk all over them. There are plenty of comic routines, entertaining songs and music from the Music Hall, and uplifting hymns from the Temperance Hall sung in lovely harmony.
This two-hander production, suitable for ages 12+, is a play that focuses on and reflects life in the workplace and the fragility of employment in difficult times, therefore bearing great relevance for audiences today as it endeavours to raise these issues into the viewer’s consciousness in an entertaining and challenging way.
Fine Time and Neil skilfully flit between their roles as artists, storytellers and musicians, guarantee a lively and entertaining performance. Fine Time has most recently been on tour with Lenny Henry in “Othello” by Northern Broadsides, and in the same company’s production of “Hamlet”. Neil is a fine actor/singer/ musician who has a great track record directing performers as well as himself in a wealth of productions.
Catch it at:
Burton Bradstock Village Hall Fri 28 October, 7:30pm 01308 897214
Corfe Castle Village Hall Sat 29 October, 7:30pm 01929 480483
