The Matchgirls

This musical drama tells the true story of the 1888 strike by the matchgirls working in the Bryant and May match factory in Bow, in the East End of London. They rebelled against grim working conditions in the factory and the prevalence of ''phossy jaw'' ie workers' jaws being rotted away by the phosphorous used in the factory 

I was warmly welcomed by Patience Ling, Musical Director and Steve Sadler, Front of House.

I had the chance to speak with both the Musical Director and the Producer/Director, Kerry King. Both paid tribute to the hard work of all the cast and support crew.

Jo Simons played the strong strike leader, Kate and excelled in this role. She acted the part with great enthusiasm and her singing was a pleasure especially in 'Something about You' and 'This Life of Mine'. Kate's boyfriend Joe, played by Rob Sadler, was a docker and unable to understand Kate's motivation. He had a strong interpretation of his character and was well paired with Kate, especially evident in their singing and some rather tense scenes between them. Amanda Rowe played Annie Besant, the liberal reformer and co-founder of The Link newspaper and was sufficiently aloof and assertive to carry the role well. Grant Borroff was a convincing Bert (he also played George Bernard Shaw) who was the bridegroom and the subject of the great chorus number 'Mind You Bert'. This was performed with great energy and movement by the whole chorus and indeed all the chorus numbers were performed at a cracking pace, especially Lah Di Dah and We're Gonna Show 'Em'. The Director ,Kerry King ,took the role of Mrs Purkiss and Dot was played by Chris Sadd .In fact all the chorus of matchgirls and dockers had a lot to do on stage and gave the production lots of movement and energy so well done !

The finale songs, The Waiting Song and a reprise of This Life of Mine rounded off this production of such a compelling story.  

Patience Ling, Musical Director was the sole musician for this production and, as always, her playing was impeccable and her direction of the singing achieved maximum volume and interpretation from the cast.

Set design (Kerry King) was fairly basic but effective, consisting mainly of moveable screens changed by the Stage Managers (Jude Hussey and Derek Butcher) and often helped by the cast .Costumes (Karen Baker and assistants ) were relevant to the era and the East End setting. Lighting design (Bruce Emery) was effective in helping to produce the effect of different sets on stage. No microphones were used or, in the main deemed necessary, but there were a couple of voices which I strained to pick up.

This was an accomplished production from a talented group, celebrating their 40th anniversary year. This production was dedicated to the memory of a recently deceased member, Rosamund Pettett.

Well done to the cast and support crew and good luck with your next production.

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