3 STARS, July 7-13. Catherine Bardrick awards 3 stars to a lively and upbeat production of the musical The Matchgirls currently showing at Hampton Hill Theatre
A musical focused on the strike action taken by strong women in the East End over 100 years ago in 1888 is a timely choice for the year celebrating the centenary of women getting the vote. The production by Teddington Theatre Club, directed by Marc Batten, is a lively upbeat celebration of the courage and strength of these women who have secured their place in history as important pioneering forerunners for subsequent female strikes such as those staged at Grunwick and Dagenham. Their actions against the Bryant and May management arose from poor working conditions including low pay, long hours, excessive fines and stoppages, unfair dismissals and the health risks associated with handling white phosphorous – notably “phossy jaw.” Championed by social activist Annie Besant who published an article drawing attention to their plight in “The Link”, the striking women won significant concessions in answer to their demands which has helped pave the way for significant change and progress in the history of labour relations.
This slice of history and fight for justice is cleverly brought to life by this “original girl power musical” with lyrics by Bill Owen and music by Tony Russell. There are catchy numbers and snappy choreography and musical director Hannah May-Lucas declares The Matchgirls to be “a wonderfully underrated musical with a catchy, driven jazz-inspired score and touching sentimental blues melodies”. The story is also vividly brought to life by making the political personal with a fine array of individual quirky characters, and emerging strike leader Kate being forced to choose between a new life in America with her fiancé Joe or staying to fight for victory and risk losing him to rival Jessie.
Teddington Theatre Club’s production is obviously a popular choice and a huge hit with the audience. The stand-out performance is clearly that of Emma Hosier as strike leader Kate who holds the whole production together beautifully with her perfect pitch voice and vibrancy as an actor who convinces the audience in every scene. There are also some fine and feisty supporting performances from Cath Bryant as Polly and Caroline Steer as Jessie, as well as some effective comic turns notably Sandra Mortimer as Old Min and Ben Hansell as Mr.Potter, plus a persuasive portrayal of a posh Social activist in Sue Reoch’s Annie Besant.
Credit should also be given to everyone involved in staging this show as it is so clearly a huge all round team effort – from director Marc Batten who believes in “equality for all and that the milestones should be remembered and applauded” to the wider cast of the chorus for bringing the set pieces to life with rousing enthusiasm, as well as choreographer Lucinda Hennessy and musical director Hannah-May Lucas for presenting us with well-coordinated scenes and soundly delivered songs. Overall, this is an entertaining show which will appeal to all the family – with the added bonus of delivering and teaching an important history lesson too!
Tickets: hamptonhilltheatre.org.uk
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