The next play to follow Townsend Productions’ first production ‘The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists’ is a retelling of the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
In history some stories rise above their place because they have a timeless quality and their significance seizes the imagination of succeeding generations.
The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs is one such tale. It is the story of oppression and injustice; of a reactionary and colluding establishment and how they used their power and mis-used the legal process to punish poor, honest, innocent men who had the temerity to stand up for their rights.
Keeping the style of performance that has been developed through our first production, using storytelling wit and theatrical tricks, strong believable character and relationship development, and embedding all this in a developing house style of open relaxed accessible musical performance, we aim to raise questions about present day political issues using the experiences of the past.
Our starting point is a 1936 play by Miles Malleson, SIX MEN OF DORSET, and to freely adapt it in a similar way to 7:84 in 1984. Musically there are two or three options: using a new original score, with use of traditional songs and music, or investigating the possibility of using John Tams songs from the 7:84 version.
Despite there being a few localised community based performances and the film COMRADES, from the eighties, there hasn’t been a touring version of the story since the 7:84 show in 1984.
It certainly has the credentials and potential to suit our way of working and offers us more than enough to be a worthy successor to our first highly successful touring production.
The compelling account of injustice and heroism that is the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, sends out a signal which continues to he heard wherever working people seek fairness for themselves and their fellow workers. In our current economic and social condition this story has gained renewed relevance.
