Matchgirls, The
- Full Length Musical, Period Piece / Historical, Drama, 19th Century
- 5M, 13F
- ISBN: 9780573080449
Based on fact, this musical tells the story of a strike by the girls in a match factory in 1888, when unions were still groping for recognition and mass withdrawal of labour was an almost unheard-of strategy in industrial relations.
Description
- Full Length Musical
- Period Piece / Historical, Drama
- Time Period: 19th Century
- Set Requirements: Unit Set/Multiple Settings
The match-cutters finally rebel against working conditions in which young girls had their jaws rotted away by phosphorus, and discipline was maintained by a system of crippling fines and sanctions. A grim episode, perhaps, but not many minutes of the play are allowed to pass before the natural ebullience of the traditional Cockney sparrow helps to create sparkling entertainment which warms the heart, yet retains the essential drama of the central theme.
The incongruously named "Hope Court" is the setting for much of the play, for it is there the workers live in shabby tenements. Desperation turns Kate, the tenement girl, into a reckless strike-leader, and complicates her courtship with Joe, a docker. Annie Besant, the liberal reformer, champions the strikers' cause and plays a vital part in bringing about their ultimate victory over what was then a callous management.
Characters
- Casting: 5M, 13F
- Casting Notes: The show can be expanded to some extent, although in the original production every member of the company was an individual character, and named. Additional matchgirls can be added more or less at will.
Available Material
| Name | Price |
|---|---|
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Matchgirls, The Script
Order Now
The match-cutters finally rebel against working conditions in which young girls had their jaws rotted away by phosphorus, and discipline was maintained by a system of crippling fines and sanctions. A grim episode, perhaps, but not many minutes of the play are allowed to pass before the natural ebullience of the traditional Cockney sparrow helps to create sparkling entertainment which warms the heart, yet retains the essential drama of the central theme. |
$24.95 |
|
Perusal Material
Shipped immediately. This is optional.
Order Now
1 x Libretto |
$24.00 |
|
Pre-Production Pack
Shipped upon receipt of a signed License Agreement and full payment of all invoices. This is optional.
1 x Piano-Vocal Book |
$75.00 |
|
Rehearsal Material
Shipped a minimum of 3 months before the last performance. This must be hired as a condition of the License to produce this show.
16 x Piano-Vocal Books |
$350.00 +$135.00/pm |
|
Orchestral Materials
Shipped a minimum of 1 month before the last performance. This is optional.
1 x Alto Saxophone/Clarinet |
$150.00 +$75.00/pm |
