PHILANTHROPISTS TAKE TO THE STAGE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2011 :: RMTnews 28 ROBERT TRESSELL’S timeless socialist classic The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists takes to the stage this summer in a hilarious two-handed musical version – and RMT members can get to see it FREE in a special staging at the TUC’s Congress House Theatre. The acclaimed singing, musical and acting talents of Neil Gore and Fine Time Fontayne have been combined with Stephen Lowe’s adaptation of the novel by director Louise Townsend to create an evening of songs, pathos, passion and laughter that captures the novel’s socialist vision. The fast-paced show, which begins touring in July, shares with its audience a year in the life of a group of painters and decorators as they renovate the Cave, a three-storey town house, for Mayor Sweater, and traces their struggle for survival in Edwardian England. These workers are the ‘philanthropists’ who throw themselves into back-breaking work for poverty wages in order to generate profit for their masters. Included is the Great Money Trick – the pointed demonstration by the novel’s hero, Owen, of how capitalism generates poverty for working people and enormous wealth for the few. The story is brought to life using comedy routines, music- hall songs and uplifting hymns from the chapel and temperance halls sung in graceful harmony. “RMT jumped at the chance to sponsor this production and we are delighted to offer members the chance to see it for free at a special performance at the TUC’s theatre in London,” said general secretary Bob Crow. “The power of the Philanthropists has drawn countless people into working- class and socialist politics, with its withering portrayal of life under capitalism in ‘Mugsborough’ – based on the Hastings in which Tressell worked.” “This production brings the Philanthropists to life with wit and power, and I hope that it inspires a new generation to read the novel and become part of the struggle for a better world.” PHILANTHROPISTS TAKE TO THE STAGE See RTP for free – claim your tickets now RMT has joined with the TUC’s Southern and Eastern Region Theatre Club to stage a performance of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists at Congress House in London on the evening of Friday July 29. To reserve your FREE tickets – maximum four per person – contact Derek Kotz at Unity House, on 020 7529 8803 or at dkotz@rmt.org.uk. Tour dates July 19: Marsworth Village Hall, Marsworth, Bucks 21: Hertford Theatre 25-17: Theatre by the Lake, Keswick 29: TUC, Congress House (RMT/SERTUC Theatre Club) 30-31: The Rosemary Branch, London Sept 2: Library Theatre, Birmingham 7: The Met, Bury, Lancs 14: Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal 15-17: Arts Out West 21-27: Carn to Cove, Cornwall 28: Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington, Devon Oct 4-8: Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow 12-16: Live and Local, Midlands 18-23: Highlights (in the North West) A new production of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists promises passion, pathos, songs and laughter – and RMT members can see it for free • For details of performances, contact venues or see www.townsendproductions.org.uk. • To enquire about hosting a performance, email townsendproductions@hotmail.co.uk or call Louise Townsend on 07949 635 910