A new play about The Tolpuddle Martyrs to premiere at North Wall Theatre, Oxford Friday 25th April 2014.
Fresh from an acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Townsend Productions are set to come to The North Wall, Oxford with their latest production, 'We Will Be Free', after last year’s sold-out show 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists', on Friday 25th April at 7.30pm.
Set in 1834 'We Will Be Free' follows the extraordinary true story of George and Betsy Loveless. He was a Methodist preacher and the leader of the six Dorsetshire farm labourers who were tried, convicted and condemned to harsh transportation by an oppressive Government for having the temerity to swear a secret oath and form a union to fight against a succession of wage cuts inflicted by the local landowner.
This vitally important story is told using the entertaining theatrical style developed through our production of 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists'; through Andy Vine's powerful political cartoons and animation; through puppetry and the exquisite musical arrangements by revered folk singer and squeezebox player John Kirkpatrick, of the songs and rallying hymns of the Dorset labouring classes that resound down the years.
'We Will Be Free’s excellent cast features former Sheffield university student Neil Gore (Song of Singapore, West End & Chichester Festival Theatre, Little Britain Live & The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists) and Charlotte Powell (The Tempest Orange Tree Theatre). At last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, we were nominated at The Stage Awards for Acting Excellence. The play is directed by Louise Townsend and Sheffield’s Richard Stone.
The production will also feature songs from the highly acclaimed folk singer and squeezebox player, John Kirkpatrick. During his distinguished career John has worked with artists like Roy Bailey, John Tams, Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy and Steeleye Span. He is also a regular session musician and has played on numerous film sound tracks, most recently the Oscar nominated 'Pirates - Adventures with Scientists', as well as in The Royal National Theatre Production of 'Lark Rise To Candleford'.
The play has had the backing of the unions ACCORD, NASUWT, UNITE, SWTUC and SW Unison.
Tickets: £13 (concessions £11)
Box office: 01865 319450.
For more information contact: [email protected]
Interviews are available with John Kirkpatrick, Neil Gore & Charlotte Powell call Louise Townsend (Producer/Director) 07949635910
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