Cast are a Class Act

The Swindon Advertiser review (transcribed, left)

I read Robert Tressell's 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' years ago, and like OTTC Director Jane Dale, I too was bowled over by its power and passion.

So when I saw Stephen Lowe's play adaptation was to be performed at the Arts Centre, I jumped at the chance to see it.

This Edwardian tale of socialism and exploitation in the workforce is as relevant today as it was back in the early 20th Century when Tressell wrote the book.

With workers today facing unemployment and pay cuts to to keep the fat cats with their bonuses in their comfortable and lavish lifestyles, The RTP's account of capitalist bosses and aggrieved yet resilient workers could not be more apt.

The story centres on painters and decorators working for a penny-pinching boss – Rushton, of Rushton & Co, and their ruthless foreman, Hunter.

The northern-accented parts played by the OTTC cast were astonishingly believable, with well rounded characters in every sense.

Having limited set and props (the play either set in the house, which was being decorated, or in a pub), the performance relied on the dialogue between the actors. With powerful monologues (especially by John Marshall's Tom Harlow), which captured the tension and edginess of the consequential suffering of the workers, the audience was compelled to feel empathy.

The chemistry between the actors on stage truly provided the sense of comradeship and passion, with Owen Fishwick's Frank Owen really coming across as the reluctant hero of the working classes.

With seeming ease, the players created a real divide between the classes they were representing, bringing forth the humour and emotional plight of each character.

It was a great performance by all, with challenging and thought-provoking issues, and a money trick by lead character Frank Owen which I am looking forward to trying to recreate.

Siobhan Boyle