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Townsend Productions presents ‘The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists'
Sunday 22 January 2012 at 7:30 pm
On the page "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" is a classic piece of pre-First World War working-class literature, but in this adaptation for the stage it's mixed with fast-paced, madcap action and a Rural Touring Dream Team (Fine Time Fontayne and Neil Gore), which makes it a lively and entertaining prospect for your hall! Both men are hugely accomplished actors and musicians, who have teamed up for professional performances before. Fine Time has most recently been on tour with Lenny Henry in “Othello” by Northern Broadsides, and at the time of writing is Claudius in the same company’s production of "Hamlet". Neil is a fine actor/singer/musician who has a great track record directing performers as well as himself in anything from Shakespeare to Christmas shows to "Return to the Forbidden Planet". The story takes place in a time where, if you weren't able to work, you ended up starving or in the Workhouse, and follows a group of painters and decorators who are 'doing up' the home of the local Mayor. They gradually come to realise that they're their own worst enemies as the bosses walk all over them. There are plenty of comic routines, entertaining songs and music from the Music Hall, and uplifting hymns from the Temperence Hall sung in lovely harmony. This production is suitable for an audience age range 12 to adult and keen theatre lovers. It is a play that focuses on and reflects life in the workplace and the fragility of employment in difficult times and has great relevance for audiences today as it endeavours to raise these issues into the viewer’s consciousness in a comic, musical, entertaining and challenging way. The actors will use their skills as one-man show artists, storytellers and musicians to offer a personable, accessible evening’s entertainment.
www.townsendproductions.org.uk/productions
Artsreach website for rural Dorset - http://www.artsreach.co.uk/index.php