The East End of London has burned with the fires of rebellion for centuries. Most recently, from the Matchgirls of 1888 to the “Made in Dagenham” workers at Ford’s in Dagenham in 1968, its women have fought for change. Sara Wesker fought harder than most. Forty years after the Matchgirls and forty years before the Ford Workers, in 1928 Sara led a 12 week ground breaking strike in the garment industry.
An ardent trade unionist and prominent Communist Party activist, Sara sang on the picket lines, fought at the Battle of Cable Street. This is her story.
Empower
Growth
Chopped Liver & Unions
by J.J. Leppink
The East End of London has burned with the fires of rebellion for centuries. Most recently, from the Matchgirls of 1888 to the “Made in Dagenham” workers at Ford’s in Dagenham in 1968, its women have fought for change. Sara Wesker fought harder than most. Forty years after the Matchgirls and forty years before the Ford Workers, in 1928 Sara led a 12 week ground breaking strike in the garment industry.
An ardent trade unionist and prominent Communist Party activist, Sara sang on the picket lines, galvanised a traditionally compliant workforce and in 1936 fought at the Battle of Cable Street. This is her story.
Beautifully crafted… and superbly acted
Mark Aspen Reviews
Five stars: *****
A beautifully written show
Lou Reviews Blog
Marie Lloyd Stole My Life
by J.J. Leppink
Merry Nelly Power was a real life, trailblazing performer of the 19th century, who struck an early blow for women’s rights by divorcing her husband, owning her own properties and headlining at all the major theatres. Until her fame – and her most famous song – were usurped by the young Marie Lloyd.
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Her life was more dramatic offstage than on – her own personal Victorian melodrama. “Marie Lloyd Stole My Life shines a light on the unglamorous side of showbusiness in the 19th century through the subversive lens of the Victorian Music Hall. It’s a bit “Ripper Street” and a bit “EastEnders”. With songs. Not quite the “Good Old Days” you might think it was.…
Gilbert and Sullivan's Nightmare
by J.J. Leppink
Old Adam is almost a permanent fixture at the Savoy Theatre. He has appeared in every G&S opera but never quite made it to a leading role. It is now awards night and Adam is due to receive his Long Service Award. He’s been in the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company for longer than anyone can remember and is hoping he might just - finally – get the recognition he thinks he deserves. But will his hopes be in vain?
With the help of the world’s least motivated pianist and using well known songs from several G&S operas - occasionally with lyrics the audience may recognise - this is G&S as you’ve never seen it before!
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This is a short one act play (running time c35 minutes); Available primarily as part of a double bill with "Marie Lloyd Stole My Life"
Leaves the audience wanting more. A wild… vaudeville piece
Mark Aspen Reviews
Four Stars: ****
Pushes all the right buttons
Mumble Theatre Press
“a historical treat”,
Fringe Review
“captivating from the very first line…wildly entertaining”.
Mumble Theatre Press
Kemp's Jig
by Chris Harris
A clown and a playwright have an argument. The clown, sets off on a publicity stunt, Morris dancing 125 miles to Norwich in order to capitalise on his celebrity status. The playwright, is William Shakespeare. He stays in London and becomes the most famous writer in history. Who’s laughing now……?!
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Probably best known now as a footnote in Judi Dench’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”, back in the late 16th Century Kemp was an international superstar who created some of Shakespeare’s best- known roles. This one man romp through the country lanes of Elizabethan England in his company was originally performed by its creator, Chris Harris. Blue Fire has been dancing Kemp’s merry jig since 2019. The show is part "Upstart Crow”, part "Horrible Histories" and part traditional end of the pier show.
Bee Master
by Chris Harris & Chris Denys
Bee Master is a tale of beehives in a monastery garden - and the question of the meaning of life!
Part music hall/variety stand up, part lesson on beekeeping and conservation and part philosophical musing this is a gentle entertainment suitable for all the family.
Sometimes presented by Brother Barnabus and sometimes by Bert the Bee, the show is particularly suited to open air venues and is a great educational resource for groups.
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IN DEVELOPMENT
Cheeky hints of things to come
ALLY SLOPER'S
HALF HOLIDAY
A side splitting, one man show, telling the tale of the first ever comic strip hero
THAT'S THE WAY
TO DO IT!
Portraying 300 years of seaside fun, as seen through the eyes of three descendent generations of Punch and Judy men.
