The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
by Robert Tressell
adapted by Tom Mclennan
5-7 & 11-14 March at 7.30 pm; matinée on 14 March at 2.30pm
“The real cause of poverty is money”
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is a classic of working-class literature, an authentic voice of
working people at the start of the 20th century. It has inspired generations of politicians and
campaigners, and remains a regular feature of ‘most influential’ book lists and Desert Island Discs
selections. Its popularity is ensured not only by the central political message but also by the strong
and memorable characters and storylines.
Robert Tressell’s novel has been adapted for stage, screen and radio many times. A century after
it was first published, Tom Mclennan wrote this new adaptation, faithful both to the political
commitment and the engaging narrative of the original. The serious and deeply personal message
is delivered in a setting that is both entertaining and amusing, leaving the audience with
memorable characters that will stay with them ̶ and challenging us all to ask why the world
remains the way it is.
Chris Jones, the director of the Sewell Barn Theatre’s staging of The Ragged Trousered
Philanthropists, commented: “The central message of the story remains unchanged, its continuing
relevance shining through every page, and a number of contemporary references confirm that its
social and political questions remain as relevant as ever. In our show, eight actors take on over 20
roles, portraying the working men of Mugsborough, their families, bosses, and the councillors who
rule their lives”.
For this ensemble production, the Barn is pleased to introduce several actors new to the company:
David Hayes, Lee Marsden, Henry Pomfret, Vicky Relph and Ashley Stephens. They join Barn
stalwarts, Kevin Oelrichs and Jonathan Redding, as well as an old friend, Stephen Myers, returning
after a long absence from our stage.
Tressell based his story on real-life experience of workers’ exploitation, class conflict and the early
evolution of the Labour Party. It is his only novel, and he did not live to see it in print. Initially
published in an abridged edition in 1914, it was not until 1955 that the original text finally became
available.
Audience members have the opportunity to discuss the play with its Liverpool-based adaptor Tom
Mclennan and local author Michael Galley after the performance on Wednesday 11 March,
together with Chris Jones and cast members.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is at the Sewell Barn Theatre, Constitution Hill, Norwich NR3
4BB between Thursday 5 and Saturday 14 March. Tickets for all shows available online at £13 and £12
from TicketSource through www.sewellbarn.org, also by phone via 0333 6663366. Booking fees
included in ticket prices.

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