Those
desirous of a bit of relief from Royal Wedding hysteria could do a lot worse
than pop into St Andrew’s Players latest musical offering. The Matchgirls celebrates the famous and courageous strike of 1888
to improve the working conditions of downtrodden factory women. Heavy in theme
but light in depiction, simple songs intertwine with complex social issues to
illustrate both small community drama and the larger political stage. In an
astute intimate setting, surprising in such a large arena, the camaraderie of
London’s underclass is best displayed in some powerful collective singing and
strong portrayals from the two warring lovers of Jo Yirrell and Joe Hawkins. More
small scale musical than blockbuster, The
Matchgirls informs, educates, and entertains in the best Reithian fashion. I
doubt the Windsor lot being able to say the same. Malcolm Farrar directs with
pleasing imagination. Roy Hall
St Andrew’s Players
The Matchgirls,
St Andrew’s Church, Luton.
17th – 19th May 7.45pm
Box Office: 07778 241457 www.standram.co.uk
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