synopsis

A BRASS BAND MUSICAL BY

MICHAEL BRAND & IAN CHIPPENDALE

Freely adapted from "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" by

Robert Tressell

(photo courtesy of the Robert Tressell Centre)

Synopsis of the Musical

In a small town in England at the turn of the century, a Sunday open air meeting is taking place (In The Beginning). At the same time Easton, a follower of the new doctrine of socialism is lecturing to a non-existent audience. Easton and his wife Ruth are struggling to make ends meet as his political beliefs make it hard for him to find a job. Ruth is beginning to regret her marriage (Wedded Bliss) and realising her despair, Easton reluctantly takes a job below the going rate, thus abandoning his beloved principles (How Could I?). The job is with a firm called Rushton and Co whose tyrannical manager, Hunter, is much despised by the men (Misery). To make way for Easton, Hunter sacks the slower, elderly Jack Linden. Jack’s daughter, Mary, accuses Hunter, who is a lay preacher, of religious hypocrisy (We Don’t Need Your Prayers).

Photo of Peter Polycarpou and members of Williams Fairey Band courtesy of BRASS BAND WORLD magazine

Ruth has found another way of making some money - she takes in a lodger in the form of Crass, a foreman with Rushton & Co and also an old beau of her sister’s. (Happy Times/If She Were Mine).

In the pub, the men get drunk trying to organise their annual social outing, "The Beano", and at home, Ruth and Mary bemoan their lot (Making Ends Meet/ Put It On the Slate).

When told to sack all the men and take them back on at a lower rate, Hunter’s professional and personal interests are brought into anguishing conflict (Don’t Come Monday). Easton meanwhile tries to convert the men to socialism, but the only one interested is Bert, the young apprentice. (Politics! Politics!/Song of Socialism).

The day of "The Beano" arrives, but although the men have given money to pay for old Jack Linden to go with them, he is too frail (Time’s No Longer On Your Side). Easton misses the outing to visit the sick Jack but Ruth goes with Crass. Bert entertains the crowd and a tipsy Ruth joins in (Oompah Band).

When they return home Crass makes his advance on Ruth who easily succumbs. Easton returns and catches them and Ruth leaves with Crass. An embittered Easton and the newly converted Bert decide to try their fortunes and spread the word in London. (Finale).