Matchgirls play bound to be striking

3:50pm Friday 29th August 2008

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Everyone knows about Florence Nightingale, but what about the wonderful Mary Seacole?

History books tell us all we want to know about the suffragettes, but hands up who’s heard of the 1888 Matchgirls?

The latest Torch Theatre summer school production, written and directed by Dave Ainsworth, is about to change that. The story of The Matchgirls is a tale of courage in the face of unbelievable adversity and prejudice in a very male world.

Teenage girls working at the Bryant and May match factory in London’s East End, were used to the hardship of working 14-hour days for five shillings a week. But the yellow phosphorous used to make the matches caused horrific illnesses. Yellowing of the skin, loss of hair and a disfiguring, fatal form of bone cancer were all associated with the work.

When a group of girls went on strike in July 1888, their cause was championed by Annie Besant. The outcome was eventually regarded as one of the most important events in the history of labour organisation in Britain. It would also change the way women and trades union were perceived forever.

The Matchgirls is the latest in a line of annual productions which, since 1996, have showcased the depth of young talent in Pembrokeshire.

This year, a 15-strong cast, aged between 15 and 18, has been selected through a strict audition process.

The Matchgirls can be seen at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Friday, August 29th and Saturday 30th. To book tickets, call the box office on 01646 695267, or reservation requests can be made made online at www.torchtheatre.co.uk.