CityLife

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

THE Ragged Trousered Philanthropists opened up the first of a series of theatrical performances that make up the extensive Not Part Of festival programme.

Adapted from Robert Tressell‘s novel, this stage adaptation sticks close to the original and is set in the 1900s. The play introduces us to the fictional world of Muggsborough, in which the working class are taken for ‘mugs’ by corrupt councillors and firm owners.

After a slow start, the action of the play centres around the tyrannical Rushton and his staff. Using the stage as a platform to debate socialism, the men enter into discussion as to why they are poverty stricken and how they can get out of their dire situation.

Particular emphasis is placed on the government’s use of expenses, gaining a laugh from the audience and cleverly bringing Tressell’s tale relevance today.

Given that a number of characters have had to be cut from the original the play is identifiable to anyone, with a variety of accents employed to reflect the working class man, ranging from Geordie to Scouser.

By giving a voice to the underdog the play fits in well with the spirit of the Not Part Of festival, whilst leaving the audience with a haunting feeling over the social injustices that still ring true for today.

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