Fresh from an acclaimed run at this Edinburgh Fringe, Townsend Productions are set to tour Neil Gore’s new play We Will Be Free, a new drama set around the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, at the Lantern Theatre on the 19th, 20th and 21st September.
Set in 1834, We Will Be Free follows the extraordinary true story of George and Betsy Loveless. He was a Methodist preacher and the leader of the six Dorsetshire farm labourers who were tried, convicted and condemned to harsh transportation by an oppressive Government for having the temerity to swear a secret oath and form a union to fight against a succession of wage cuts inflicted by the local landowner.
This vitally important story is told using the entertaining theatrical style developed through the production of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists; through Andy Vine’s powerful political cartoons and animation; through puppetry and the exquisite musical arrangements by revered folk singer and squeezebox player John Kirkpatrick, of the songs and rallying hymns of the Dorset labouring classes that resound down the years.
We Will Be Free’s excellent cast features Neil Gore (Song of Singapore, West End & Chichester Festival Theatre, Little Britain Live and The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists) and Elizabeth Eves (Twelfth Night, Nuffield Theatre, Southampton). Elizabeth has been nominated for her performance at the Stage Awards for Acting Excellence at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The production is directed by Louise Townsend and Richard Stone, with the creative team including designs by Fine Time Fontayne and lighting by Brian O’Carroll.
The production will also feature songs from the highly acclaimed folk singer and squeezebox player, John Kirkpatrick. During his distinguished career John has worked with artists like Roy Bailey, John Tams, Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy and Steeleye Span. He is also a regular session musician and has played on numerous film sound tracks most recently the Oscar nominated Pirates – Adventures with Scientists, as well as in The Royal National Theatre Production of Lark Rise To Candleford.
The play has had the backing of the unions ACCORD, NASUWT, UNITE, SWTUC, SW Unison.
Tickets for We Will Be Free are priced at £10 with concessions available at £8 and £5 for the unwaged. Tickets are available from the Lantern Theatre Box office on 0151 7030000.