The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Wed Apr 15 2026 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm UTC+01:00

Tyneside Irish Centre | Newcastle Upon Tyne

Tyneside Irish Cultural Society
Publisher/HostTyneside Irish Cultural Society
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
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One-man-showman Neil Gore brings this classic story, of a year in the life of a group of Edwardian painters and decorators, to life.
About this Event

A strong and robust show that brings the characters, humour and inspirational ideas of this great book to life. It is needed now more than ever. You'll leave the theatre and join the struggle!- Ken Loach

Directed by Louise Townsend and adapted byNeil Gore, Townsend Theatre Productions presents a one-person version of the classic novel by Robert Tressell featuring projection, political conjuring tricks, live music and song. Meet the famous characters and enjoy the scenes, speeches and songs, featuring the Great Money Trick as its centrepiece.

This enduring and absorbing classic story of a year in the life of a group of Edwardian painters and decorators is brought to life by Neil Gore using his extensive knowledge of the book and the play, having performed it in many versions over forty years.

'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' follows a group of workers as they renovate ‘The Cave’, a three-storey town house, for Mayor Sweater. It traces their hardships and struggles for survival in a complacent and stagnating Edwardian England. These workers are the ‘philanthropists’ who throw themselves into back-breaking work for poverty wages in order to generate profit for their masters. They are joined by artist Owen, whose spirited attacks on the dishonesty of Capitalism along with his Socialist vision, highlights the exploitation in their workplace but also focuses on the inequality in society as a whole.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tyneside Irish Centre, 43 Gallowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 13.70 to GBP 16.96

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