MICK MCSHANE is roused by a band whose socialism laces every line of every song with commitment and raw passion

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
Townsend Productions,
Old Fire Station, Oxford
Townsend Productions have made a well-earned name for themselves as purveyors of working-class history of the finest calibre. Their previous work has dramatised some of the most important moments in British labour history, including the Tolpuddle martyrs, Red Clydeside and the Grunwick strike.
Indeed, tonight’s performance (a one man show performed by Neil Gore) is something of an anomaly in that it is based on a novel rather than a true story.
The original story follows a group of painters and decorators in the fictional town of Mugsborough, selflessly dedicating their lives to the enrichment of their employer, Mr Rushton.

GEORGE FOGARTY is stunned by the epic and life-affirming sound of an outstanding Palestinian musical collective


