The Matchgirls

The musical focuses on the lifestyle of the match cutters at the Bryant and May factory in Bow, London, with strong references to the condition Phossy Jaw and the political climate of the era. With much of the action set in the incongruously named, but fictional, 'Hope Court', the musical portrays Bryant and May as callous and uncaring employers, with factory foreman 'Mr Mynel' representing the threatening and imposing regime in which the girls were forced to work.

A cast recording was made, but there has never been a major London production. The musical was published by Samuel French Ltd in 1979.[2][3]

The central character of the musical is 'Kate', a tenement girl and factory worker, who writes to 'Annie Besant' to ask for help in seeking reform at the factory. The story follows Kate and Annie's attempts to rally the girls, leading Kate to become a reckless strike-leader and a key player in the creation and recognition of the union. There is also a sub plot in which Kate's involvement in the strike puts strain on her relationship with docker 'Joe'.

Despite the subject matter of the musical, a strong emphasis is placed on the positive mentality and natural ebullience of the so-called 'cockney sparrows', this leading to a number of cheerful and entertaining vocal numbers and dance routines.[4]

• "Phosphorus"
• "Look at That Hat"
• "Look Around"
• "Me"
• "Men"
• "La Di Dah" (only in later versions)
• "Something About You"
• "Mind You Bert"
• "My Dear Lady"
• "We're Gonna Show 'Em"
• "Cockney Sparrers"
• "Life of Mine"
• "Hopping Dance: I Long to See the Day" (not in some later versions)
• "Comes a Time"
• "Amendment to a Motion"
• "Waiting"
• "Life of Mine Reprise (Finale)"