The classic socialist novel is given a partial reboot in this blunt tale of the workers and the wealthy.
Based on Robert Tressell’s 1914 book the philanthropists of the title are not modern day tech bros, giving away their fortunes to eradicate polio, but rather an ironic reference to a crew of decorators who virtually donate – somewhat unwittingly – their skills to make money for their bosses.
While they toil, their boss and fellow local businessmen prosper, and use their influence to get the local council to further their interests, and supposedly God-fearing and temperate folk fornicate out of wedlock.
Tom Mclennan’s 2008 adaptation takes some of the books chapters to create a series of vignettes, each denoted with a silent-movie style title card, and mostly leaves the action as it was – save for a few more contemporary jokes on immigration and duck houses, and a recast ending.
The tale is not particularly subtle. The workers are downtrodden, tricked into servitude by upbringing and trapped by poverty. The bosses are conniving capitalists. The socialists try to make things better, but stuck between the two sides they struggle to be heard.
As befits a tale of socialism it is largely an ensemble piece, with most of the cast playing multiple roles. The exception is Jonathan Redding, who gives a stirring performance as socialist signwriter Owen.
Also notable are Kevin Oelrichs as Crass the foreman and Sweater the mayor, and Stephen Mears as enforcer Hunter and the well-meaning but ineffectual Dr Weakling. (Yes, the names are rather on the nose.)
Director Chris Jones’ notes talks about the story’s enduring relevance – and there are parallels with exploitative labour and inequality today. But it also feels like a rather old fashioned, simplistic approach to what are clearly entrenched issues.
- The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is at Sewell Barn Theatre, Norwich until 14 March 2026, tickets £12/13. There is a after-show discussion with playwright Tom Mclennan after the 11 March performance.
