Event type: Theatre

The Grunwick Factory Strike (1976–78) and the remarkable Jayaben Desai

In 1976, six workers walked out of the Grunwick Film Processing Laboratory & Factory in Willesden, North-West London, launching a strike against poor working conditions and demanding the right to join a union.

What began as a small act of resistance quickly grew into a landmark movement. Led by the formidable Jayaben Desai, the strike eventually drew 20,000 supporters in a historic fight for justice, dignity, and workers’ rights. Most of the strikers were Asian women, defying stereotypes, challenging the establishment, uniting communities, and transforming the face of British trade unionism.

Jayaben Desai became a symbol of resilience and eloquence. Even in the most difficult moments, she cut through hostility with her sharp wit and fearless words. To one of her managers, she declared:

“What you are running here is not a factory, it is a zoo. But in a zoo there are many types of animals. Some are monkeys who dance on your fingertips, others are lions who can bite your head off. We are the lions, Mr. Manager!”

Now, 50 years on, Townsend Theatre Productions honours this extraordinary legacy. We Are The Lions, Mr Manager! brings the powerful story of the Grunwick Strike to a new generation, celebrating the courage and determination of those who stood up and roared.

Age 11+.

This performance will be creatively captioned. Creative captions offer an opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing audiences to more fully immerse themselves as captions are designed to complement the set and the performance.

Reviews

‘[Townsend Productions is] a company making a name for delivering vivid, politically committed theatre’ – The Observer

Townsend Productions previous tours:

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – ‘Tremendous’ ★★★★ – The Times

We Will Be Free! – ‘Show to see!’ – The Stage

United We Stand – ‘Excellent’ ★★★★ – The Observer

Dare Devil Rides To Jarama – ‘Outstanding’ ★★★★★ – London Theatre1

 

 

Murder Under the Spotlight! A Christmas Murder Mystery

DBY Interactive and The Atkinson proudly present a brand new crime solving show in Southport. Brush off your best suit and bring your feather boa!

It’s Christmas, 1928. You are exclusively invited to the star-studded festive celebration of one of Chicago’s prestigious film studios. No expense has been spared right down to the finest bootleg liquor around. But behind the studio’s reputable name are reports of connections to some of the city’s not so high standing. There is even links to the mob scandal sweeping the city. Word is that along with Chicago’s finest on the guest list both from screen and stage…there could be some uninvited guests.

But you can’t always believe what you read in the papers, right?

Dress to impress on the red carpet and join DBY Interactive to discover the source to the studio’s success and a dark secret, that if revealed publicly could shine a spotlight on some horrifying truths and even push someone to do something unthinkable…!

Show type and themes: Mature, period (1920s), glamourous, speakeasy, gangsters, prohibition, crime solving, murder mystery.

Audiences are encouraged to dress to impress.

Due to some references this performance is suitable for ages 12+.

Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians

We all want to meet people from history! The trouble is everyone is dead!

So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians!

Are you ready to swing with a Georgian king? Can you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson? Does the Duke of Wellington get the boot? Dare you dance the Tyburn jig? Will you be saved by Florence Nightingale? Find out what a baby farmer did and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria!

Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

Running time approx 65 minutes. Age 5+.

Five birthdays.  Two unhappy marriages.  One possessive mother.

It is 1976.  Dennis tinkers in his garage, cheerfully indifferent to wife Vera’s impending breakdown.  Marjorie hovers in the background, making tea and finding fault.  Neil has planned a birthday surprise for his wife, but Pam doesn’t share his enthusiasm, preoccupied by frustrations of her own.

Set in a suburban garage and garden over four successive birthdays beginning in February and ending the following January, playwright Alan Ayckbourn masterfully evokes a world of hidden tensions and suppressed hostility. In perhaps his most emotionally charged play, Ayckbourn skilfully navigates the tightrope between comedy and tragedy, guiding us towards a hilarious, yet chilling finale.

An Olivier and Tony Award winning playwright, Alan Ayckbourn’s ninety plays have been produced worldwide.  Notable successes include: The Norman Conquests, Relatively Speaking, Bedroom Farce, A Chorus of Disapproval and Communicating Doors.

Following successful tours of Absent Friends (2015) and Absurd Person Singular (2020-21), Alan Ayckbourn’s 1976 masterclass in suburban comedy and heartbreak will form the centrepiece of London Classic Theatre’s 25th Anniversary celebrations.

Age 14+

Experience the magical tale of redemption this Christmas for yourself with the multi award-winning A Place For Us Theatre. Join Scrooge as he is visited by the three ghosts in this exciting, hour-long adaptation. 

With just the right amount of spooky chills, and plenty of festive magic, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season. 

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ Thursday 18th, Friday 19th and Saturday 20th December 2025 Performances at 6:00pm and 7:45pm Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Runcorn Cheshire