The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists never went away

Robert Tressell's classic semi-autobiographical story The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists isn't often discussed these days - which might seem surprising, since its story of exploited decorators, now well over 100 years old, offers a close parallel to today's widespread worker turmoil.

Which brings us to young and vibrant Ensemble '84, which presents a new, updated stage adaptation of the story at The Playhouse in Horden, County Durham, from October 2-10.

These workmen paint the houses of the wealthy, but can't afford to heat their own homes. Ensemble ’84’s adaptation follows the original story's narrative - the pay is poor, unemployment is always close, but their skill is exploited to beautify the homes of the wealthy.

Among them is Frank Owen, a worker who sees the system for what it is. While the others blame bad luck, foreign workers or themselves, Owen shows who really benefits from their labour; how wealth is created by workers and taken by those who own the job. It's an explanation not always welcome.

Ensemble ’84 brings the story up to date and shows how little has changed.

Funny, angry and sharp, The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists is staged at Ensemble 84's small theatre - a former Catholic church officially opened as a theatre earlier this year by Sir Ian McKellen.

The company - named after the pivotal political year of the miners' strikes - is run by Mark Dornford-May, whose work with Isango Ensemble, a theatre company founded in the townships of South Africa's Cape Town, won wide acclaim touring worldwide.

More info and tickets here