Cast Announced for We Are the Lions, Mr Manager!
The cast has been announced for the UK tour of the acclaimedWe Are the Lions, MrManager!, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Grunwick Strike (1976–1978) from Townsend Theatre Productions.
Directed by Louise Townsend and written, performed and with musical direction by Neil Gore (Farewell Leicester Square, Yes Yes UCS; UK Tours), the play features a range of musical styles from the era. Gore is joined by Rukmini Sircar (Bombay Superstars, West End;Mr Bob’s Midnight Market, Gazebo Theatre), who stars as Jayaben Desai and plays multiple roles. This timely and urgent retelling of one of the most significant mobilisations in labour movement history brings the inspirational fight for freedom, equality and human dignity to the stage.
Based on the experiences of strike-leader Jayaben Desai and the Grunwick Strike Committee, the play highlights the struggle against the exploitation of immigrant workers, challenging the myth that Asian workers and Asian women were passive and easy prey for exploitation.
What began as a local dispute grew into a national movement for justice. This remarkable act of solidarity saw workers take a brave stand, with the labour movement responding in one of its most extraordinary shows of support, paving the way for future generations.
More than a strike over wages, the dispute was a battle for dignity at work and a fight for rights and respect in the workplace. Employed by the Grunwick Photographic Film Processing Factory in north-west London, under the assumption they would be easy to exploit, these women found their voice and demanded to be heard. Directed and produced by Louise Townsend (Yes! Yes! UCS!, Farewell Leicester Square; UK Tours), this powerful production is emotional, eloquent and compelling.
We Are The Lions, Mr Manager! also explores broader themes including women’s rights, immigration, the experiences of minority and ethnic communities, union solidarity and the social and political climate of the 1970s. It shines a light on a story of dignity, rights, pride and solidarity in the face of institutional racism and entrenched ideologies that sought to undermine the hard-won freedoms of working people.
Neil Gore, comments,In our work atTownsend Theatre Productions we aim to focus on the lives and contributions of inspirational and pivotal individuals from our social and political history, that are often forgotten or overlooked. They are people that campaigned vigorously to improve the quality of life for everyone. Jayaben Desai is one such figure. Her resolve and courage, as well all the Grunwick strikers, should be remembered and celebrated. Grunwick raised many wide-ranging questions about trade unionism, rights in the workplace, the vulnerability of immigrant workers, exploitative employment practice and dignity at work – with current issues connected to attitudes to immigration and the ever challenging and precarious nature of work, these are all themes that still resonate and are relevant today.
Rukmini Sircar, comments,The Grunwick Strike is such a turning point in the history of immigrant women in the UK workforce. Jayaben Desai’s fight wasn’t just about wages and unions— it was a call to action to take up space, to speak truth, to demand justice. It was a fight that challenged the constant fear that South Asian women were forced to live with. The courage she carried didn’t just stay with her alone — it touched so many lives. I truly stand on the shoulders of the women of Grunwick—and stepping into Jayaben’s shoes is both a privilege and a joy.
With its blend of drama, humour and live music, including the involvement of local choirs and South Asian dance groups, the show is an engaging celebration of resistance and solidarity. Capturing the dramatic scenes shown on television news at the time, such as snatch squads, police lines and waves of trade unionists and pickets, the play resonates strongly with recent global scenes of unrest and protest. The production is presented in association with Arts Council England, Thompsons Solicitors, GMB the union, ASLEF, national trade unions, trades councils and all of Townsend Theatre Productions’ supporters.
Previous Praise forWe are the Lions, Mr Manager!:
An absolute winner★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Chris Omaweng, LondonTheatre1
Magnificent Play ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Peter Frost, Morning Star
The story of Jayaben Desai… makes you laugh, feel and think… a powerful story, powerfully told★ ★ ★ ★
Clare Brennan, The Observer
Main Image: Courtesy of We Are the Lions, Mr Manager!
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