| The Matchgirls | |
|---|---|
Poster from a 2008 production of the Musical | |
| Music | Tony Russell |
| Lyrics | Bill Owen |
| Book | Bill Owen |
| Basis | London matchgirls strike of 1888. |
| Productions | 1965 Leatherhead Theatre Club 1966 Globe Theatre[1] |
The Matchgirls is a musical by Bill Owen and Tony Russell about the London matchgirls strike of 1888.[2] It premiered at the Globe Theatre, London, on 1 March 1966, directed and choreographed by Gillian Lynne.
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.