Meet with the real people and cast that inspired Macclesfield play 'Bysmal Boys
By Alex Greensmith
27th Sep 2022 | Local News
Meet the real people who inspired the award-winning Macclesfield play 'Bysmal Boys, and the actors involved in the production.
As reported earlier in the week in the article 'Play set in Macclesfield to be performed here for the first time', the Macclesfield-penned play will make be performed at MADS Theatre from October 11 to October 15.
Award-winning play 'Bysmal Boys is set in Macclesfield during the Winter of Discontent, which saw union workers strike for better working conditions.
The story centres on Macclesfield firemen and the impact the strike had on their lives.
It is based off the memories of retired Macclesfield Blue Watch member Glyn Genders. His daughter Laura Genders penned the play.
Macclesfield Nub News sat down with Macclesfield playwright Laura Genders, ex-fireman Glyn Genders, his former colleague Ernie Magnall, and two local actors that are portraying their stories called Keith and Luke Oldham.
"The Macclesfield Blue Watch worked three days, three nights and had three days off," said Glyn
"We were working up to 56 hours a week, and to settle the strike they hired more and we ended up with 48 hour weeks and then 42.
"During the Winter of Discontent strike I was still living at home fortunately on Cumberland Street
"My wife to be was working at ICI which would become Zeneca, we got engaged during the strike. The wages were not very good at all.
"The married firemen struggled a lot. [A fact that has been represented in the play.] We received nine pounds in nine weeks, strike money donated from other trade unions.
"There was no welfare money to get. People did what they had to. Many married colleagues had to go and work somewhere else if they weren't on the picket line."
"I'm delighted that 'Bysmal Boys is being performed in Macclesfield," said real-life Macclesfield fireman Ernie.
"It needs highlighting as people have forgot about it, the miners strike culturally overtook it in the public memory
"But the Fire Service kicked off the Winter of Discontent and the miners strike would follow."
The fire workers would begin a strike which would see more private and then public trade unions join in.
It heaped huge pressure on the Labour government, who would lose power just months after the strike ceased.
"I was born in 1960 so I was in my late teens during that period," said actor Keith.
"As you become an adult you become more conscious of what is going on the world and more politically savvy.
"So I looked around and saw what was going on and thought the adult life I was going into wasn't very settled."
Some of the cast and crew weren't even alive when the Winter of Discontent occurred.
Keith's son Luke is also cast in 'Bysmal Boys, which comprises of local actors all from the north west.
"I was born in 1990 so I didn't really hear about the Winter of Discontent, I was surprised I didn't learn about it during school," said actor Luke.
"I only really absorbed the understanding of the impact it had through this play.
"A slogan we are using for the play is 'the spark that ignited a blaze', and it is that. It is a major cultural event and social movement which is really fascinating to explore, particularly as actors in our characters."
The play is written and directed by two former Macclesfield Ryles Park High pupils.
"It was called the fireman's strike, as there were no female firefighters in those days," added Ernie.
"But a lot of people forget is that a lot of the controller staff that were predominantly women, joined in the strike as well.
"My daughter had to go on free school meals, which a lot of our colleagues didn't realise we could get."
The original run of the play, which won Best Drama at the Greater Manchester Fringe last September, drew parallels with the perceived mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But now more direct parallels can be drawn with the cost of living crisis and various sector strikes. This month, firefighters have even considered doing the same as they did in 1977-78, by going on strike
Macclesfield resident and director Laura Genders explained her vision for the play.
"'Bysmal Boys shows the human aspect of the strike through a Macclesfield lens," she added.
"The play is set against the backdrop of the strike, and shows the relationships at home and with their colleagues.
"As my dad said, they were working 56 hours a week. They were eating, sleeping and showering together.
"Local places like the Lord Byron and Crompton Road will get a mention, and keep an ear out for some more as well.
"It is an honour to write a play partially-based on the experiences of my dad.
"One of my earliest memories is being on the picket line and marches with my dad in Victoria Park when I was five or six, this was after the strike.
"I was always aware of my dad [Glyn] being involved with what was going on. It piqued my interest.
"He was involved with various strikes and support of other unions right up until he retired in 2005."
The play's five-day Macclesfield run will also intertwine with another play by Northern Rep Theatre company called Not Being Mean.
A combination ticket can be bought for both productions, or tickets just for 'Bysmal Boys, by clicking on this link.
"The characters have great writing, their objectives are really clear," added Luke who plays character Phillip 'Phil' Butler.
"I actually spoke to some firefirefighters in Macclesfield the other day and they told me that they remembered Glyn and I quote 'he was a legend'," recalled Keith who is a regular performer at MADS Theatre.
It is not known if any current serving firefighters will be watching the play.
However, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.
Glyn and Ernie will watch the play for the second time this year, and hope more firefighters of their era can enjoy the play too, as well as residents of Macclesfield.
Unverified sources online suggest at least 57,000 people took part in the Winter of Discontent, but this figure only includes those who were registered with a union.
Other industries would join in following the firefighters lead, like Ford motors or lorry drivers.
"Thank you to everyone who is coming down to watch the play", concluded Luke.
"It is great to finally bring this show to Macclesfield after so long.
"We were first meant to perform in April 2020, but of course COVID happened.
"However, we still kept rehearsals going over Zoom so we could really gel as a team. We all get on really well.
"We performed in Salford last September, but the Omicron variant of COVID last December meant we had to cancel our first Macclesfield show.
"It is a wonderful script with laughter, highs and lows and drama."
The first-ever homecoming show for the 'Bysmal Boys will take place in Macclesfield from October 11 to October 15.
Tickets for 'Bysmal Boys are £10 for an adult and £8 concessions.
Each show will start at 7:30pm and end at 9:45pm.
Macclesfield: You can get your tickets on this link.
We've already seen the play, and can assure you, this is not one to be missed!
Follow the Macclesfield theatre company on Facebook here.
You can read more about 'Bysmal Boys on this link.
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