An award-winning play set in our town will be performed in Macclesfield for the first time.

'Bysmal Boys is set during the Winter of Discontent, which saw a national strike by fireworkers over pay, and lasted for three months.

The themes of the charming drama could not be more pertinent, as the cost of living crisis is driving firefighters to currently consider going on strike, which could make the play feel even closer to reality.

Set in the winter of 1978-1978, the play is funnelled through a charming Macclesfield lens. Local streets are mentioned like Crompton Road and plotlines in 'Bysmal Boys are directly inspired by real members of Macclesfield's Blue Watch Brigade.

The show was initially scheduled to be performed last December, but was postponed due to the onset of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield-based playwright Laura Genders' father was part of the original strike. She will bring the production to Macclesfield this October with her company Northern Rep Theatre, which she founded with her old Macclesfield schoolmate Holden Oak.

"'Bysmal Boys was first shown last September as part of the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2021, where it won the award for Best Drama," she said.

"We are delighted to bring the play to Macclesfield from October 11 to October 15.

"The Little Theatre / Mads Theatre are such an integral part of the arts in the town of Macclesfield and we feel so privileged to be able to utilise this incredible space that have seen some real talent within its four walls, both in front of and behind the footlights.

Rehearsals have begun this week at MADS Theatre on Little Street. (Image - Northern Rep Theatre)

"Venues like the Little Theatre Macclesfield, are important to so many people and an essential part of many a community and it warms our cockles to see 'Bysmal Boys. 

"The arts industry is still finding its feet after pandemic, & it's so important that we work together to create & promote theatre making in all its forms and to make it accessible to all."

The cast, championed by Northern Rep Theatre, features local actors and crew.

The company will also show another play during the same week called Not Being Mean.

Two former pupils of Ryles Park County High School are behind Northern Rep Theatre company. (Image - Northern Rep Theatre Company)

Tickets can be purchased on the day or on this link, and for both shows will be £10 or under.

The synopsis for 'Bysmal Boys is as follows:

"It's 1977 and for the first time in Fire Brigade history, a national strike threatens to bring the country to a stand still.

"In a quiet corner of Cheshire, the lads of Blue Watch, Macclesfield are waiting with bated breath to see what this means for them. Will their hopes blaze to union glory or smoulder to ashes and what will this mean for the Brigade, their loved ones and the lads themselves?

Each show will start at 7:30pm and end at 9:45pm. (Image - Northern Rep Theatre Company)

"Through a fictionalised account of the 'Bysmal Boys of Macclesfield Blue Watch, you will be transported back to the true life backdrop of the strike action as autumn gives way to the Winter of Discontent. Genders' new play explores this rarely examined period of history and the impact that is still felt today.

"Conflictive, comic yet utterly compassionate, the boys of Blue Watch navigate their individual stories and that of their brotherhood. It may just be 30% but is that all they really stand to lose?"

An interview with the cast and those who inspired the show will be published in the coming days.

In the meantime, you can learn more about the play by clicking here.

Click the link below to get tickets. (Image - Northern Rep Theatre Company)

Get your tickets via this link.

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