The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is an extraordinary novel, often cited as one of the most important Socialist texts in the English language. Originally published in 1914, Robert Tressell’s story follows a group of builders, painters and decorators renovating a house in the early 1900s. Exploited and existing just above the poverty line, their only fall-backs are charity, the dreaded work-house, or the grave.
In Andrew Lynch’s radio dramatisation, Timothy Spall leads an impressive cast as Crass the foreman, doing what he can to rally the workers under the sneering watch of ‘Old Misery’, played by Paul Whitehouse. The workers are roused from their apathy when they are joined by Frank Owen (Andrew Lincoln), a Socialist visionary who challenges their political views by asking why their wages bear no relation to the value of their work when the rich are getting richer without lifting a finger?
Inspiring the band of workers to carry on under such conditions are the wives and families they are trying to provide for. When old Jack Linden gets sent walking, his first concern is saving his wife, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren from the workhouse. Meanwhile Easton, played by co-producer Johnny Vegas, spirals into borderline alcoholism. The effects of this are felt in the most shocking way by his long-suffering wife Ruth (Shirley Henderson.)
But The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists also has a great sense of humour, with light relief provided by characters such as Reverend Belcher (Kevin Eldon), a fat, greedy vicar who looks fit to explode. As a result the cast includes some of Britain’s finest comic talent – Paul Whitehouse, Kevin Eldon, Johnny Vegas, Tom Goodman-Hill and Bill Bailey. Further entertainment is provided by a cameo from John Prescott MP himself, who plays the Policeman.
