True story of a national fight for trade union recognition

The remarkable true story of the 1976-1978 Grunwick film processing factory strike comes to Rosehill Theatre on 21 April.

We are the Lions, Mr Manager! recounts, in words and music, the experiences of Jayaben Desain an educated woman, and her fellow factory workers who were mostly immigrants.

Facing draconian conditions at the Grunwick Film Processing Laboratories in Willesden, London, they began a fight for trade union recognition that still resonates today.

Jayaben Desai brought the issue of workplace exploitation and racism to the fore, and challenged the perception of Asian women being inherently passive and docile, while having the measure of the most brutish and charmless of her managers.

She told them: “What you are running here is not a factory, it is a zoo. But in a zoo there are many types of animals. Some are monkeys who dance on your fingertips, others are lions who can bite your head off. We are the lions, Mr Manager!”

The factory dispute became a two-year national campaign for dignity and human rights and changed the face of industrial relations. Jayaben Desai, whose actions inspired future generations, was listed by Radio 4 as one of the women who had the most impact on the lives of others over the past 70 years.

This pacey performance is brought to Rosehill by Townsend Theatre Productions, a regular partner with the venue.

All roles are played by Medhavi Patel, a distant relative of the campaigner, and co-writer Neil Gore. Neil said: “In our work we aim to focus on the lives and contributions of inspirational and vital figures from our social history, often forgotten, who campaigned vigorously to improve the quality of life for everyone.

Jayaben Desai is one such figure. Her resolve and courage should be remembered and celebrated.

“Grunwick raised many wide-ranging questions about trade unionism, rights in the workplace and dignity at work – themes that are still relevant today.” We are the Lions, Mr Manager! is a thought-provoking and inspirational telling of a powerful story with humour and hope.

The performance on Saturday 21 April begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 (U26 £10), available from the box office on 01946 692422, online at http://rosehilltheatre.co.uk or by emailing [email protected]