The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

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BBC Radio 4 Extra

Robert Tressell - The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists: 1. Pity the Poor Painter

Robert Tressell - The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

1. Pity the Poor Painter

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Robert Tressell - The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, 1. Pity the Poor Painter

Edwardian England: Frank questions why workers don't realise who is really benefitting?

4 Extra Debut. Edwardian England: Frank wonders if his fellow workers will ever realise their toil is profit for others? Stars Mark Straker.

"We're all of us philanthropists. Toilin' and sweatin' at our noble task of making money for Mr Rushton. We're The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists!"

It's Edwardian England: Frank wonders if his fellow workers will ever realise their toil is profit for others? 

Starring Brian Glover, Sean Barrett  and Mark Straker. 

Robert Tressell's novel, first published in 1914.   

Dramatised in six parts by Gregory Evans.

Bob Crass .... Brian Glover
Robert Tressell .... Sean Barrett
Hunter .... Bryan Pringle
Frank Owen .... Mark Straker
Adam Sweater .... Peter Vaughan
Joe Philpot .... Norman Jones
Fred Harlow .... Robin Summers
Bundy .... Richard Tate
Bert White .... Richard Pearce
Alf Slyme .... David Goudge
Sawkins .... Michael Graham Cox
Will Easton .... Donald Gee
Jack Linden .... Philip Newman
Newman .... Peter Craze
Newsagent .... Christopher Good
Ruth Easton .... Kate Lock
Nora Owen .... Joan Walker
Frankie Owen .... Andrew Mulquin
George Rushton .... Denis Lill

Written under the pen name Robert Tressell, Robert Noonan’s semi-autobiographical novel was published posthumously in 1914.

Born in Dublin in 1870 and settling in Hastings, England in 1901, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is Noonan’s sardonic critique of the way society is organised, with the ‘philanthropists’ being poorly paid workers who continue to help make profits for the owners of businesses.  

A house painter and sign writer by trade (the inspiration for his pen name), Noonan died in Liverpool from tuberculosis in 1911.  

He was buried in a pauper's grave. His true identity as author of his novel was not revealed for 40 years. 

Director: Michael Bakewell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1989.

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Edwardian England: Robert asks will workers ever realise their toil is profit for others?

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1. Pity the Poor Painter

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