A former popstar is set to launch a new play about the Suffragettes movement as part of the Salford Weekender in May.
Boff Wholley, who was the lead guitarist of 1990’s pop group, Chumbawamba, best known for their hit single Tubthumping, is launching the play as part of the spirit of Salford event.
The Wrong Un, written by Whalley, pays tribute to the ordinary mill girls who joined the campaign to secure women the vote.
Actress Ella Harris, best known for being involved in movies, Moon, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Bank Job, will centre stage as the talented actress plays seven roles.
Harris will be playing the roles of campaigner Annie Wilde from Nelson, her teacher, her mill owner employer and the judge who sentences her to jail for being involved in the suffragette movement.
Whalley said: “This play is not about famous Salford suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst who led the campaign and who was jailed 12 times and condemned by the government of the day but is now seen as a pioneer of democracy.
“It’s about the ordinary working class women who joined her to campaign for justice, equality and the right to have their say.
“When the women began their campaign, a woman could be mayor of a town or city, a nurse, a teacher or doctor but couldn’t vote.Yet a man could be in prison, in a mental hospital or a drunkard but could.
“It’s about the ordinary working class women who joined her to campaign for justice, equality and the right to have their say.”
Boff wrote the play after a friend discovered a suitcase full of suffragette memorabilia belonging to her grandmother who was jailed for her involvement in the campaign.
“It’s a powerful and moving piece, which pays tribute to Lancashire women’s contribution to the struggle and I’m proud that it will be staged at the Civic Centre.”
Salford Weekender which takes place on the weekend of May 31 and June 1 is set to celebrate a mix music, art and culture.
The Wrong Un will take place at 5.30pm on Saturday, May 31 at Swinton Civic Centre. For more information, click here.
Image courtesy of Salford City Council, witht thanks.
