Oldham Theatre Workshop (OTW) is a leading theatre and performing arts organisation that
nurtures creative expression, personal wellbeing and skills development, engaging thousands of
young people (aged 6-25) and adults from across Oldham’s communities every year.

Established in 1968 as one of the country’s first youth and community organisations, OTW seeks out, supports and champions creatives, performers, theatre technicians and young cultural leaders. 

OTW works closely with a range of partners to create performance experiences that change lives and inspire change in communities.

Our work aims to be socially engaged and explore and reflect the world, experiences and ideas that our young people share. Previously we have created original theatre and musicals that delve in to issues such as voting rights for 16 year olds, understanding immigration and dementia awareness.

In 2023, in the light of the Barbie phenomenon and discussions with our young people about how women and girls’ experience the world and are viewed culturally, we were inspired to develop a new musical which investigated these ideas and came across the incredible story of The Match Girls. These tremendous women and girls, who’s story is hardly known, were a real inspiration. Like so many females in history, they remain invisible and these vibrant, bold and brave young women deserve to have their achievements burn bright.

Through research and with the kind support and valuable information shared by The Matchgirls Memorial, we began a journey of discovery, exploring how this story chimed with the experiences of our young women and girls and developing an original script and musical score. Our young people worked with playwright Michelle Temperley and Composer and Musical Director Mike Edwards, alongside OTW’s in house director Craig Harris to create this brand-new interpretation of this important story.

It was important for us and our young people that this story was one of joy and hope. Seldom do we get chance to shine a spotlight on the achievements of working-class women and, hailing form the hometown of Annie Kenney, the famous working class suffragette, it was vital to us that the actions of these women and girls were understood and celebrated. The result was a fun, riotous and poignant piece of musical theatre which brought life to the little we know and continue to learn about these brilliant heroines.

The musical premiered in November 2023 at OTW’s Studio Theatre and was received with huge
warmth and incredulity, people couldn’t believe they had never heard this powerful story before.
Extracts have since been performed at Illuminate Light festival in Oldham and at the Oldham 175
year celebration events and the piece is currently in development to create a touring production and ensure this story, and these young women are never forgotten.