When we were asked to develop a show for British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT), one of the UK’s leading voices in youth music theatre, we knew that we had to find a story that resonated with the passionate, socially-driven young people who would be performing the piece. We began to think through history about young people who made a stand and a short google later, we knew we’d found our inspiration.

The strike of the Matchgirls was a story of real young women—brave, determined, and unstoppable—whose courage in 1888 changed history. The Matchgirls’ Strike wasn’t just an inspiring moment; it was a turning point led by working-class women and girls who refused to be silenced. Their victory paved the way for workers’ rights, and their legacy still echoes today. They were passionate about justice, they made their voices heard - just like the young people of today.

The idea was pitched to BYMT’s panel of young people - imagine the Bryant and May Matchgirls, but punk rock, we said - and the panel immediately demanded the show be included in their season. It was obvious to everybody that this musical would be a glorious celebration of these inspiring young women—not just their struggle, but their strength, their humour, their sense of community and their refusal to accept less than they deserved. And it would be called WHEN WE STRIKE.

The young people performing were the same ages and lived in the same places of many of the East London girls they were playing - each of them bringing to life a real woman who was known to have participated in the historic strike. They took this responsibility with appropriate sincerity, delving into the historical and emotional contexts of the girls with enthusiasm. There was a respect for those who came before them and a palpable motivation derived from the story. These young people didn’t need to be told what this example meant for themselves as young women of 2024, they heard the facts and were empowered.

Young people have always been a powerful force for change. Their story reminds us that no one is too small to make a difference, and that collective action—no matter where it begins—can change the world. Through When We Strike, we honour the voices of the Matchgirls, as well as the voices of those who play them; their fight, and the lasting impact they have and will make.