It’s 1870. Imagine being only ten years old, having to leave school, and to go to work as a domestic servant, in a grand house miles from your home and family. That’s exactly what happened to Emily, from Bollington, and her brother.
While she worked as a maid, up before anyone else, lighting fires, heating water, preparing food, washing and ironing, he was helping in the garden and allotment, doing odd jobs, and polishing boots and shoes. They have Sunday afternoon off, after church and lunch – not enough time to get to Bollington and back. They can only go home on one day over Christmas – but not Christmas Day as they’re needed in the grand house.
And on Mother’s Day, then known as Mothering Sunday. It will be very special for Emily and her brother, because not only will they see their mum, they will travel for the first time on Bollington’s new railway, which has opened since their last visit home. But not long before that eagerly awaited day, Emily gets carried away while Dashing away with a smoothing iron – the title of a song that describes all the processes of washing Victorian clothes – and burns a silk handkerchief belonging to her mistress, and costing more than Emily earns in a month.
As a punishment, Mother’s Day is cancelled for both Emily and her brother: they must work instead. There will be no horse and trap to take them to the station… Outraged, Emily and her brother sneak out of the house the previous night to make what becomes an eventful and sometimes perilous journey. The young cast will as always work hard, develop their musical and theatrical skills, and present their drama with staging, costumes, lighting and live music
Thanks to the generosity of the Arts Centre membership and performances are FREE, but donations will be requested in cash, by cheque or bank transfer.
The images show the Music Theatre in Buccaneers of the Bollin (2019); as mill workers in Millennium Dreams (2000) both photographed by Donald Judge; Mom and daughter doing housework by Julie de Graag (1877-1924) (Original from the Rijks Museum, Amsterdam. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel – a Victorian housekeeper and maid would have looked much like this) and a Victorian flat iron, from Wikipedia Commons.
Children can just turn up at 2.30 on the day with an adult to give necessary contact details. Parents are welcome to stay throughout or to return at 4.30 to collect their child. For further information or to ask any questions, please email bfmt@bollingtonartscentre.co.uk
