The Hired Man
by Melvyn Bragg, Howard Goodall

Name: The Hired Man
Brand: Melvyn Bragg
SKU: 9780573080715
Rating: 3.78 (2 reviews)

The Hired Man Book Cover — The Hired Man Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

1900-1910Reduced Casting (Doubling Possible)Unit Set/Multiple SettingsPeriod Costumes

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the deep and realistic portrayal of working-class life in rural England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The narrative captures the hardships and emotional struggles of the characters, resonating well with audiences. Many find the writing evocative and insightful, highlighting the toil of everyday life and the complexities of human relationships.

Realistic portrayal of working-class lifeEvocative and insightful writingStrong emotional resonanceIntriguing characters and narrativeNarrative style can be confusing

Synopsis

Based on Melvyn Bragg’s stirring novel of rural and industrial working life early in the 20th century, The Hired Man tells of one family’s – Bragg's grandparents’ – journey from land laborers to colliers and back to the land.

The superb score is a marvelous succession of chorales, operatic duets and vigorous, foot-stomping rhythms.

Press Reviews

"Thoughtful and, on occasions, most moving… That rare thing: a folk opera of our immediate past."
— Daily Mail

"Melvyn Bragg’s qualities as a novelist – humanity, idealism and a complex and highly articulate man's understanding of those who are simple and inarticulate – shine out from the musical."
— Sunday Telegraph

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Emily	—	—	—
Jackson	—	—	—
Ted Blacklock/Isaac	—	—	—
Seth	—	—	—
Sally	—	—	—
May	—	—	—
Harry	—	—	—
Pennington/Vicar	—	—	—
Recruiting Officer/Dan	—	—	—
Jack/Union Chairman	—	—	—
Landlady	—	—	—
Joe Sharp	—	—	—
Bob/Alf	—	—	—
Bill	—	—	—
Ezra	—	—	—
Josh	—	—	—
Tom	—	—	—
Beth	—	—	—
Hired Men, Farmers, Miners, Soldiers	—	—	—
John	—	—	—