A Force to be Reckoned With
Commissioned by and produced by Mikron Theatre (2023)
Composer and co-lyricist Greg Last.
“It did it before I joined up. Outside work, surveillance prevention an' rescue. It's why the police wanted me, see?”
This arresting comedy drama follows WPC Iris Armstrong as she dons her uniform to join the police force of 1952. With handbag, whistle and a key to the police box, she finds what began as ‘women’s work’ becomes a specialist role with vulnerable women and children. Alongside WPC Ruby Weston, Iris will earn her place in a historic force to be reckoned with. On the way, she discovers the Edwardian volunteers who came before her, a lineage of Suffragettes-turned-moral enforcers and the secrets her local police box hides.
Cast: 2f/2m, multi-roling & musical skills
Facts & Figures
Mikron delivers ‘theatre anywhere for everyone’. A Force to be Reckoned With was performed in village halls, pub gardens, the Manchester Police Museum and many more.
Seven original songs were written for the show by Greg Last.
Cast: Eddie Ahrens, Harvey Badger, Hannah Baker, Rachel Hammond. Director: Gitika Buttoo.
Outdoor photos: Absolute Folly
Mikron Trailer
Reviews
A Force to be Reckoned With
“A wise and witty celebration of women in the police force … Some cracking songs and plenty of laughs to be had among the serious themes – sexism, misogyny, class bias – that are addressed. A fun, thought-provoking piece.”