Set in Cumbria at the beginning of the twentieth century, this play by Melvyn Bragg and Howard Goodall tells of one working family's journey through love, war, joy and heartbreak. The Hired Man brings alive the cavalcade of history which swept us into a new century - and a war to end all wars.
Based on Melvyn Bragg’s stirring Cumbrian novel, The Hired Man is set against a rural backdrop and celebrates country working life. It is the first Salisbury Playhouse musical for five years. Originally performed in 1984, it was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Best Musical and earned four Olivier Award Nominations.
‘Bracing, rugged & exhilarating...a magnificent British achievement’
Time Out
‘A marvellous succession of chorales, operatic duets and vigorous foot-stopping rhythms...tremendous’
Financial Times