A NEW play based on the story of “Shrewsbury 24” has its world premiere in Portsmouth on Monday, November 10.

It is based on true events when 24 building workers were accused and three jailed for violent picketing and intimidating workers in Shropshire in 1973.

United We Stand, by Neil Gore, premieres at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, at 7.30pm.

In the 1960s and 70s, the UK’s building companies were making millions rebuilding the country, but building workers faced the most dangerous working conditions and poorest wages of any trade. In the summer of 1972, for 12 weeks, 300,000 building workers launched their industry’s first national all-out strike to end cash ‘lump’ wages and seek better pay.

The partial success of the strike, and the methods used, culminated in the arrest of 24 builders in North Wales, who were charged with offences including conspiracy to intimidate and affray. Three were jailed – including actor Ricky Tomlinson, who has been campaigning to have the convictions overturned |ever since.

Combining grand theatrical style and wit with popular and political songs about the strike and Ricky Tomlinson’s poems from his time in prison, the production aims to bring the full story of the dispute to life in a thought-provoking play.

Tickets for United We Stand are £13/£10/£9 from the Wedgwood Rooms 023 9286 3911, or Kings Theatre 023 9282 8282.

For more information, visit townsendproductions.co.ukWhenWed, 5 November, 19:30 – 21:30 WherePalace Theatre, London Road, Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom (map) DescriptionTickets:£13.00* Concessions £11.00*