The programme explores the the tumultuous changes and conflicts of the early industrial revolution as they affected cloth makers in the north of England. The good times of the late C18th Century, the slump in trade after the Napoleonic wars, the violent reaction of Luddism to attempted mechanisation, and the beginnings of the factory system are illustrated in songs, narratives and pictorial evidence all dating from the time. Contains 14 songs interspersed with readings, giving a total running time of 70 minutes plus an interval. Suitable for acoustic performance for audiences up to 35, or larger audiences if amplified.

Dave Herron reviewed the show for Tykes News (Summer 2012): 'The balance of songs and text was excellent and kept the attention of a hall packed with over 100 people, all of whom responded to the variety and authority of the performance, enthusiastically joining in with the finishing song 'Ye Tyrants of England'.

In response to our performance in Stroud, the organisers wrote 'I heard a lot of pleasure expressed about your performance at our recent meeting and in emails. I do hope you are able to come a second time. Meanwhile, thanks again for such a splendid evening'. (Ian 2012)

This presentation illustrates these 3 themes and their interrelations as illustrated in songs derived from both printed ballad sheets and oral sources. We include songs dealing with true histories of murder & mutiny, stories of naval pressgangs & army desertion, and notions of true & false love & plain old sex. (Contains 11 songs and linking discussion of their historical context, with pictorial illustrations, giving a total running time of 75 minutes plus an optional interval. Suitable for acoustic audiences of up to 35, or larger audiences if amplified.)