We Are the Lions, Mr Manager

The story of Jayaben Desai and the Grunwick Strike

Written by Neil Gore and Directed by Louise Townsend

In 1976, six workers walked out of Grunwick Film Processing Laboratory and Factory in Willesden. They staged a strike against their poor working conditions, demanding the right to join a union.

Less than two years later, those six had been joined by 20,000 supporters in an historic dispute fighting for better rights for poorly treated workers.

Predominantly Asian women, these strikers shattered stereotypes, challenged the establishment, brought a community together to support the rights of workers and changed the face of trade unionism.

On the 50th anniversary of the start of the Grunwick Strike, Townsend Theatre Productions celebrates their bravery, bringing their inspirational story to a new generation with “We Are The Lions, Mr Manager!”, an imaginative and stylish production with songs and music of the time accompanied by an integrated exhibition.