Power Cut (2025)

by Josie Byrne & Lynda Gray

Wigan in the early 1970s, against the backdrop of the labour strikes that brought Britain to its knees. When their husbands walk out of the factory and the money runs dry, a group of resourceful women decide to take matters into their own hands. Answering a flyer for a newly opened restaurant in town, they swap candles and Ready Brek for aprons and attitude, discovering along the way that friendship, humour, and a little bit of determination can get you through just about anything.

Written in 2024 and performed in 2025/26.

Changing Times (2024)
by Josie Byrne

A sequel to You've Never Had It So Good, this play leaps forward into the Swinging Sixties — the era of the Beatles, mini skirts, and women finding their feet. Thanks to Ivy, the girls have all landed jobs at a local sewing factory and are relishing their newfound independence. Their husbands, however, are struggling to adjust: teas aren't on the table, clothes aren't washed, and the old order is crumbling fast. When a planned coach trip takes an unexpected turn, things go from awkward to outright chaotic. A joyful celebration of change, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Written in 2022 and performed in 2023/24.

You've Never Had It So Good (2023)
by Josie Byrne

It's the 1950s on a bustling Wigan street. Local dressmaker Ivy is hard at work sewing dresses for the children's Whit Monday Walk, while Father Flynn throws himself into preparations for what is one of the biggest days in the Wigan calendar. But behind the bunting, Ivy's husband Frank is drowning in debt and at his wits' end. When the truth finally comes out, the whole street is left reeling. A funny, warm, and ultimately poignant portrait of community life in post-war England.

Written in 2020 and was was eventually performed in the community in 2022/23 (after the pandemic).

Ways And Means (2021)

by Lynda Gray

It's 1939 and Jimmy, a young Bolton lad, has one dream: to play football for Bolton Wanderers. The only thing standing between him and his trial is a pair of boots he can't afford. His family pull together, trying every trick and scheme they can think of to raise the money — but with the outbreak of the Second World War looming, the future looks uncertain for Jimmy, his family, and the Wanderers themselves. A funny, touching, and ultimately bittersweet story about hope, community, and the times that change everything.

Opened September 2019. Interrupted by Covid, it returned on 2nd November 2021 with a special performance at the Bolton Wanderers stadium.

Dirty Face (2017)
by Josie Byrne

Set in the Wigan Coalfields of the 1920s, this play follows the Sheffield sisters, who lose their jobs at the local munitions factory when the men return from war. A chance meeting leads them to work on the pit brow — and into the world of the famous Pit Brow Lasses. When their livelihoods are threatened by MPs in London, the women refuse to back down. With the support of their local vicar and Mayor, they organise a march and take their fight all the way to the capital. A story of grit, solidarity, and the power of women who knew their own worth.

Performed at Bolton Parish Church Hall as part of the The Octagon Theatre's REVEAL 2017 Festival on Tuesday 14th March and Wednesday 15 March 2017.

"When I first started researching the Pit Brow Lasses, I was very surprised to learn that they loved their work. I had heard about them before and always felt sorry for them, but I was wrong to feel that way. From the books and interviews that I have read, it seems that they thought nothing of getting up at 4.30am, walking 4 miles to work and having to work outside in all weathers." Josie Byrne

"When their work was threatened by the MPs in London, again I was surprised to learn that the local vicar and the Mayor stuck up for the girls and organised a train to take them to London. Such was their passion for work and this inspired me to write their story." Josie Byrne “

"We are delighted to be part of the Octagon Reveal Season and are relishing the challenge of producing our new play Dirty Face. As On The Go Theatre Company, we have had six years of writing and performing for lots of different groups in the local area and all of us feel uplifted by the response we get from our audiences.” Josie Byrne “

Cotton Queen (2014)

by Josie Byrne

The year is 1938 and excitement is running high in the cotton factories of Lancashire. The whole factory floor is buzzing about who will win the Cotton Queen Competition — the finals are to be held in Blackpool, presented by none other than George Formby. The prizes are glittering: a meeting with Royalty, a couture outfit, and elocution lessons. Marjorie is the clear favourite — but a mystery girl is about to turn everything upside down. A warm and spirited tale of ambition, rivalry, and surprise.

Written in 2012 and first performed in Studio 1 at The Octagon Theatre and then taken on tour in 2014.

The Early Years

Words Of War

Written at the request of Westhoughton History Society, this play explored the stories and experiences behind the First World War, bringing local history to life for audiences in the community.

Someone's Sons

Commissioned by Wigan Council to mark the centenary of the First World War, this moving piece told the story of the Prisoner of War Camp in Leigh, the Zeppelin bombs dropped on Wigan, and the vital role played by women on the home front.

Performed at commemorative events across both Westhoughton and Wigan.

"We absolutely love telling our audiences about major historical events that affect the way we live today and also enjoy adding comedy and romance to such serious issues." Josie Byrne

Flanders To Fish

Flanders to Fish is a two-part play tracing the lives of two young northern Englishmen from the outbreak of the First World War to its aftermath.

In 1914, eager friends Billy (17, having lied about his age) and Len enlist to fight in World War I, expecting a short adventure. But their decision devastates their families and the war goes on much oonger than anyone expected.