Where to see the Inspirational Story behind the Grunwick Strike in Scarborough

Ever heard a story so powerful it completely changes how you see things? There’s a play coming to Scarborough that tells one of those tales. It’s about a group of workers, a historic strike, and an incredible woman who stood up and roared when everyone else expected her to be quiet. This is the story of Jayaben Desai and the famous Grunwick strike, a real-life drama about fighting for fairness, dignity, and basic human rights. And now, it’s being brought to the stage in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there on the picket line.

A walkout that sparked a revolution

Let's rewind to 1976 in Willesden, London. At the Grunwick Film Processing factory, things weren't great. The people working there faced pretty grim conditions. So, one day, a handful of workers decided enough was enough. They walked out. This wasn't just skipping a shift; this was the beginning of a massive strike that would capture the country's attention. What started with just six people staging a strike demanding the right to join a trade union grew into something huge. This protest became known as the Grunwick strike. The bravery of these few individuals kicked off a movement that nobody saw coming, especially not the factory manager.

The story of Jayaben Desai: the 'lioness' of Grunwick

Every great story has a hero, and the hero of the Grunwick strike was a woman named Jayaben Desai. She wasn't just one of the strikers; she was their leader, their voice. At a time when many people had unfair stereotypes about Asian women being quiet or passive, Jayaben Desai shattered those ideas completely. She was full of fire, wit, and an unbreakable spirit. Her bravery was off the charts. She recently earned a spot on the Radio 4 Women’s Hour Power List of women who have had the biggest impact on our lives, and it’s easy to see why. This inspirational story is her story.

Bringing history to the stage in Scarborough

So, how do you capture such an epic story on stage? That’s the job of Townsend Theatre Productions. They’re bringing this incredible inspirational story to the Stephen Joseph Theatre right here in Scarborough. The play, called We Are the Lions, Mr Manager!, has been written by Neil Gore and is directed by Louise Townsend. It’s not a stuffy history lesson; it's a vibrant production packed with songs and music from the 1970s to bring this powerful story to a whole new generation.

You can see this amazing show at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough on Wednesday 22 October 2025, at 7.45pm. Don't miss the chance to hear the roar of the lions for yourself and see a pivotal moment of history brought to life at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.