An original play based on a true story...
In the pretty Cotswold village in Victorian England, a group of women cheerfully gather at the local farmer's gate, hoping to talk to two young men who have been hired to work on the fields. But what happens when 'just a chat' spirals into something wicked? Based on a true story of stupidity, courage and national scandal. Written by Tess Fletcher. Directed by Eloise Grieve.
Story
‘The Chipping Norton Incident’ is a play about the true story of sixteen women and two babies from the rural village of Ascott-under-Wychwood who were imprisoned in 1873 for their role in the founding of a branch of the National Agricultural Labourers Union.
Their sentencing to prison with hard labour at Chipping Norton police station sparked
riots, fierce media coverage, debates in Parliament and even the attention of the Queen,
in an ordeal which left its mark on the women, their village and the future of British
democracy.
Cast and Creatives...
Meet our incredible team of actors and creatives, who will be bringing our story to life at Tolpuddle Martyrs festival, July 2025.
Help get us to Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
We Are Crowdfunding
We are a team of early career professionals, with small pockets of funds to make this happen. We are receiving some support with rehearsal space, and accommodation for the festival in kind, but we need extra support with props , costume, travel expenses and even to cover our own expenses to work on the project.
What we do have in abundance is a lot of thanks to give you!
So everyone who chips in to help bring ‘The Chipping Norton Incident’ to Tolpuddle will get a huge - and very grateful- shout out on social media, programme credits and featured on the ‘Supporters Wall’ of our website, in recognition of your crucial role in getting this project off the ground and in front of audiences.
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Click the link below to find out more...
Supporters' Wall
A big thanks to all our supporters who have helped get our project off the ground and in front of audiences.
Rob Eilbeck
David Mayer
The Production Garden limited.
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We are very grateful for your help in getting us here. We couldn't have done it without you!
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