[2] It premiered at the Globe Theatre, London, on 1 March 1966, directed and choreographed by Gillian Lynne.
The musical focuses on the lifestyle of the match cutters at the Bryant and May factory in Bow, London, with strong references to the condition Phossy jaw and the political climate of the era.
After out-of-town tryouts in Leatherhead, Surrey, the show opened on the West End in March 1966.
With much of the action set in the incongruously named, but fictional, 'Hope Court', the musical portrays Bryant and May as callous and uncaring employers, with factory foreman 'Mr Mynel' representing the threatening and imposing regime in which the girls were forced to work.
There is also a sub plot in which Kate's involvement in the strike puts strain on her relationship with docker Joe.