London SE15
by Mayer Wakefield

Combining comedic agitprop with a strong narrative, United We Stand shines light on the story of the Shrewsbury 24, the building workers framed for “conspiracy” following the 1972 building workers’ strike.

It's a two-hander, with writer Neil Gore as one of its performers along with William Fox, and their use of slapstick, song and sobering testimony make a
potent mix.

Directed by Louise Townsend, the production is a shrewd expose of the collaboration of elite forces that led to the scandalous imprisonment of seven construction workers in 1973.

Luring the audience into a false sense of security during a first half crammed with songs - perhaps one too many - and comedy, it merely brings us to the start of the spurious police investigation against the strikers.

That began seven months after they had settled the dispute with their employers.

The final scene is a 15-minute long slapstick escapade “The Great Conspiracy,” which exposes the hideous triangle of collusion between large construction companies, the police and the Tory government.

Essentially reliant on the repetition of three jokes, it still makes the audience chuckle throughout, a testament to Gore and Fox's comic abilities.

The second half lacks such hilarity but with good reason. It focuses on the trial of Des Warren and Ricky Tomlinson, who led the flying pickets in Shrewsbury.
Alternating roles between the judge and the accused, the two actors reach a level of poignancy that would be at odds with the rest of the play if it were not so sincere.
The final magnetic speeches of both figures are delivered with such mettle that you cannot help but be captivated.
Although United We Stand could probably be squeezed into a more succinct 90-minute piece, there is never a moment when you don't feel entertained.
And Gore and Fox's tireless energy do justice to the story of the 24 men that the British judicial system failed.
It ends on Saturday, don't miss.
Runs until November 14, box office: clfartcafe.org