The gut girls

by Sarah Daniels

Premiéred at London's Albany Empire in 1988 and set in Deptford at the turn of the century this play traces the lives of the girls who work in the gutting sheds of the Cattle Market and how their lives are changed when the sheds are closed down. Although the girls are unwilling participants in a club founded by Lady Helena to find alternative employment the results are not without tragic consequences.|11 women, 6 men

Genres: Plays, Historical Fiction, Theatre, Drama

115 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 1989

About the author

Sarah Daniels (born November 1956 in London [1]) is a British dramatist. She has been a prolific writer since her first professionally performed play, Ripen Our Darkness, was given a production at the Royal Court in 1981.

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Kira Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very funny play, but gets very serious and upsetting. There's not much I can say without giving away the ending and too much of the plot.

[Eleni]

Comedy graduate course

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A full-length play about girls working in the gutting sheds at the turn of the century. Provides a very clear depiction of the unfair working conditions they faced, not to mention the disdain they suffered for their lower-class status. When the sheds are closed down their situations mostly become much worse.

I'm thinking of assigning this in a Women's studies course about women's leadership and early working conditions.

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent play. I had to read this in preparation for my LAMDA exam in July and I enjoyed it immensely. It tackles classism, sexism and misogyny in a way that combines humour and serious moments to make a truly breathtaking piece. I would love to see it performed live - after we're out of this pandemic, of course.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Read it for class & it was pretty enjoyable and not very long whatsoever.

[merlin ⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do I have to play Jim ??

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Kat Hawthorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

i rlly liked it but thought the second half was a little rushed! would love to see live- explores women under a capitalist system very effectively

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times funny and at times very serious. All in all a good play. Challenging for the props crew!