| Description | Banner's original concept for this production was 'Motor Trade Worker' which developed into 'Motor Trade Show' and finally emerged as 'On the Brink' in 1981. Following criticism from some BL workers, the production was further modified and refined in 1982. This creative development is reflected in these records, as Banner adjusted to the changing political, economic and industrial circumstances for the British motor industry, and particularly British Leyland Motor Corporation [BLMC, later BL]. This production was prompted by the onset of economic recession in the late 1970s and the determination of the Conservative government from 1979 onwards to resolve structural and industrial relations problems within BL.
The renewed and extended mandate to rationalise British Leyland given by the new Prme Minister, Margaret Thatcher to Sir Michael Edwardes [Chief Executive between 1977 and 1982] was regarded by many as an assault on the existing industrial relations framework and the integrity of trades unions. BL's nationalisation in 1975 had been welcomed by many trades unionists within the organisation and the wider labour movement, both for ideological and practical employment reasons. The determination of the Thatcher government to return BL to the private sector at the earliest opportunity challenged their beliefs and allegiances and Banner tapped into their fears.
A major inspiration for 'Motor Trade Worker' was the experience of car workers and the issues raised by the dismissal by BL of Derek Robinson [Red Robbo] in November 1979, who had been union convener at the Longbridge car factory. As finally constructed however, 'On the Brink' is greatly concerned with the relationship between Margaret Thatcher, Sir Michael Edwardes and Terry Duffy [General Secretary of the AUEW], who have been regarded by many as actively working against the interests of 'rank and file' workers. Duffy receives particular vilification for his supposed collusion with the government and management position on industrial relations and productivity reforms.
The production was written in close co-operation with workers at west midland car factories, who took part in early script-writing sessions and later helped to stage and perform the show. Colour slides were projected onto a screen behind the performers. Images of people and places connected with the play were diplayed, providing a continuous, often satirical commentary on the action being performed on stage. The performance employed the 'Festival of Fools' format often used by Banner, where the notion of 'the world turned upside down' permitted hard hitting points to be made in a humourous, mocking manner.
As with other Banner productions, rousing elements from 'Saltley Gate' were incorporated in a celebration of working class victory through unity. This reflected the production's focus on the positive aspects of solidarity in the face of economic and political challenges to the motor industry. Whilst racism within the industry was considered, it was not featured as a major element in the performance.
'On the Brink' considers issues facing BL from a workers' perspective and in contrast to the negative position generally taken by the media at this time. The production is concerned with BL factories in and around Birmingham, including the Rover factories at Tyseley [No. 1 & No. 2] and Solihull. Bob Whiskens, a shop steward with Rover and a supporter of Banner Theatre organised many of the interviews in preparation for the show. Whiskens was later disowned by both union and management and the Banner show 'Little Red Mole' considers this [see MS 1611/B/23]
The actuality transcripts and research notes for 'On the Brink' refer to many individuals, locations, factories and vehicle models and a summary is provided here as a reference aid.
INDIVIDUALS
Raghib Ahsan Birmingham city councillor & BL Rover shop steward
Brian Bird Birmingham city councillor & BL Rover shop Steward
Terry Duffy AUEW General Secretary
Sir Michael Edwardes BL Chief Executve [1977 - 1982]
Joe Harris BL union shop steward
Ian Horrocks BL Longridge Plant Director
Avtar Jouhl T & GWU official and member of the Indian Workers' Association
Derek Robinson [Red Robbo] AUEW union member and convener at BL Longbridge [until dismissed in 1979]
Sir Don Ryder Published the Ryder Report in 1975, which prompted the nationalisation of BL
Ron Todd T & GWU national organiser
Bob Whiskens Union Shop steward and member of Banner Theatre
FACTORIES AND RELATED LOCATIONS
Castle Bromwich, Birmingham BL Pressed Steel Fisher
Cofton Park, Birmingham Public park used for mass union meetings by Longbridge workers
Cowley, Oxford BL Austin Morris
'Fisher's' BL Castle Bromwich [Pressed Steel Fisher]
Halewood, Merseyside Ford
Haseley Manor BL Training Centre
Imperial Hotel, Birmingham Venue for a performance of 'Motor Trade Show'
Longbridge, Birmingham BL Austin Morris
SD1 factory, Solihull BL Rover, built specifically to build the SD1, but closed under rationalisation plan.
Solihull BL Rover [included the main and the SD1 factories]
Speke, Merseyside BL Triumph
The Good Companions Public House in Sheldon, Birmingham, used for union meetings
Tyseley, Birmingham BL Rover [Factories Number 1 and Number 2]
VEHICLE REFERENCES
'Bounty' The code name for the Triumph Acclaim, the BL / Honda joint venture which was intended to spearhead the revival of BL
CKD Completely Knocked Down car kits, supplied by BL [and other] factories.
LC10 Project reference for model that became the Austin Maestro.
SD1 Rover executive model, introduced in 1976 and billed as the saviour of the marque. |