The Rag Trade: ‘Everybody Out!’ Gender, Politics and Class on the Factory Floor

Abstract

The BBC television situation comedy The Rag Trade (BBC 1961–1963, LWT 1977–1978) chronicled the weekly exploits of a group of female machinists employed at Fenner Fashions — a small clothing factory in east London. Led by their clever, manipulative shop steward Paddy (Miriam Karlin), the women are constantly in conflict with the factory’s owner Harold Fenner (Peter Jones). Paddy is always ready to call a strike on the slightest of pretexts, initiated by her rallying cry and catchphrase ‘Everybody Out’.¹ In total, five series of The Rag Trade were made. Series One to Three were broadcast on the BBC between 1961 and 1963 in a prime Friday night viewing slot. After a gap of 14 years, the series was revived by London Weekend Television (LWT) for a further two series from 1977 to 1978, broadcast on Sunday evenings. This chapter concerns The Rag Trade’s first and most notable incarnation, although the reimagining of the series for the late 1970s will be considered towards the end when examining the further development of the series.