This 90-minute musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson story The Little MatchSeller – now set in London rather than Copenhagen – was produced by ITV to air on television at Christmas 1986 and starred Roger Daltrey from The Who and model-turned-actress Twiggy, with an introduction by Michael Hordern.
Daltrey played Jebb Macklin, the alcoholic father of the 12-year-old match girl (newcomer Natalie Morse), while Twiggy featured as Josie Roberts – a blowsy, busty Cockney music hall singer who moves in with him and befriends the little girl.
As the poor little match girl tramps the winter streets selling her wares, she strikes one and is transported into a magical world.
11-year-old Natalie Morse, a schoolgirl from Enfield in Middlesex, landed the title role from 400 hopefuls.
Jimmy Jewel, Paddie O’Neil and Stratford Johns featured in cameo roles.
The film was screened on ITV on the afternoon of Sunday 28 December 1986. The music was composed by Keith Strachan with choreography by David Toguri.
Matchgirl
Natalie Morse Josie Roberts
Twiggy Jebb Macklin
Roger Daltrey Arthur
Russell Lee Nash Charlotte Fairbrother
Jemma Price Liza Fairbrother
Nicola Dawn Mr Fairbrother
Paul Daneman Mrs Fairbrother
Jennie Linden Butler
Jimmy Jewel Cook
Paddie O’Neil Rich Man
Stratford Johns Maud
Patricia Lawrence Winifred
Dorothea Phillips Landlord
Robert Putt Mrs Prothero
Pearl Hackney Introduction
Michael Hordern Washerwoman
Fanny Carby Pie seller
John Rogan First Tart
Cristina Avery Second Tart
Eithne Hannigan Urchins
Kelly George
Ian Hooper
Aaron Burchell
Chris Chandler
Tina Debona
Simon Embleton
Richard England
Marco Ferraro
Tracey Graham
Leon Hamilton
Luke Hope
Sophie Lawrence
Stephen Paice
Garry Patrick
Samantha Pryke
Rachel Roberts
Robert Thompson
Kris Watson
Lisa Weldon
Tim Woodman
Director
Michael Custance
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Daltrey played Jebb Macklin, the alcoholic father of the 12-year-old match girl (newcomer Natalie Morse), while Twiggy featured as Josie Roberts – a blowsy, busty Cockney music hall singer who moves in with him and befriends the little girl.
