Little Match Girl, The (1986)

This 90-minute musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson story The Little Match Seller – 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