Made in Dagenham

Made In Dagenham - The musical is based on the 2010 film Made in Dagenham, which in turn centred on the true-life events of the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968. The show principally follows the main character of Rita O'Grady, who acts as the spokesperson for a group of female workers at Ford's Dagenham plant, who go on strike to fight the inequality that becomes apparent when women workers were to be paid less as they were classed as unskilled. In contrast, their male colleagues were classed as skilled and ultimately received more pay. These actions led to the creation of the Equal Pay Act 1970. This very poignant musical gave this society the opportunity to shine in so many ways and shine they did.

The content of the programme was presented in a clear unfussy way which made it easy to read. The information contained within was informative, succinct and very interesting. The pen pictures reveal the commitment by so many to the society over many years.

From the details in the O’Grady household to the simplicity of the Factory each and every scene enabled the cast to maximise the space and develop the action. The costumes had been well researched and executed which together with the hair and make-up the overall effect was spot on. The band was particularly well balanced. All were directed by a most able musical director who drew so much out of everybody particularly during the part-singing.

Lucy Curtis was very good in the role of Rita O’Grady, the unassuming housewife and mother who reluctantly became the leader of the sewing room ladies, she was confident and sang with lots of passion. I did like Dan Curtis was ideal as the loveable husband Eddie O’Grady who did his best to keep the family together whilst Rita was busy with the unions, there was tenderness between them when they sang together ‘I’m Sorry I Love You’ and ‘We Nearly Had It All’. Eddie’s song ‘The Letter’ was delivered with a great deal of pathos. Playing Harold Wilson complete with a Ganex raincoat and pipe was Ray Tregoning who worked hard in the role, as did Sue Tregoning in the formidable role of Barbara Castle whose interpretation of ‘Ideal World’ was excellent.

Wow what an evening! Nostalgia, emotion, talent, song, dance, clarity, energy all rolled into one fabulous package. Each and every member of the cast played their role to the utmost. The casting was so well balanced with absolutely no weak links. The evening sped by in a whirl of reminiscence – I was thrilled to be part of it. Congratulations to all involved in the production – you truly captured the emotions of the time.
 

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