Made in Dagenham

Earlier in the year Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society took us back 125 years to celebrate a significant event in their history. This was celebrated with a performance of HMS Pinafore and Other Infernal Nonsense in tribute to their first show.  Almost 200 shows after their first show the society’s autumn production was somewhat different in contrast with Made in Dagenham.

The musical is based on the film of the same name concerning female machinists making seat covers for the Cortina and Zephyr range at the Ford Dagenham plant. The women were classed as unskilled labour and paid less than the men. A meeting does not go well which lead to the strike and eventually to the introduction of the Equal Pay Act of 1970.

There were many excellent portrayals, but Bruce Wyatt as Harold Wilson and Ann Mayor as Barbara Castle must have special mention. Wyatt was hilarious throughout whether it be the song “Always a Problem”, the dancing or his delivery of lib such as reference to the stationary cupboard. I could hear every word he both said and sang. The meeting at the Palace of Westminster involving the strikers and Barbara Castle as secretary of state was another high point, although maybe some sherry in the glasses would have looked better than having them empty.

Other good quality performances were delivered by Hattie Amos as Rita who became the leader of the strike and her on stage husband Eddie played by Dean Bayliss. They were well matched, and both were equally believable during both the good and bad times as the action took place.  The part of Beryl whose language was fruitful at times was played with confidence by Abbi Jackman. These performances were well supported by other strikers and fellow husbands and management including James Cowlishaw as Mr Hopkins and his wife Lisa played by Sian Williams.

The opening of act two brought on a confident Neil Waghorn as American Mr Tooley ready for the launch of the new Cortina 1600E.

There were some first night hitches primarily involving the set, but these were not unsurmountable, and I am sure these were addressed later in the run. Generally, the crew managed the large changes well and with relative ease. The band was at times just a bit overpowering but again this was recognised early on. 

Overall there was great energy from all involved. The pace throughout was good with equally matched singing and humour.  The chorus numbers worked well, and the chorography helped with the authentic atmosphere which I am sure the director wished to achieve. This was an excellent production which was no less than we would expect from this talented company. On to Into the Woods now which I look forward to greatly.     

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