Made in Dagenham

I was not familiar with the show but this production was certainly slick, funny, hard-hitting and entertaining, providing plenty opportunities for the full Society throughout.  It is safe to say there was not one weak link on stage as the story of the landmark strike by female sewing machinists at Ford’s Dagenham plant was rolled out.  Uniting the show, Victoria Daley excelled as wife, mother and leader of the factory workers Rita and was matched by Grant-Scott Johnston as husband Eddie.  Lily Tracey and Mia Hamilton were cast as their daughter Sharon in alternate performances, with Adam Stewart as their brother Graham.  Lorna Wallace was outstanding as the coarse and outspoken factory worker Beryl and Julia Shaw made a perfect ditsy factory worker, Clare. Carol Sutherland gave a moving performance of shop steward Connie and her plea to take action now. Other factory workers included Melissa Cook (Cass), Nikki Johnstone (Sandra), with Eric Brown as Monty the NUVB Convenor, Chris Hogg and Chris Brooks as Sid and Bill the Union Shop Stewards.  Anne Rice elegantly supported and befriended the strikers as Lisa Hopkins contrasting well with Malcolm McNulty as the Managing Director Mr Hopkins.  Susan McFarlane was a knock out as Barbara Castle attired in a C&A dress and Allan Brisbane made a fine pipe sucking Prime Minister Harold Wilson, complete with the famous ‘Gannex’.  The remaining principals joined by the entire cast all contributed to my enjoyment .  The great thing about this funny, thoughtful and uplifting storyline  is that it goes beyond the central message but never loses focus.  It has all the necessary elements for a highly entertaining musical including a collection of wonderful original songs and all well orchestrated.  Well done to the production team and what was an amazing cast.  Thank you for inviting me to your show.

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