Made in Dagenham

This energetic production captured precisely the mood and atmosphere of the Sixties and the struggle for equal pay for women. The slick opening number “Busy Woman” immediately set the pace and tone of the show. Lynne McIntosh was excellent in the lead role of Rita O’Grady and was ably supported by Lee Mclean as her husband Eddie and Alison McDonald as the tragic Connie. Heidi Cathro, Sara Whitton, Cara Longmuir were entertaining as her workmates with a truly memorable performance by Marlene Kear as the foul mouthed Beryl. The powerful “Union Song” introduced us to the male chauvinistic factory workers with proficient performances by Fin McDonald as shop steward Monty, Gordon Holder, Iain Kennedy and Ryan Wink. Jimmy Gray as Mr Hopkins and Haig Cruickshank, Scott Ramsay and Jim Shaw gave convincing performances as the factory management with an attractive portrayal of the sympathetic Mrs Hopkins by Tracy Gibson. A comedic characterisation of PM Harold Wilson by Brian Boardman was well executed and provided scope for some humorous scenes and contrasted well with Janet Irving’s controlled representation of Barbara Castle. Other cameo roles too numerous to mention were of a high standard and coupled with the talented chorus members kept the audience entertained throughout. Singing from both principals and chorus was well drilled as was the orchestra under the baton of MD Richard Allan. Choreography by Darren-Paul Handy suitably complemented the skilled direction of Alan Christison.

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