Made In Dagenham

My only previous experience of this show was the highly successful production by Falkirk AOS last year. As a past member of Selkirk, and having many dear friends involved in the company, I could honestly say I was really excited to see them perform this  show. I was over the moon to see how well the pared back, simple set with projection effects really suited the show and the slick stage management was testament to the directorial decision. Top marks! The band was excellent, though occasionally in this echoing hall, it slightly over powered the lyrics, but that was ironed out half way through the ‘Busy Women’ number. Such a strong group of women, moving effortlessly and harmonically, inhabiting their larger than life roles to have a dig at the men. As the brick front cloth drew to introduce the strong male presence, they also proved that they could be a challenging force, delivering a harmonic, strong ‘Made in Dagenham’ allowing the girls to set up the machine floor for a slick reveal. The essence of the characters, Rita (Kirsty Cleland), Clare (Amanda Blacklock), Sandra (Ellen McFadzen), Beryl (Tracy Borthwick) and Cass (Ellen Halliday), were perfectly captured. Each character, obviously chosen for their vocal strength and acting prowess, embraced the story’s human challenge that made them all so wonderfully unique. Dialect appeared effortless and interpretation of the script was superb. Rita was outstanding as she grew stronger within her character to become the leader to champion the movement for women’s equal pay. She inhabited the role and delivered show-stopping numbers, ‘Everybody Out’ and ‘Stand Up’, with utter conviction. A round of applause is also due in recognition of her actual character for educating all young women through this musical theatre platform. Her relationship with loveable Eddie (Stuart Mitchell) was an inevitable roller coaster of emotions, played out sympathetically by both. Eddie’s stage presence and vocal range proved he was perfectly suited to the role, brilliantly delivering two contrasting numbers, ‘I’m Sorry, I Love You’ and the tearful, heart-wrenching ‘The Letter’. The gritty, crude and rude Beryl, shone in her excellent, earthy portrayal and the delivery of her well timed lines. A fearless woman who would never be afraid to challenge, swear and push the boundaries to express, ‘This is What We Want’. The muddled, dippy, larger than life, ’Wossname’ Clare, after a long freeze frame at her machine, giving the men their scene to talk shop, proved that she had focus, vocal strength, as well as a lovable character.  The Labour Prime Minister of the time, Harold Wilson (Robin Murray) was highly caricatured in this production, which is written to unsympathetically portray of the real man. His very able and organised Cabinet Minister, Barbara Castle (Rachel Inglis) epitomised the good, fair politician while reprising, the fabulous, ‘Busy Woman’. Her inspiring rendition of ‘Ideal World’ was superbly sung. A first class portrayal throughout. The doomed Connie recollected a very sentimental, ‘Same Old Story’. Gone before her time, she leaves a lost soul in Monty. The husband and wife, Mr Hopkins (Jodie Millar) and Lisa Hopkins (Yvonne Mitchell) were excellently cast and both proved to be very strong characters. Lisa’s supportive and inspirational encouragement for the striking women gave this excellent actress an opportunity to really shine in the role. The 2nd Act opening was impressively staged to showcase all that is Great in America. Mr Tooley (Craig Douglas) truly made his mark in a very strong delivery of ‘This Is America’. In excellent voice he introduced all the American iconic images to the stage from The Statue of Liberty, the stars and stripes, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and many more. Very impressive! Equally so, was the fabulous ‘Storm Clouds’ scene culminating in the exhilarating, dramatic, spine-chilling statement, “Don’t Let the B…….s Grind you Down!”  There were some gifted cameo roles who made their mark on the night. Barry & Gregory Hubble were expertly played by Ross Aitkin. Cortina man (Kyle Fairbairn) led a lively scene and the O’Grady youngsters (Callum Crooks and Lucymarie MacEvoy), who played on the night, were excellent. This was an emotionally charged and well dramatised piece of musical theatre by Selkirk MTC which everyone should be very proud of. Congratulations! 

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