Made in Dagenham

Made in Dagenham is a musical based on the 2010 film of the same title. The book was written by Richard Bean and the music by David Arnold with lyrics by Richard Thomas. It had its World Premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in 2014. The story is based on real events at the Dagenham Ford factory in 1968; the action is centred round the women seamstresses making the seat upholstery. When they find out they are being re-graded as unskilled and are to have their pay reduced Rita O’Grady discusses the situation with union leaders Connie and Monty and the battle begins to get equal pay with the men …

Martyn Knight’s direction was fantastic; fast paced and exciting, the choreography was very 1960’s and the piece was very earthy and real. The musical direction from Graham Tear was superb and his eleven-piece orchestra was excellent.
The principals were all well cast. The central role of Rita O’Grady was outstandingly played by Bethany McDonnell with great sincerity and warmth. Jayne Minter-Maryan as Connie and Keith Loynes as Monty both gave excellent performances. Another outstanding performance was from Dan Hodson as Eddie O’Grady. The two youngsters who played Graham and Sharon O’Grady were delightful. There were excellent performances too from Lottie Franks as Beryl, Sophie Jounet as Clare, Ben Stanton as Tooley, Rachel James as Sandra and Isaac Gavin as Cortina Man/Aide. Two performances that I particularly enjoyed were from Brett Hanson as Harold Wilson and Sally Whitestone as Barbara Castle. Stand out moments for me were “I’m Sorry I Love You”, “This Is America”, “The Letter” and “Ideal World”. The Ensemble for this musical was incredible, probably the best I have seen in an amateur show and what a line-up of men! Well done to you all.
The set for the show was excellent as were the props. The costumes, hairstyles and make-up were all very authentic. The lighting and sound quality was very good throughout the show; just a couple of technical opening night hic-ups.
Congratulations to all at N.M.T.C for this highly entertaining production that was alternately dramatic, funny, exciting and moving throughout.

CAROLINE JERVIS (deputising for Keith Loynes)
 

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