Made in Dagenham

This production is based on the 2010 film about the female machinists who make the seat covers for Cortinas and Zephyrs at Ford's Dagenham plant and the strike for equal pay, which led to the Equal pay act of 1970.

With a cast of over 60 on stage I was most impressed with how slick the performance was.  No prompts, and even the stage crew were dressed in overalls with the Ford logo on.  A really nice touch. 
This outstanding show was led by Charlotte Middleton as mum Rita O'Grady who becomes the leader of the striking women after the sad death of union convenor Connie played by Paula Lumsden.  Charlotte has a fine voice and was well matched with Patrick Jervis as husband Eddie.  Another fine performance.  Amid the strikers I loved the character of Beryl played by Clare Pugh.  Every place of work has a Beryl, loud and brassy.   I also loved, and so did the audience, James Pugh as Harold Wilson and Vickie Beck as Barbara Castle. Two lovely performances came from Lewis and Kirsten McLaren as the two O'Grady children.  Special mention to Pete Beck as Mr. Tooley, the American.  Full on and Funny.
Paul Limsden did a fine job in this his first directors job and Musical director Sheila Pearson led a quality orchestra.  Maggie Jackson did a good job with the choreography which the company pulled off with style.

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