Made in Dagenham

This was only my second outing to a show since COVID hit the world and I know we are all so thrilled that amateur theatre is now coming back to our stages. Inspired by the strikes at Dagenham’s Ford factory in 1968 this musical was the perfect choice for Swansea Amateurs to come back to the stage after a two year absence.

It of course had the polish and flare that I have come to expect from this talented company. Lighting, costumes, simple yet effective set, fine choreography and splendid overall vision came from Artistic Director, Ashley Eynon-Davies. The music and musicians were expertly directed by Matt Hampson and the props and set was perfectly manoeuvred by Karen Myles and her team.

The ensemble were on point vocally and dramatically added so much to each scene they were involved with. Jeremy and Lisa Hopkins were played beautifully by Russell Bennett and the ever talented Clare O’Leary and the rest of the principal cast were ably supported by Connor Edwards as Barry and who also gave a fabulously camp performance as the ‘Cortina Singer’, Jaimee Fraser-Ivett as Emma, Ewan Forrest as Chubby Chuff, Reid Harries as Stan, Ian Rees as Gregory Hubble, Jonathan Morgan as Ron Macer, Dirk De Neve as the MC and John Betts as Mr Buckton. The politicians were excellently cast and Kieth Ivett did great job as Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. Leah Collett was quite outstanding as MP Barbara Castle, giving us her usual incredible vocals and excellent stage presence. The factory of course would not have been complete without a great cast of ladies and mention must go to Michelle Roberts, Caroline Mimms, Karen Webb as Connie, Lizzy Hopkins as Sandra, Bethan Branagh as Clare, Haley Jones as Cass and Sally David as the wonderfully outspoken Beryl. Tim Pottinger was an excellent Monty and Dale Gravell gave a suitably comedic but also menacing performance as Mr Tooley.

Special mention must go to Sarah Clatworthy and David Bryan as Rita and Eddie O’Grady. Both performances were exceptional, demonstrating outstanding vocal ability and range as well as wonderful characterisation and both really drew the entire audience into their worlds on stage. Of course the O’Grady family did not just stop there and the two children of the family, Sharon and Graham, were brilliantly played by Livi Llewelyn and Kian Reilly on the evening that I was there, although I am sure that Amelia Bartlett and Jacob Robinson were equally as brilliant on their performance nights.

It was great to be back the theatre and thank you for such a wonderfully entertaining evening! And what a perfect tribute to our good friend Brian Sullivan, who sadly gave his final bow in 2019. He will be truly missed.

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