MADE IN DAGENHAM

What a good evening’s entertainment, a new production team, and many new faces among with the more familiar ones!

HMTC has really stepped up to the plate with productions on a scale to do justice to their new home, which whilst it might present them with some different challenges, is a good venue for the audience, and the Society appears to be well up to anything they’re confronted with.

The set worked well, and I appreciated the band being accommodated on stage, as it kept the eyeline of the audience clear.  The sound balance between band and singers was good throughout, which I understand is an achievement in itself. 

Costumes were very suitable, and worked well.  As usual the ladies had all made an effort with their hair and costumes. The overall look and feel from the whole cast was good.

The musical numbers were very diverse, but all told a story, some were rather ribald, others heartrending, but all good, delivered well, and once again HMTC’s ensemble work was of a very high standard, some beautiful sounds and harmonies – very well done. 

Choreography was suitable and slanted towards the diverse abilities of the cast, I thought the Cheerleaders number was particularly good.

Lighting was mostly good, creating the right ambience for the different situations.

Tara May (Rita O’Grady) gave an excellent portrayal, showing us the caring family side of her nature, combined with the need to get the ladies equal pay – Tara sang beautifully, with meaning in every number, I loved what she did with the part.

Tom Hartill (Eddie O’Grady) also created the typical working man of the time, singing with expression.  I enjoyed the interaction between him and Rita, with their children played with enthusiasm and care by Matthew Fox and Leia Clarke, creating a real family.  The musical numbers between Rita and Eddie were sometimes poignant, sometimes harsh in content, but all well-performed.

I was very impressed by Mary Watkinson (Barbara Castle), Mary got the essence of Barbara completely, whilst displaying a fine voice and expressive delivery, a very good contrast to the other cast members.

Colette Eagles (Connie Riley) created a sympathetic character, trying to help the workers she represented.  Good attention to detail and a role that used Colette’s dramatic qualities and voice well.

Barny Shergold (Monty Adams) maintained the necessary links between management and workers, whilst singing well.  His scene with Rita in the hospital was very heartfelt and brought a tear to the eye.

Sharon Galatis, Laurena Docker, Georgia Dove and Amy Pearson (Beryl, Sandra, Clare and Cass respectively), all created very diverse characters, who interacted well with each other and Rita, and added much to the action.

Ian Fox and Sarah Hudson (Mr Hopkins and Lisa Hopkins) created a good family feel, I enjoyed their approach to their parts, particularly the empathy between Lisa and Rita.

Alexander Grose (Mr Tooley) was the typically brash American, who we loved to hate for his attitude and manner, a good portrayal.

Mark Wainwright (Harold Wilson) wore the trademark mac with pride, some telling exchanges between him and Barbara. 

Sean Johnson (Cortina Man) was, I understand, a late replacement to the cast, I thought he did well.

A number of cast members took on additional roles as well as their ensemble responsibilities, I particularly liked Thomas Budd’s Barry and  Nick Partington’s Gregory Hubble!

I thoroughly enjoyed the production, there were some stand out performances, but overall an excellent work, with each different area of the production melding together well - thank you all.

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