Made in Dagenham

Based on the film of the same name, ‘Made in Dagenham’ has music by David Arnold, lyrics by Richard Thomas, and book by Richard Bean and is based on a true story from1968, when a group of women from the Ford Motor Company walked out protesting their paygrade. The show only ran in London’s West End from 5 October 2014 till 11 April 2015 due to poor ticket sales although, it gained quite good reviews and several awards.

The Glees Set was well designed to operate on their small stage – having been adapted from a film there were a lot of very short scenes which the back-stage team (and on stage cast) moved quickly and efficiently. Props were all suitable-

I particularly noticed lots of sewing machines on the factory floor and half of the Big Ben clock showing behind the desk of the Prime Minister’s office window. Costumes and hairstyles were authentic with short skirts and beehive hair on show. Sound and lighting although, being unfamiliar, some words from musical numbers escaped me (I have since read through the script to get all the nuances!

The Ford female factory upholstery machinists were headed by Rita O’Grady played by Orla Russell. She had strong vocals and carried the role of the unlikely Union leader in a battle against the might of Ford and corruption of the Union supposed to protect them. She showed strong leadership but also devastation in its effect on her husband and their two children. Her husband Eddie (Allen Gordon) was in turn flippantly uncaring, angrily misogynistic and emotionally broken – the whole package. He was a likeable fellow and had a pleasant singing voice too. The roles of their children Graham and Sharon were effectively shared  by Caden Curran & Oscar Kearney and Cliona O’Hare & Martha Pryce.

The other leading lady machinists each had their own character. Played by Katy Keaveney, Clare was rather dim-witted and often had difficulty finding the right word but enjoyed all the jokes! Mia Pobloth played the attractive and flirty Sandra – a larger than life character and good comedienne and Orla McCrickland played the potty-mouthed Beryl who somehow did not offend but made her character funny! Cass (Melissa Poland) was the most sensible of the group, frustrated in her job and ambitious to be an airline pilot, which was well conveyed. Fiona Keegan was Shop Steward Connie Riley. She was tired and disillusioned about the attitude of the men but wanted to help the ladies’ cause. Fiona sang well and created audience sympathy in her poignant death scene.

Dean Richman took the role of Monty the Union Shop Steward who was quiet and rather ineffectual but holding a torch for Connie. Showing his feelings when she passed away, Dean was a gentle and good-hearted fellow. Imported talent came from Lowry Hodgett as Ford Dagenham Managing Director Mr. Hopkins. Normally ‘a drama man’, he made a good job of the ex-public-school type man who expects his stay-at-home wife to support him in every way. His bored wife Lisa (Fiona Keane) was convincing in her desire to create a petition to stop caning in her son’s school and befriend the working-class Rita. The two showed good on-stage rapport as they shared a passion for women’s rights with friendship and compassion. Brian McElroy burst onto the scene as the larger-than-life Mr Tooley – the Ford Executive from the USA. Powerful and arrogant he tried to push the American way to solve the strike and failed to understand British sensitivities. Brian was utterly confident and his song “This is America” was excellent! Other named parts – Sid, Bill, Stan, Hubble, Mr Buckton, Emma, Jo – all took their smaller roles with conviction and the 16 strong Ensemble were also fully engaged in the action and sang well.

True life well known public figures of the time, Transport Minister Barbara Castle (Emma Nugent) and Prime Minister 

Harold Wilson (Tim Reynolds) gave us many a giggle as they portrayed the strong and earnest character of Barbara and the silly and panicking side of the PM! Both were excellent in their portrayal - one strong, feisty and with Yorkshire accent and the other complete with pipe, Gannex coat and Huddersfield accent! Although I do remember them they did not amuse me back then!

Choreographer Clare Donnelly managed amazing dance routines with the large cast in the limited space on stage. She was lucky to have the group of young male dancers to complement the ladies. MD Mark Tulley and his 10 piece orchestra, playing from a room back-stage, mastered this unfamiliar score with expertise and were always sympathetic to the stage. Laura Kerr, who is making a name for herself as a director, moved the action at a good pace and highlighted the comedy and pathos throughout. 

Altogether a very enjoyable evening with the Glees and I thank everyone involved for the invitation, the hospitality and the entertainment. It’s always a pleasure to attend.

 

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