Made in Dagenham

Five weeks before they were due to stage ‘Made in Dagenham’ M.A.M.A received the devastating news that their venue, the Brunton Theatre, was closing due to structural damage. A difficult and stressful few weeks followed but fortunately a new venue, Lorretto School Theatre, was secured although the dates had to be changed meaning some cast members were unavailable and some production changes were needed to adapt to a different stage. Despite the difficulties, the result was a superb production of ‘Made in Dagenham’ enjoyed by capacity audiences.

Set in the late 1960’s, the story is based on real life events. Women sewing machinists at the Ford car factory in Dagenham were considered unskilled and felt undervalued. Their eventual industrial action in search for equal pay led to the Equal Pay Act of 1970

When the disgruntled team of factory workers push for a pay rise and are belittled by the men they eventually decide, having tried everything else, that the only way forward is by taking strike action. The nominated spokeswoman for the women is Rita O’Grady. Rachael Allison gave an excellent performance in this role. Torn between her determination to stand up for the women’s rights and aware of the detrimental impact this is having on her marriage and family life she portrayed a warm, animated and totally believable character. Rita’s speech at the T.U.C Conference at Eastbourne was so sincere and heartfelt. Rachael has a great voice too delivering all her numbers with conviction especially the love duet ‘We Nearly Had it All’ with husband Eddie and the rousing ‘Stand Up.’

Eddies was played most sensitively by Ross Fisher. A real man’s man who believed that a woman’s place was with the family you could feel his real anguish and turmoil as he feels his wife has her priorities all wrong, but his eventual pride in recognition of what his wife has achieved. Reading ‘The Letter’ was an extremely emotional moment. Nathan Fisher and Daisy Dougan were charming O’Grady children.

A very strong ensemble of factory workers demonstrated real camaraderie and team spirit. Connie, a staunch union supporter and mentor to Rita was convincingly played by Alex Arnott. ‘Connie’s Song’ was really powerful and moving. The sexy, sassy Sandra was in the very capable hands of Nicola Hamilton. Sara Kenneway was a hilarious, foul mouthed Beryl who definitely didn’t mince her words! The rather slow, ditzy Clare was very well conveyed by Becky Duncan-Skelton who has excellent comedic timing. ’Wossname’ was brilliant. Vikki Hyndman, Cass, brought out real fun and humour.

All of the olther main characters gave strong believable performances John Haldane, union man Monty, showed his conflict between loyalty to the company and his wanting to support the women eventually acknowledging he had let them down, The middle class factory owner was portrayed in a somewhat supercilious manner by Keith Strasmere while Beth Revuelta was compassionate and supportive of the factory workers as she tried to overcome the social inequalities.

Of course politicians have to be involved and Duncan Whatmore complete with pipe and Gannex overcoat made a pretty good humorous impression of Harold Wilson without making him a caricature. Alison Henry characterised Barbara Castle with a real sincerity in her support for the workers. ‘In An Ideal World’ was sung with real strength and conviction.

Richard Tebutt certainly made an impact as the loud, domineering, sleezy, baddy Mr.Tooley flown in from America to try to resolve the strike.’This is America’ was an impressive opening to act 2.

All of the cast worked hard in their many supporting roles.

This was a brash production with strong vocals and clear harmonies by all of the cast. There was a real energy in the’ Storm Clouds’ number and ‘Everybody Out’ with the women brandishing their placards was particularly rousing and hard hitting.

I really enjoyed this energetic production which was full of fun, action, sentiment and emotion. The many scene changes were smooth and costumes and props very much in keeping with the period. Choreography was crisps and lively and the small band supported the cast well

Very well done production team, cast and all involved in making ‘Made In Dagenham’ such a success. It was a most enjoyable evening of entertainment which was well appreciated by me and the audience. Congratulations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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