Made in Dagenham

The society had put together a strong cast for this show. Set in the late 60’s it tells the story of women machinists at the Ford works in Dagenham who come out on strike for equal pay.  Their actions started the journey which brought about the Equal Pay Act of 1970.

The show opens in Rita and Eddie’s kitchen and the rousing number “Busy Woman” really got things off to a good start.  At this Saturday matinee Rita was played by Charlotte Crosby who gave a strong and at times very emotional performance of a woman who puts the fight for justice and her home life on a collision cause.

A good all round performance by Darrell Williams as Eddie.  This actor is also an accomplished singer and this was apparent in his vocals, none more so than his emotional solo “The Letter”.

Rita and Eddie’s children, Sharon and Graham, were played at this performance by Lola-Rose Pearce and Noah Crosby.  I was very impressed by these two young people who both appeared very confident on stage.  I hope they continue to perform.

Rita was well supported by the Dagenham girls each of whom had really developed their own personality.

Doug Sheppard is an experienced actor taking part in his first musical and I think he gave a very commendable performance as Shop Steward Monty.  A strong performance by Alison Mitchell as Union Representative Connie.  She and Monty are close and we feel his sadness at her demise.

Good performances by Yves Randle as Factory Manager Jeremy Hopkins, who needs the strike to end and Helen Bickley as his wife Lisa, showing support for the girls.

Daniel Abbott and Charlotte Pritchard formed a great double act as Harold Wilson and Barbara Castle. The ‘Gannex’ raincoat, pipe and an amazing Huddersfield accent. Not sure about the wig though!  Barbara Castle was a straight talking Yorkshire woman and I thought this was an amazing characterisation. The Yorkshire accent seemed to me to be spot on.  Very well done to both actors.

Mr Tooley is a forceful American character reminding the British workers that “This is America”, against a backcloth of the stars and stripes.  Peter Dedman looked the part and did his best but was hampered to some extent by the onset of a throat infection which was a real shame as I know he is capable of giving more.

There were some great chorus numbers.  Scenery was, for the most part, good including the Cortina of course.  Costumes were great, ranging from workshop overalls to the dancers in the Mark II launch scene. 

There were times, especially at the beginning when the stage looked rather bare. The positioning of the table and chairs in the kitchen scene meant there was a long walk to the ‘door’ which didn’t look quite right.  On occasions the director resorts to artistic licence to make a scene work, so maybe this was the case here.   

The orchestra provided good accompaniment.  Lighting and sound were good.  The only blip of which I was aware, was when Barbara Castle’s mic failed to liven up in her first scene.

This was a very enjoyable show and it was obvious that the cast had worked hard to achieve a high standard of performance.

Very well done to all involved and thank you for inviting me.

 

 

 

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