Made in Dagenham

 

Having been previously impressed with the last production I visited by Clevedon  Light Opera Club I was very much looking forward to seeing Made in Dagenham.  Having only seen this once before quite a few years ago I had a vague recollection  of it being quite a clunky production as there are many scene changes, and in  order to keep this musical fast paced this really needs to be given a lot of  consideration when it comes to designing your set. It is a long show after all and  you can’t really afford to add any extra time to its length.  

This was the jewel in the crown for me. You did exactly that. You utilised every bit  of space on that stage at Princes Hall. I thought it was an excellent design. You  perfectly designed right out to the proscenium stage right and left. This gave a  wonderful wide acting space and ideal for big cast choreography that you needed.  On top of this you then thought through the scenes that were needed and gave us  many levels which could be immediately lit to swiftly move us on into the next  upcoming scene. Well done on all who had input into this. 

Even from the overture my feet were tapping and even though this is not a well  known score, the songs actually sound very popular and I could sense all around  me the whole audience were up for a good time, and this they got. Just to highlight  the number “Made In Dagenham” had so much punch I wondered if anyone had  anything left to give, but you all certainly did, the punch and energy maintained  throughout the show. I left feeling quite exhausted.  

I immediately knew from the overture we had a very well qualified orchestra in our  midst. I usually qualify this by saying for most of the show I don’t notice them.  Therefore they gave us great sound throughout and I must say it was a superb  balance also. The orchestra supported the singers perfectly and knew exactly  when to “let rip” during the larger chorus numbers.  Sound throughout, I must say was excellent. I felt the balance and clarity was hit  just right, this is rarely achieved in a village hall setting and quite often not always  in professional theatres. I didn’t miss anything, not even a line of dialogue. Hats off to Dave and team.  

This production was first class. The casting was very much on point and the pace  the director achieved was just right. It is a long show and I was very surprised at  the time we left as really felt it should be earlier. We swiftly went from scene to  scene with good strong lighting cues ( I particularly appreciated the lighting behind the windows in the factory) and we always knew exactly where we were meant to  be whether in the O’Gradys Kitchen in the factory or factory offices or outside in  the park nicely depicted by the static bench. I must commend the swift  “choreographed” scene changes. So many directors could learn from this. It felt  like these had been thought through right from the beginning of your rehearsals, if  it wasn’t, you pulled it off with aplomb. This all adds to the success of a show.  

What a company. Great casting (as I already said) I like to take time to look at  faces during company numbers and I must say everyone was completely  committed and were so totally believable. The focus was extremely strong even  from the back row. Everyone can be seen from some direction and I felt this had  been drilled. The chorus singing was so well executed. You hit us with a wall of  sound that could easily come from any professional company. Well done gang.  I must commend the men in your show. Although low in numbers you all made a  great sound. Very strong acting and all so individual in your characterisations.  Despite few men this didn’t detract in this show at all as let’s face it, it’s the women  who are front and central. And what a line up you had. I loved all the  characterisations, you bought us tears laughter and empathy a plenty.  I must say wigs and makeup deserve a special mention also. There was a lot of  attention to detail there. I really appreciated that.  

Choreography although felt quite simple I actually thought it was exactly what was  needed for this show. The storyline seemed to flow through all the numbers.  Considering there was quite a team of you working on this area you’d think it could  all look a bit of a “mish-mash” but to be honest it all felt very well put together. Well  done team.  

Rita O’Grady  I understand this was a part you really wanted to do. Well deserved casting I must  say. You took us on this journey brilliantly. Not only were you the leading lady but  you are a superb team player too. We felt your pain during “Busy Woman”  spreading yourself in every which way. You maintained your focus through all the  company numbers you were involved with and really came into your own during  “We Nearly Had It All” which was beautifully harmonised by the women. This was a  well thought through characterisation. Well sung and acted. Well done.  

Eddie O’Grady  Another actor I’ve enjoyed seeing previously. Another good strong part for you. I  felt you handled this character very sensitively. Like Rita you were being pulled in  so many different directions and I must say I believed everything you portrayed. A  super singing voice that added tone and clarity whether in a company numbers or  a duet with Rita. I particularly enjoyed “The Letter” this was so full of expression  and so heartfelt with a superb vocal. Congratulations on a very well thought  through performance. 

Connie  What a wonderful character to portray. We all loved Connie. I must say you are a  very natural actress. I watched you glide through the show with ease and you did  her such justice in your last scene in the hospital. “Same Old Story” was an  excellent vocal and sang with passion. Well done.  

Beryl  This character was hilarious. You played her dead straight which made her work a  treat. The choice language came so naturally rather than pointed. I felt you knew  exactly how to play her and you did it brilliantly, even the wig was spot on. Thank  you for the laugh out loud moments you produced. We all loved you.  

Barbara Castle  I felt this was a well studied characterisation. You actually became Barbara. You  embodied her completely. “Busy Women” and “ Ideal World” were delivered  perfectly. Good strong voice and you had that stage presence which didn’t allow  us to take our eyes off you for a moment. Good comedy timing and great diction.  A wonderful portrayal.  

Harold Wilson  What an energy. Another fine characterisation recognisably charactured from the  Harold Wilson we all grew up with. Great sense of comedy timing and I so enjoyed  “Always A Problem” ably backed by your aides. You and Barbara worked so well  together this was a duo made in heaven.  

Mr Tooley  What an opening to act 2. Well done on being the front man for this. You led it  brilliantly. Such a highlight. The character was well judged. You could have so  easily have just taken him over the top but you knew just where the line was and  didn’t step over it. Great singing too.  

Lisa Hopkins  Your character certainly shone through. The brainy one of the family always forced  to hide behind that useless husband. You played her just right. I loved the moment  you gave Rita the dress before her speech. Your eyes told us everything. We could  feel your pain and also the passion. Well done.  

Hopkins  This was a character stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. MD of Ford  finding himself trying to please his USA bosses and the union. When this was  failing, your control came into your home life trying to keep your wife as the little  woman at home. But both failed. Good strong actor who I’ve admired for a long  time. The accent was perfect. A team player throughout and very believable as the  educated husband of Lisa. Good to see you on stage again. 

Cortina man  You gave your all to this number. We loved it. I must commend your energy and  verve throughout. Your focus throughout the evening was faultless. Strong singing  voice. Great stage presence also.  

Monty/Mr Buckton  Another good generous team player. We really felt your pain over your love of  Connie. Mr Buckton was suitably strict. Two strong characters to portray which  you did wonderfully.  

Clare/ Sandra  Both these characters were played to perfection. Clare’s comedy timing was spot  on always trying to think of the right words and relying on the cue from the next  character. Really quite tricky but she was just lovely. Sandra very feisty. Having to  take the job when all your workers were on strike. She was very believable and  both characters strong team players in all the company numbers. Good job girls.  

All other parts, including the children played their parts so well. I felt so much  character work had gone on beforehand and that you all had a back story and a  definitive line that your charter was travelling on. Really good work.  

Director  Well you’ve probably guessed I’m a fan. You kept this show moving at such a good  pace it didn’t weaken for a second great casting was half your battle and you hit  the nail on the head with each individual. How lucky Clevedon are to have a wealth  of talent and you at the helm for Made In Dagenham. I hope to see more of your  work in the not too distant future. Congratulations.  

One final thing I’d like to mention was the fantastic program. It was inspired. I  particularly liked the newspaper style layout. You may not be aware but posters  and programs do have their own award category. There are some ‘rules’ to this  and unfortunately as this program did not contain the NODA logo I can’t enter this,  which is a real shame. If you need me to send the logo for future programs let me  know. 

Clevedon Light Opera Club thank you once again for you hospitality and I really  hope to see you all next time.  

Best wishes 

Mike. X

 

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