Made In Dagenham

Set in 1968 during Harold Wilson’s time as Prime Minister when the Labour Party were battling with the trade unions, Made in Dagenham is based on the true story of how women machinists of Ford went out on strike to get equal pay. The story follows Rita O’Grady who finds herself the unwitting leader up against her bosses, the  men’s workforce, the government and even her own husband.

I must say I wondered how this show was going to be managed with the extra directing  problem of the Rose Theatre being in the round. Director James Foster came up with a genius resolution of a raised dais in the middle, where most of the static scenes took place and the ensemble  encompassing the round on the floor space, together with good use of the five exits and entrances. There was no problem understanding the different scenes which took place on the dais with the use of props and stage furniture, all swiftly moved in and out by cast and backstage crew. Lighting design by Heather O’Donnell was also well thought out and worked well. Sound was a bit hit and miss, although most of the cast had mics, when they were talking with their backs to their particular part of the audience, it was sometimes difficult to hear dialogue, the singing was not a problem. Costumes were good and reasonably authentic for the period. Choreography by Gail Arnott and her assistant Emily Luxford was tempered for the space but again well thought out. The ‘invisible’ band were good and balanced well with the cast, under the direction of Elizabeth Rogers.

With strong vocals, Hannah Stevens as Rita O’Grady, managed to find the balance of wife, mother and feisty activist with ease. She had to face the might of Ford’s American representative Mr.Tooley (Neil Stevens). Neil did a great job of becoming the unlikeable manipulative Yank. Rita’s husband Eddie (Luke Bridge) disapproved of her actions but he showed great depth with a very emotional rendering of ‘The Letter’. The group of girls who supported Rita, shop steward Connie (Christine Mabbott), Beryl (Julie Beveridge, Clare (Vicky Murphy) Sandra (Caitlin Hargreaves), Cass (Shannon Wheatley) and Emma (Michele Nye) created their own individual characters to perfection, together with the rest of the ladies ensemble. Monty, NUVB Convenor (Colin Stutt) played well his dilemma with being sympathetic with the women or carrying out the wishes of his employers. Taking their dispute to the very top, Rita and the girls put their case before Prime Minister Harold Wilson (Roger Fane) who gave a reasonable if somewhat comical portrayal of the head of government. Before going to the TUC, the girls met with Employment Secretary Barbara Castle, excellently played by Elizabeth O’Donnell. The group of men were equally good in their individual characterisations whether being officials or on the shop floor. We must not forget the very important roles that Emilia Jones and Nico Kavakos played as the O’Grady children - well done.

Congratulations to everybody involved in this very enjoyable production and overcoming the difficulties of ‘The Round’.

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