Made In Dagenham

                   

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Kerry King and Jude Hussey and met with Director Alison Baker and Assistant Director Ben Maytham after the performance. I had wondered how the society would stage this large musical given the restrictions of the stage and exits and the inclusion of a small band on stage. However set designers David Thompson and Alison Baker had great imagination and designed a basic set with steps leading to a bridge at the back of the stage. Different scenes were depicted by the use of screens and the imaginative use of wonderful props many of which had been produced from cardboard eg a bank of sewing machines, car panels etc. I loved the opening scene showing Eddie ‘in bed’! Everything had been constructed by the society and was a very innovative use of the small stage.  Scenes were changed very efficiently. The four piece band including Musical Director Phil Toms were placed to one side and were expertly directed creating great melody and providing excellent support to the cast. There were so many costumes with many rapid changes all very colourful and relevant to the period. Good use was made of video projection and there were good sound effects eg Big Ben chiming, sewing machines whirring. Lighting was varied and relevant.

Throughout this challenging musical, based on real life events, every cast member acted, sang and danced to a very high standard. There were good dance routines cleverly choreographed by Holly Pleasance and I especially enjoyed the title song, Stand Up, Everybody Out and Viva Eastbourne.

The actors were all well cast with excellent projection and standout performances from many of the principals. The Essex accents were maintained throughout. I must firstly mention Cally Kline who, as Rita O’Grady had enormous stage presence, great vocals and huge energy and enthusiasm.  Kev Woods as her husband Eddie was the perfect foil to Cally. Their children, Graham, (Rhys Bryson) and Sharon (played alternatively by Annabel Woods and Tyler Ohana Mulquin) had lovely roles, well acted. The Dagenham women all interpreted their characters extremely well with Beryl (Lily Chase) ,Clare (Emily May Woods), Sandra (Beth Aherne) and Cass (Lisa Wakely) tremendous in their roles. Sarah Suckling, as Connie Riley had an emotive role as the shop steward which she carried well and was well teamed with Monty (Jonathan Abbott ), the Trade Union convenor as together they battled with the Ford managers. Les Chisnall, as the factory manager Mr Hopkins captured the suave and assured manner whilst Clare Juliette, as his wife Lisa, was delightful as the bored wife finally establishing a role in life as she actively supported Rita and the Dagenham women in many ways.

Of course there were also first class performances from the males in the cast including as the Dagenham men in the Union Song and Cortina. Graham Bowden was a great Harold Wilson complete with pipe and the Gannex raincoat. There was a good deal of humour in the role and Graham maintained a strong Yorkshire accent throughout. Jo Parrick, as Barbara Castle really captured the accent and mannerisms of the politician precisely and was well matched with Graham. Another key character, Tooley, played by Dan Serheunik with a brilliant American accent was a typical arrogant American.

This was an amazing and enjoyable production from a very talented society. This was the first musical which the two Directors, Alison Baker and Ben Maytham had directed and I have to praise them both for their ingenuity and imagination in bringing this musical to stage.

Well done to everyone involved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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