Made in Dagenham

This show has been a revelation for Hawick audiences with a new production duo who have worked tirelessly to achieve recognition with standing ovations. This evolving company raised their game to bring the Dagenham news worthy story to the stage. The historical landmark in union rights for women’s equal pay at the Ford car plant in Dagenham sees the musical stage version offer a nuanced look at the characters who were part of the stressful fight for rights in the 1970’s.

With slick scene changes, effective lighting and 9-piece band to support all the action, the show flowed flawlessly. Attention to detail in costume, hair styling and make-up all added to the overall period effect.

The many company numbers were excellently choreographed by new choreographer and assistant producer Andrew Shields while co-production, solo and company singing and band was under the experienced baton of Derek Calder.  

Leading lady, Rita O’Grady, superbly portrayed by Katie Rudkin, was a revelation. Returning to stage after illness last year has given this young lady the confidence to claim ‘star quality’ in the role. A massive pivotal role, fully engaged in the action and drama of the story, she was superb, and was hardly ever off the stage. From leading the ladies in ‘Busy Woman’, Everybody Out’, ’Storm Clouds’ and the brilliantly reflective ‘Nearly Had it All’, to the powerful ‘Stand Up’ finale after her immense Conference speech, she proved she had the strength and determination necessary to carry the company through a riveting roller coaster of events. Superb!

Stage husband and ultimate supporter of Rita’s cause was Alexander Edwards as Eddie O’Grady. After his own success as leading man in last year’s Our House, this young man has gone from strength to strength, making this role his own. As one of the boys at the Ford car plant, his conflicted views and lack of memory when it comes to special anniversaries saw him eat humble pie in a memorable duet ‘I’m Sorry, I Love You’, with Rita. His excellent rendition of the heartbreaking and powerful  solo ‘The Letter’ was a memorable highlight. 

The front line sewing team, all friends of Rita, were larger than life. 

Cass was in the capable hands of Helen Hoggan while Ros Mundell was the effervescent Beryl who rolled with the innuendos and the casual cursing befitting her character. Sandra, was well cast in Ashley Wolf, showing her singing prowess to scat sing in ‘This is What we Want’. Clare was brilliantly portrayed by Suzanne Neilson, whose ditsy character and lack of memory for words, gave a loud and clear, hilarious rendition of ‘Wossname’.

Monty was very competently and sympathetically played by Keith Shotton. A new addition to the company but expertly acted his part with distinction. 

Connie was perfectly cast in stalwart Caroline Wilkinson. With great diction, supported by an impressive accent she shone in her passionate interpretation of her life in the Labour Party through her solo, ‘Same Old Story’.

Non-singing roles, Lisa and Jeremy Hopkins were portrayed by Laura Gray and Daniel Drummond. Bored housewife Lisa, in her support of Rita was inspirational, keeping her upper crust accent in her role but also joined the female chorus to swell the fabulous ladies chorus. Likewise, Jeremy became a choral support throughout the show.

In my understanding of The Prime Minister of the day, Harold Wilson, who was a brilliant man, the script mocks and doesn’t in my mind portray the real person. That said, the portrayal of the unlikely dialogue was diligently followed by actor and singer, Robin Murray. Poached from his last performance of the role in Selkirk’s production, his pipe smoking, believable accent and gate allowed him to create a comedic character that the audience found funny. 

Red-headed Barbara Castle was perfectly played by new member Anne Nicoll. Portraying the strong sentiments in her political role and the telling lyrics of her powerful song ‘Ideal World’, she was perfectly suited to encourage and direct the passionate grievances of the Dagenham women. 

In his commanding role as white suited Tooley, Ian Scott threw his all into the derogatory and hateful lyrics of his song ‘This is America’ which opens Act 2. An impressive scene with strong singing by all and energetic dancing by the youthful cheer-leaders. 

The pink and white themed ‘Cortina!’ was well sung and fronted by blue-suited, cheesy Cortina man, Andrew McGillvary. 

The four O’Grady kids, sharing nights were Thomas McGeorge and Hector Rodgerson as Graham and Enid Reid and Inga Campbell as Sharon. I was fortunate to see both sets on different nights and was impressed by them all. Both boys sang superbly in ‘The School Song’.

As highlights go in this show the standing ovation for Rita at the TUC conference and for her bow was inspiring and heartwarming. Girl Power! Well done everyone and to you Rita, a triumph!

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