Made in Dagenham

It is always lovely to visit Elysian as I know 90% of the cast very well, so it really is a NODA show visit to see friends. This year in performing "Made in Dagenham" it let them bring a heartfelt production of the real-life story to their audiences. Set in the late 1960s, it tells the true story of the Ford sewing machinists in Dagenham who strike for equal pay, sparking a movement that challenged gender inequality in the workplace. Although we are 60 years down the line, unbelievably the story still feels as poignant now as it did then and you could tell the cast were all passionate about telling this story. The production team of Ross, Andrew and Stephanie should be congratulated for creating a show which combined lively musical numbers, a simple yet effective set, comedy and poignant moments to highlight themes of workers' rights, feminism, and solidarity. The full team and cast allowed the audience to engage with their characters making it an inspiring and entertaining piece of theatre.

Leading the cast was Kathryn Johnstone as Rita O’Grady, a working-class woman with a strong sense of justice who becomes the voice of her colleagues in their fight for equal pay. Kathryn used her strong acting and vocal skills to convey a brave, compassionate, and determined character with a warmth that let the audience connect with her and enabled her to lead the story flawlessly throughout the show. Kathryn captured highlights of Rita’s growth from a devoted mum and wife who was happy to go with the flow, through to a confident leader advocating for change brilliantly. Playing opposite Kathryn was Ryan Flay as Rita’s husband Eddie O’Grady. Ryan again with strong acting, powerful vocals and cheeky charm showed the sides of Eddie’s personality, ranging from kind and caring husband, more laid-back friend when having banter with the lads and dedicated worker. The emotional struggle as he underscored the importance of family support and partnership against what would have been seen as the norm at the time was great. Both Kathryn and Ryan worked wonderfully together with real connection and chemistry. The other central characters in the show are the factory girls, Rita’s friends and fierce supporters. Each with their own individual characterisations and stories to tell. I must say that this was a theme continued through the ensemble characters as well as the central five of Holly, Rebekah, Sophie, Chloe and Carol as Sandra, Beryl, Clare, Cass and Connie respectively.  The bond and friendship between these actors and characters along with Kathryn as Rita was evident and really made their relationships more honest. Holly Killin as Sandra Beaumont used her wit and outstanding voice to bring the confident and outspoken machinist to life. Rebekah Holly Neilson as Beryl was ******* genius (sorry for the swearing … Beryl rubbed off on me!!). Rebekha combined a warm, friendly, humorous Beryl with a cheerful disposition who fired the one-liner jokes and swearing comedy reactions like a pro. Another character who had the audience in fits of laughter was Sophie McLean as Clare. Sophie used her brilliant facial expressions and on-point comic timing to give us a ditsy, yet powerful character, and showcased resilience, warmth and … and whats-it-called ... you know … determination! The next machinist Cass, played by Chloe Lobley created a character who was bold, humorous and provided some key comic moments as the story progressed. Completing the central characters of the Ford factory was Carol McLaughlan as Connie, a kind, pragmatic and compassionate part of the team. Carol used her wit, experience of line delivery and strong acting skills to contrast the strength of Connie’s character with the vulnerable side during the end of her health battle. The hospital scene with her and Kathryn being a standout emotive scene that was well delivered. In the show the characters like Barbara Castle and Harold Wilson are typically portrayed as historical figures representing the government and political landscape of the time. Jillian McCall as Barbara Castle embodied the progressive political ideals of the era, advocating for social justice and gender equality, and possibly acting as a bridge between the workers and the government. Her strength and controlled characterisation was brilliant and contrasted well with Graham Copeland’s more comical, and flamboyant Harold Wilson. Aimee Mejury was fantastic as Lisa Hopkins, as well as several other parts in the show, as she delivered some great one-liners and handled more serious issues of standing up for yourself. More comedy and hearty performances were given in the form of Craig Prentice as Mr Tooley, performing one of my favourite songs in the show “This is America”, John Munro as Monty, whose touching scene after losing Connie was beautiful, that scarf hold was perfect. Daniel Thomson as Mr Hopkins giving a serious, and sometimes naive side to his character balancing work and homelife. Great cameo roles from Director Ross, Andrew Brien, Alan McLean, Christine in wig change 4 as the tea lady, and Leo in his ford overalls also boosted the minor characters that helped move the story along.

The full ensemble gave performances with great character work, brilliant vocals and lively choreography, representing the spirit of solidarity and resilience creating a compelling message of community and change, leaving the audience inspired and uplifted by their collective strength.

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