Made in Dagenham

                                                     Made in Dagenham         CODS  April 10th 2017

QE Academy Lower School (Barnfield)                            Director and Choreographer Emily Killeen

Musical Director Allan Fouracre

Crediton (CODS) certainly made “Made in Dagenham” their own and it should have been re-named “Made in Crediton”!

With CODS, you know as soon as you walk in the doors that the atmosphere will be created with different props etc. that straight away gets you in the mood, little did I expect, that the kitchen being used outside in the foyer would be wheeled in to use on set! It’s these touches that are so cleverly used in a school hall that has been totally transformed top to bottom from flooring to lamps; so well done. I want to congratulate those concerned with props, set and lighting, so professional.

The Band sounded really good and were strategically placed, although at times a little loud, but I’m sure that would have been overcome in subsequent performances. Many congratulations to the MD.

As for the acting and singing, what talent CODS has in its members. This was a performance to remember for all the right reasons! Perdie Wright as Rita O’Grady had it all, acting and singing with skill and if “Stand up” didn’t move anyone, then they must have been somewhere else. It was done so well with the chorus timing their standing with the song. Just brilliant!  Complementing Perdie was Andy Kirby as Eddie O’ Grady who played the role with great sensitivity, you really did feel sorry for him being left at home looking after the kids!

Hazel Price as Connie Riley gave a wonderful performance that did not go over the top, she pitched it just right.  Clare (Buffy Fouracre) as the dumb blonde gave a performance that was so real!   Masterly!

  Harold Wilson was not an easy role to play (especially when a lot of the audience would have memories of the actual person) but Paul Walker got into it convincingly, with no trouble and had some great lines.

Barbara Castle, well what can I say, Bridget Merrett not only looked like her but sounded like her. simply perfect.

Mike Canning as Tooley did an excellent job. His entrance was performed as if it were a show stopper, with his cowboy hat and smoke with the lights down low. Showing his silhouette was a great touch and you soon realised that you do not mess with Tooley. A superb performance.

Heather Barlow as Beryl gave everything she had got to this demanding role and came over well, not wasting a line, all were so well delivered!

The choreography complimented the show along with great groupings that used all the floor, along with using props along the way especially the desk top, Just super touches that helped make this show what it was. A great success!

There is much more I could say with so many to mention in this strong cast. May I congratulate all those in the show .Crediton is very fortunate to have such talent in its midst, it was a faultless performance that it could have been performed professionally.

Emily Killeen, you should be jolly proud of this show and of your achievement. Congratulations!   I could have seen it all over again!

Graham Liverton Noda Rep District 5   

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