Made in Dagenham

Set in the late nineteen sixties, the story relates to the social inequalities of the time and in particular, the unequal treatment of women workers in regard to wages.   Well drawn characters emerge as the intriguing and true story of the strike at the Ford factories in Dagenham and Halewood develops.
Carolyn Lowry as the alto lead Rita O’Grady gave a storming portrayal of the role, encouraging the women employees to walk out after the management re-classed them as unskilled workers.   Craig Legerwood took the other leading role as Eddie O‘Grady, Rita’s husband – initially in support of her but only up to a point.   Laura Moore came across as a tough lady in the supporting role of Beryl.   Other notable characters of the era in which the show is set were Harold Wilson, Prime Minister of the day (played by Raymond Morrison) with his Minister of Transport Barbara Castle (played by Lindsey Ross) making delightful cameo appearances in those political roles.   Wilson had his entourage of Civil Servants and Aides with Scene 5 Act l devoted to his office in London with the numbers “Always a Problem” and with Barbara Castle in “Busy Woman (Barbara Castle)”.   The American Executive Management was represented brashly by Blair Cruikshank as Mr Tooley with an ensemble in the rousing number “This is America” followed by the somewhat special scene outside the Factory leading to the number “Storm Clouds”.    All came together in the final three scenes at the TUC Annual Conference at Eastbourne with the numbers “Viva Eastbourne”, “Stand Up” and of course, the title number “Made in Dagenham”.
The show is raunchy with at times language which would have been deemed indelicate outside the workplace in the period in which the show is set – but fairly commonplace nowadays.   There are a vast number of principals supported by a sizeable ensemble and a troupe of featured dancers.     The ten piece band under the firm control of the Musical Director ensured that the show remained on a high throughout.    This modern show was well worth adding to the Society’s repertoire.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.