Made in Dagenham

WEST BROMWICH OPERATIC SOCIETY

By kind invitation of our friends at WBOS this was my first visit to their society production and my first to the Grand Theatre. A magnificent venue in which to stage a show and a super one it was too. Taking our seats we could not miss the logo on screen of the Ford Motor Company, this muti-national corporate now an intrinsic part of British industrial and political history at the centre of events that were a trigger cause of the passing of the equal pay act 1970

Despite performing the specialized task of sewing upholstery for car seats, women were classified as unskilled labour and paid much less than men. Encouraged by a sympathetic union representative, the women’s grievances are notified to Ford. The meeting goes badly and, outraged by the company's lack of respect for them, Rita leads her colleagues to strike.

Rachel Davies in her portrayal of ‘Rita O’Grady’ gave an outstanding performance reflecting how life had changed from domesticity at home to the reluctant though feisty spokesperson fighting for equal pay. John Weatherall as her husband “Eddie O’Grady’ was equally strong and the chemistry between them in tenderness and battle was a powerful one.

The first of a number of swift and major scene changes then introduced us to a Factory environment and a robust men’s chorus dressed in regulation blue dungarees singing ‘Made in Dagenham’. This was quickly followed by a change to the sewing room and a very strong line-up for the girls who were at the heart of this historic event.  An appealing musical score & orchestra contains some major harmony pieces. “This is What We Want”” featuring bold brassy women none more so than ‘Beryl’(Lorraine Foggin), with great effect demonstrating throughout her performance a special vocabulary – or lack of it – Yes, in the script but language that became a bit gratuitous.  ‘Sandra’ (Claire Favell), ‘Cass’ (Tasheka Coe) and with precise timing and in comedy mood ‘Clare’ (Sally Pugh), performed with the women “Wosname” which was excellent. In depth and emotion ‘Connie’ (Eileen Woolley) gave a most convincing and emotional performance as the union representative character, losing her battle with cancer. ‘Lisa Hopkins’ (Emma Wetherall) was every bit the upper class wife of Ford’s UK boss in befriending the girls with sympathy for their plight but in dress and manner despite life poles apart.

In style and performance the men on the factory floor too many to mention individually were strong and powerful are to be commended for their contribution to the production. ‘Harold Wilson’ (Tim Jones) in character Yorkshire accent complete with pipe and Ganex coat was brilliant as were his aides in the bowler hats song and dance routine – “Always a Problem”. An inspired scene change here with Big Ben and a desk. Clever though very effective and brought in again later in the show. As ‘Mr Hopkins’ Leon Davies played the character to perfection.  

Based on the white paper In “Place of Strife” the equal pay act was promoted and driven through by ‘ Barbara Castle’ very capably played here by Sarah Moors as a no nonsense down to earth Secretary of State for employment. The scene in the House of Commons when she failed to secure agreement for a 92% towards equal pay was very well played indeed.

Ford of course is an American company and ‘Mr Tooley’ (Lyndon Flavell) along with the ensemble in “This is America” presented a great opening to the second act. Followed by “Storm Cloud” as the whole company illustrated what really was at stake here.The rich and powerful at the mercy in industrial terms of a group of very determined factory workers who gathered support from far and wide for their cause and won.

There was great humour, powerful singing with pace and energy in the well-choreographed routines and raw emotion demonstrated by Greg Yates as ‘Monty’ in his wonderful tribute to Connie. In “The Letter” too ‘Eddie’ produced a superb vocal performance.

This was a big set, big story production with all involved making their contribution towards a successful show. There were props and scenery that made everything real and believable. The launch of the Cortina1600E, a dodgem being driven round the stage and the bank of sewing machines just a few.

Well done all and thank you for your hospitality and the opportunity to enjoy a great spectacular.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

On Behalf of Dennis Price District 8

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