Made in Dagenham

This Production of 'Made in Dagenham' by Newton Abbot & District Comedy Society had all the right ingredients. The audience emotions were all over the place with anger, laughter happiness and tears. The way this company put this musical across was spell binding! The choreography was of a very high standard and Sara Roche is to be congratulated. The orchestra under the baton of John Amery did well, not an easy score, but as usual, John made it flow.

Iain Douglas must have had a lot of fun directing this show, as all the actors did so very well. Their obvious enthusiasm must have made Iain’s job a lot easier. I particularly liked the groupings and the way the whole show was staged. The simple set was also very effective and changes of props, seamless.

Harold Wilson…Gary Castleton, and Barbara Castle… Hazel Laugee were just naturals, not over the top but with subtle tones in both voices that were reminders of the real people they represented. Took my mind back!

Jennifer Barton as Rita O’Grady really put it across well that women should stand up and be counted. A superb portrayal. Jeremy Parker as her husband Eddie made a great pairing. They sang so well together in both "I’m Sorry I love You" and "We Nearly Had It All".

Vernon Davis as Ford US Representative Mr Tooley shone in singing "This America" it was powerful stuff and Vernon put it across so well; very convincing as the brash American owner.

Julia Ward...as Connie Riley was the archetypal 'strong working woman' that was typical of those years and was based on the real-life heroines who fought for their rights in the 60’s. She played the part with subtlety and pathos, as did Monty NUVB convenor played by Andrew Malcolm a 'one out all out' character with hidden emotions. Just wonderful.

Beryl played by Nicky Whitby made a splendid job of flirting and swearing and had some great lines. Played with gusto and conviction.

The difficult relationship between management and workers was represented by the difficult and subtle nuances in the meetings between Lisa (Andrea Hopkins) and Rita. The male characters seemed to enjoy thoroughly displaying the chauvinistic behaviour so common at that time but rightly frowned upon today.

Sorry not to name everyone, but to those that I have not mentioned by name, you all did a truly wonderful job…………..To me, this could be an award winning show that had a special brilliance.

Many Congratulations. I could see it all over again.

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