Made in Dagenham

First opening in the West End, "Made in Dagenham" never really made it in London.  The show is set in 1968  at Ford's Dagenham Car Factory where life is soon to change for ever for the girls in the stitching room - perhaps it is too localised for the cosmopolitan audiences of Lonodn?

Kate Parkin as Rita O'Grady who when she hears that the female factory workers have their pay grade dropped as they are deemed "unskilled workers" by their male managers, leads the girls in a battle for equal pay against American car giant Ford and their Union that is failing them. Together with her husband Eddie, played by Phil Probert they both gave convincing performances. Kate did very well to maintain her Essex accent during her songs, and Phil's interpretation of "The Letter" was a show stopper.  Jill Beckett as Beryl - her one liners provided most of the comic moments and her extremely good voice made for a good interpretation of the part. Fiona Hannon as Union Rep Connie Riley was excellent and some of the best scenes were with her and Rita in the driving seat as it were. Phil Brownhill gave an excellent character performance of  Prime Minister Harold Wilson - complete with Gannex and pipe! Marie Mason was unrecognisable as MP Barbara Castle - excellent acting, a "good well dressed wig" and with brilliant interpretations of her solos - particularly "Ideal World". The remainder of the cast - too many to mention and most of them playing individual characters, which in a show like "Made in Dagenham" are very important to give belief of the problems of 1968 in the Dagenham For Car Factory.

Well done to Mark Feakins (Director) and his foresight, particularly his design of the minimalistic scenery which helped to give excellent continuity with scene changes made by cast members as well as stage crew. To Anna Wright (Musical Director) - the band was excellent, the principals and ensemble made a very good sound. Claire Harriott (Choreographer) - the dance routines were very appropriate and well thought out.

Well Done - a very enjoyable evening.  Here's to 2017 and "My Fair Lady" - a classic if there is one!!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.