Made in Dagenham The Musical

Made in Dagenham, though based on the factual events of a 1968 strike, is a fictional version of the story surrounding female machinists at Ford’s Dagenham Motor Plant who embark on a campaign for equal rights and fair play when they learn that the management is going to downgrade their status to that of unskilled workers. The show principally follows the main character of Rita O’Grady, the machinist thrust into being the somewhat reluctant leader of the campaign. Sarah Knight was excellent in this role. She superbly portrayed the stress she goes through with her family, the determination to see the campaign through and the uncertainties of it all with great incite - a truly wonderful and moving performance. Dan Collington as her husband, Eddie O’Grady, was equally superb. He shows such emotion in both his singing and acting and his rendition of ‘The Letter’ was delivered with such passion and expression it was just brilliant. Mina Machin was first-class as Barbara Castle and ‘Ideal World’ was terrific whilst Chris Collington’s satirical impression of Harold Wilson, complete with Mac and pipe, was hilarious. Josephine Pearson was splendid as Shop Steward Connie Riley and terrific support came from Gemma Ryan, who was a hoot as earnest, foul-mouthed Beryl, Laura Howard who gave it her all as bubbly, feisty Sandra and Stephanie Wright who was perfect as the rather scatterbrained Clare as was Jude Cliffman as Cass. Richard Pearson was great as Monty, the Union Rep. and his tribute to Connie was so movingly delivered. Jon Dawkins was suitably strident and overbearing as Mr. Hopkins, the M.D. of Ford UK, and his wife was well played by Michelle Bruce, who was at first quite repressed but came into her own and gave guidance and inspiration to Rita. Martin Holtom and Simon Owen were a splendid ‘double act’. They were just superb in their portrayal of sexist and rather complacent Union Shop Stewards. Both have great comic timing and easily managed to bring out every ounce of humour wherever they possibly could. The two also made ‘guest appearances’ as Civil Servants and Martin played Chubby Chuff a rather dubious Club Comedian with great flair. Luke Grainger was perfect in the role of Mr. Tooley, the loud, bullish, arrogant and bombastic Ford Executive from America. His accent never faltered and his rendition of ‘This is America’ was super. Richard Bonser coped extremely well playing the three very different roles of Mr. Macer, Cortina Man and Mr. Buckton. Rita and Eddie’s children were delightfully played by Billy Sweet and Sharon O’Grady and good support came from Ryan Taylor as Barry and from the small ensemble cast of Ben Gray, Kirsty Knight, Rhiannon Bown and Victoria Palmer. I haven’t really mentioned the singing capabilities of the individual principals because I would have been repeating myself over and over, as they all had, without exception, such wonderful strong and powerful voices for when the need arose, as well as being able to show sensitivity and emotional feeling. The singing of all the numbers, by soloists, small groups and the full company was outstanding. The choreography was innovative, exciting and exuberantly and precisely delivered and in some instances very funny, especially in one number danced by the ‘men’. The set was made up of a construction of metal girders around and above the small stage and moveable flats with good props depicted the numerous scene changes. I must commend the cast here because it was mainly down to them to move things on and off the set, which they expertly achieved, enabling the show to keep flowing. The costumes, lighting and sound were all first-rate as was the splendid eight piece band. This show was a definite challenge in so many ways, particularly with the parameters of the small stage, but the company rose to the challenge and produced a lively, thought provoking, poignant and uplifting show, superbly staged. As we all know, it is far from an ‘Ideal World’ that we live in and I definitely ‘Stand Up’ to what was a wonderful show. Congratulations to all involved.

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