Made in Dagenham the Musical

I have a secret to share with you - I personally remember the Dagenham machinists strike in 1968 - and I remember the feeling of elation at the news that they had won the right to equal pay - followed two years later by the passing of the Equal Pay Act - which just goes to show that ordinary people (women in this case) can make a difference to their lives if they believe in the fight!

The musical, taken from the film, brings to audiences the slightly fictional story of an ordinary housewife, mother and machinist, employed by Ford Motor Company at Dagenham in Essex, along with her workmates, who stood up to the Goliath management, asking to be classed as skilled workers - the same as the men. When they went on strike, the whole plant came to a standstill - after all, these skilled women were responsible for all the interior leather work in the vehicles which made the new Ford Cortina so exclusive - on a personal note, my fiance (then husband) had one of the models - a gorgeous car! 

Michael Kirkby, as usual, produced a fabulous show as Director and Choreographer - the problem with adapting a film onto a stage often results in many scene changes - but the production flowed with ease and made the story very clear.

The Musical Director, Ian Abbott, made sure the actors were all on top voice and he had assembled a lively band which didn't drown out the stage performances.

A top notch set of principal players made sure the audience were engaged all the time - Hayley Metcalfe, as the chief protagonist, Rita O'Grady, played her part to perfection both in acting and singing - what I would term, a natural performer!  Her real-life husband, Paul Metcalfe, played Eddie O'Grady, her stage husband - I wonder if rehearsals were easier or harder?  His character was the typical husband of that era - supportive until his dinner was late on the table and he was unable to work the washing-machine!  I hope things have improved?  Paul always gives a measured and totally believable performance - they were both totally believable!!

Rita's fellow workers were equally strong in performance - Jemma Hayes as a potty-mouthed Beryl - great characterisation - Jennifer Riordan as Sandra, very strong vocals here, Chloe Bryrne as the dippy Clare and Joanne Cooke as Cass, whose dialogue came over really well.  

Lindsey Farrrow played the feisty Barbara Castle, the female MP who supported the Dagenham girls - Lindsey had obviously taken great pains to get into the character - Tom Daley as the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, who delivered some good comedic dialogue - Kazia Gamble as Connie Riley, the union steward advising the strikers, always good to see Kazia on stage - Richard Armstrong as Mr Tooley - American Chief Executive for Ford - who comes over to Dagenham to sort out the strikers - but doesn't succeed!  His number with American cheerleaders was very well done - in fact, he was the man you love to hate!  The irrepressible Steven Holt played Monty, the main union convenor, with his usual thoughtful style - his scene with Rita over Connie's deathe was so sad. Ian Hartley played Mr Hopkins, the Managing Director of the Ford plant very well - his correct use of the English language contrasted brilliantly with the Essex boys and girls!  Sadie Roberts played his intelligent but put-down wife, Lisa, convincingly - it wasn't just the working-class girl who suffered from lack of promotion. Danny Brooks played three parts - the typical male chauvinist mechanic, Bill, Barry and Cortina man - this was the highlight of the show, when Dagenham put on one of those cheesy advert type performances for the new Cortina - Danny was superb as Cortina Man - with a spangled outfit and Rod Stewart - type wig - it had the audience in stitches - did we really get taken in by these promotions?  Mark Nightingale played Sid, a Ford worker with aplomb. Lee Sharratt, Michael Madden, Martin Isbister all played cameo roles with ease and dedication. Please forgive me listing the other minor characters, ensemble and dancers - they were all brilliant; Kaly Nicholson, Lindsay Leng, Carrie Dring, Emma Gray, Jason Reynolds, Daisy Baum, Gemma Buckley, Gemma Coward, Grace Allen, Lauren Sunter, Tracy Stocks, Beth Maybury, Sophie Walker, Edwin Kirkwood, Louise Blackburn, Julie Davis and Melanie Brown.

Rita and Eddie's children were played sweetly by Teddy Cooper (Graham) and Faith Johnson (Sharon).

The entire company had both energy and enthusiasm - which are essential for this type of musical - they looked to be enjoying themselves and that spilled over to the audience!  And may I add, as a native Londoner, very good London accents! 

The backstage crew, without whom there wouldn't be a show was headed by David Ingham: all working indefatigably - smooth scene changes, correct costumes, wigs and makeup - in fact, a superb team effort. 

I understand the Town hall is to be closed for a complete refurbishment - this is good news and I do really hope that when the Town Hall re-opens, Morley AOS will once again rise up and produce first class entertainment for their patrons - the show must go on!!!

My heartfelt congratulations to the entire society for bringing such a marvellous musical to Morley - good luck in the future!

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