Made in Dagenham
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
4-7th May 2016
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
4-7th May 2016
What I wasn't expecting from a show, which ultimately had a relatively short run in the West End, was that it would be so bloomin' good. Made in Dagenham the Musical had just a four month run at the Adelphi Theatre and starred Bond girl, Gemma Arterton in the lead role of Rita. Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society’s Laura Hurrell seizes the part with such conviction that I was completely drawn into the world of 1968 Dagenham and Rita’s struggles as she is suddenly chosen by her Ford work colleagues to represent them whilst at the same time attempting to keep her husband and kids happy at home. I’m sure that there can't be many working mums who couldn't instantly connect with Busy Woman, the number that launches this empowering show on its liberating way.
A true story, telling how Rita O'Grady backed by her colleagues at the Ford Dagenham plant fought for equal pay for women is rousingly brought to the stage with some great tunes and witty lyrics, accompanied by some impressive choreography in many of the catchy numbers this show has to offer.
Laura Hurrell is, without a doubt, the star of the show proving she can act as well as sing with a beautifully endearing and naturalistic performance. However, if there were an award for best comedy characterisation, it would almost definitely have to go to Jo Whitnall, who never missed a trick to rinse out every bit of crude humour she could in the hilarious role of Beryl. Louise Henderson also made a great job of Barbra Castle and can certainly belt out a tune.
Neil Lands as the MD of Fords gave us some great comedy moments and I loved Lewis Sheldrake as the pompous American with his This is America number, which probably needs to be heard more than once in order to appreciate the clever and funny lyrics which compare what the USA can offer in comparison to England.
With a nice balance of humour and emotion, this show keeps us completely engaged throughout and despite being a fairly lengthy production (3 hours including interval) there was never a dull moment.
Two particularly emotional moments came with Anthony Bristoe as Eddie, Rita’s supportive husband, with his song The Letter, beautifully sung whilst Rita sits at her kitchen table alone reading the letter, realising that he has left the marital home with the kids, after not being able to cope with her away all the time as she heartbreakingly reacts to his words. The final number Stand Up is touchingly uplifting, packing a real feel good punch to end the show.
My only disappointment came from the Ford Cortina car which despite the ‘razzle dazzle’ of its launch with Nathan Gray wonderfully singing out its praises in Cortina!, I have to confess did look a tad pathetic.
With an ensemble who have an awful lot to do in this production, I really wish I could name every single member of the cast because they all thoroughly deserve recognition for their superb efforts. Not once did I see anyone come out of character. You really believed that they were all living in that moment.
The technical skills of Drew Seal are worth every penny, giving us realistic backdrops, which mean clunky scene changes are not necessary and move the pace of the show along nicely together with the talents of the backstage crew.
Helen Sharpe's direction, together with Michelle Taylor's choreography, has blended to create a wonderfully believable cast who are clearly having a blast. Rachel Plunkett has once again worked wonders on bringing out the best sounds both from the cast and the orchestra, conducted by Stuart Woolner.
With its ‘girl power’ storyline and also knowing that it is based on something that really happened, changing the way women were paid for future generations, Made in Dagenham is a truly inspirational show and whichever gender you happen to be, you can't fail to take its empowering message away with you.
LODS just keep on raising the bar higher and higher and certainly aren't afraid of a challenge. I can't wait to see what they do with their next production, Monty Python's Spamalot, coming to the Palace Theatre this autumn.
A true story, telling how Rita O'Grady backed by her colleagues at the Ford Dagenham plant fought for equal pay for women is rousingly brought to the stage with some great tunes and witty lyrics, accompanied by some impressive choreography in many of the catchy numbers this show has to offer.
Laura Hurrell is, without a doubt, the star of the show proving she can act as well as sing with a beautifully endearing and naturalistic performance. However, if there were an award for best comedy characterisation, it would almost definitely have to go to Jo Whitnall, who never missed a trick to rinse out every bit of crude humour she could in the hilarious role of Beryl. Louise Henderson also made a great job of Barbra Castle and can certainly belt out a tune.
Neil Lands as the MD of Fords gave us some great comedy moments and I loved Lewis Sheldrake as the pompous American with his This is America number, which probably needs to be heard more than once in order to appreciate the clever and funny lyrics which compare what the USA can offer in comparison to England.
With a nice balance of humour and emotion, this show keeps us completely engaged throughout and despite being a fairly lengthy production (3 hours including interval) there was never a dull moment.
Two particularly emotional moments came with Anthony Bristoe as Eddie, Rita’s supportive husband, with his song The Letter, beautifully sung whilst Rita sits at her kitchen table alone reading the letter, realising that he has left the marital home with the kids, after not being able to cope with her away all the time as she heartbreakingly reacts to his words. The final number Stand Up is touchingly uplifting, packing a real feel good punch to end the show.
My only disappointment came from the Ford Cortina car which despite the ‘razzle dazzle’ of its launch with Nathan Gray wonderfully singing out its praises in Cortina!, I have to confess did look a tad pathetic.
With an ensemble who have an awful lot to do in this production, I really wish I could name every single member of the cast because they all thoroughly deserve recognition for their superb efforts. Not once did I see anyone come out of character. You really believed that they were all living in that moment.
The technical skills of Drew Seal are worth every penny, giving us realistic backdrops, which mean clunky scene changes are not necessary and move the pace of the show along nicely together with the talents of the backstage crew.
Helen Sharpe's direction, together with Michelle Taylor's choreography, has blended to create a wonderfully believable cast who are clearly having a blast. Rachel Plunkett has once again worked wonders on bringing out the best sounds both from the cast and the orchestra, conducted by Stuart Woolner.
With its ‘girl power’ storyline and also knowing that it is based on something that really happened, changing the way women were paid for future generations, Made in Dagenham is a truly inspirational show and whichever gender you happen to be, you can't fail to take its empowering message away with you.
LODS just keep on raising the bar higher and higher and certainly aren't afraid of a challenge. I can't wait to see what they do with their next production, Monty Python's Spamalot, coming to the Palace Theatre this autumn.
Girl Power!! Laura Hurrell as Rita (centre) - heading up the Dagenham Workers
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