Made in Dagenham the Musical
Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
4th-7th May 2016
Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
4th-7th May 2016
Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham the Musical is the uplifting musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right.
The musical is set in Dagenham, Essex in 1968. Like millions of other working women, each morning Rita O’Grady is just trying to get her husband out of bed, get the kids off to school and get to work at the factory on time. But life is about to change forever when it’s announced that the girls in the stitching room of Ford’s Dagenham car plant will have their pay grade dropped to ‘unskilled’. Quickly drawing on a strength she never knew she had, Rita leads her friends in a battle against the might of Ford and the corruption of the Union supposed to protect them. As the girls’ inspiring journey gets bigger than anyone could have imagined, the pressure is too much for some, but can Rita keep up the fight and the happy home she’s worked so hard for?
The musical made its West End and world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in 2014 and now Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society are bringing it to the Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea for its amateur premier.
The show is being directed by Helen Sharpe, who we last saw on stage as the fabulous Oda Mae Brown in Ghost. I ask Helen what the appeal of directing this show was. She explains, “I was asked to direct a show for LODS but didn't know what it would be. We were offered Made in Dagenham, which was a lovely surprise, but as it has only just been released for amateur groups the script was unfinished in terms of stage directions, etc, so we have had to be more creative. I felt this show could be stripped back to bare stage, using actors and props to set scenes. It is very much crew and cast working together.”
Audiences may well be familiar with the 2010 film of Made in Dagenham starring Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins and I wonder how close to the film, this production is. Helen, whose family originate from the East End of London, tells me, “I loved the film and I revelled in the costumes and settings. There is familiarity of the surroundings from when I used to visit my nanna and my dad’s large family - so it is rather nostalgic.” She adds, “The musical has some differences and is much funnier. The music is great, with some stunning ballads.”
The musical is set in Dagenham, Essex in 1968. Like millions of other working women, each morning Rita O’Grady is just trying to get her husband out of bed, get the kids off to school and get to work at the factory on time. But life is about to change forever when it’s announced that the girls in the stitching room of Ford’s Dagenham car plant will have their pay grade dropped to ‘unskilled’. Quickly drawing on a strength she never knew she had, Rita leads her friends in a battle against the might of Ford and the corruption of the Union supposed to protect them. As the girls’ inspiring journey gets bigger than anyone could have imagined, the pressure is too much for some, but can Rita keep up the fight and the happy home she’s worked so hard for?
The musical made its West End and world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in 2014 and now Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society are bringing it to the Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea for its amateur premier.
The show is being directed by Helen Sharpe, who we last saw on stage as the fabulous Oda Mae Brown in Ghost. I ask Helen what the appeal of directing this show was. She explains, “I was asked to direct a show for LODS but didn't know what it would be. We were offered Made in Dagenham, which was a lovely surprise, but as it has only just been released for amateur groups the script was unfinished in terms of stage directions, etc, so we have had to be more creative. I felt this show could be stripped back to bare stage, using actors and props to set scenes. It is very much crew and cast working together.”
Audiences may well be familiar with the 2010 film of Made in Dagenham starring Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins and I wonder how close to the film, this production is. Helen, whose family originate from the East End of London, tells me, “I loved the film and I revelled in the costumes and settings. There is familiarity of the surroundings from when I used to visit my nanna and my dad’s large family - so it is rather nostalgic.” She adds, “The musical has some differences and is much funnier. The music is great, with some stunning ballads.”
Helen continues, “The performances in the film were great but we have a fantastic cast who have the capability to take the audience from euphoria to intimacy and sadness. It will be a roller-coaster of emotions and that makes good theatre. There are lots great one-liners that make me laugh every time! With all the technology these days, a good night out at the theatre is a reminder that we are human!”
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Michelle Taylor as choreographer, has been a huge part of the fact that rehearsals have gone well from the start and Helen says that she is also lucky to have Rachael Plunkett (MD) Glenn Oxenbury (sound), Robert Watson (lighting) and LODS very own Drew Seal, who is producing some great LED graphics for the show.
As if directing wasn’t a stressful enough affair, Helen also has the added pressure of having her son in the cast. “Directing my own son, Freddie, is a bit different for me,” she smiles, “Having set the kids, I have now handed them to Michelle to work with and encourage. Freddie will definitely take more notice of Michelle and Rachael than me!!! We have a great bunch of kids - Annie Hickling, Freddie Sharpe, Louisa Gallucci and Luca Mollica.” |
Helen & Michelle (bottom left) drilling the cast
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Helen has clearly enjoyed every minute of directing this show and I ask her what audiences can expect from the LODS production. “Made in Dagenham is a high-energy show, lots of laughs, great choreography, great vocals (check out our video below) and some stunning individual performances as well as a great ensemble performance. As a creative team we are VERY excited.”
With an Essex premier of an Essex show, what better place to see it than at one of Essex’s finest theatres. Get ready to park up and grab your tickets for an exciting ride to see Made in Dagenham - opening next week at The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
Tickets available on www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
With an Essex premier of an Essex show, what better place to see it than at one of Essex’s finest theatres. Get ready to park up and grab your tickets for an exciting ride to see Made in Dagenham - opening next week at The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
Tickets available on www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
Girl Power!! Laura Hurrell as Rita (centre) - heading up the Dagenham Workers
Meet some members of the cast
Laura Hurrell has been cast in the pivotal role of Rita O’Grady, a working woman and mother who becomes a union leader amidst the strike, despite the wishes of her husband and children, who feel neglected by her focus on labour issues. Laura explains, “It’s a really passionate part, full of girl power.” Talking about playing Rita she adds, “There is a nice contrast of comedy and seriousness in the part, though. There are lots of light-hearted moments, which makes it a great role to play. I also like the fact that there is a nice balance of songs in the show with the chorus.”
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Playing her husband, Eddie, is Anthony Bristoe. Anthony was originally a member of LODS 19 years ago and mostly performed in the ensemble for shows, including West Side Story and Cabaret. Having performed professionally on cruise ships and cabarets as well as singing in shows across Europe, he now works in hospitality in London. “I joined a West End Gospel Choir as a hobby to keep my hand in with my singing.” he says. Commuting from his home in London to get to rehearsals he says, “It’s lovely to be back with LODS and playing Eddie, who’s a loveable rogue really. He really loves his wife and family but struggles to adapt to having to be a stay-at-home dad.”
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One of the real-life characters in the show is that of Labour politician, Barbara Castle, and I ask Louise Henderson, who is playing her, if she had to do much research to play this iconic woman. “What I’ve taken from Barbara Castle is her presence and how she handles herself. I love playing her; it’s a very comedic role. I absolutely love the show and the music. It’s got a really strong storyline, with the women standing up for their rights.”
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Zoe Berry, who has been a member of LODS since 2011 is taking on a purely dramatic role this time around after playing key roles in Ghost the Musical, A Christmas Carol and Footloose. She is playing the role of Lisa Hopkins, the wife of the Ford General Manager. Zoe informs me, “Lisa is the person who befriends Rita and spurs her on, helping her realise that she has the power to change history. She’s really into woman’s lib, despite being undervalued at home.”
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In just her second show with LODS, Jo Whitnell is playing the feisty Beryl, one of the core characters of the show. She is slightly trepidatious about playing the role telling me, “I am really looking forward to playing Beryl although I am also a little nervous.” She continues, “I feel very privileged to be given the role particularly as it is only my second show with LODS. I love the comedy aspect of Beryl, she has some fantastic lines and such a potty mouth! I really hope the audience connect with her. It has been such a fun show to be involved with and such an incredibly friendly company. The bond between us girls, particularly Connie, Sandra, Clare, Beryl, Cass & Rita, is fantastic. We genuinely get on so well and find this has helped massively with our connection on stage. I could not have wished for a better show to take on my first lead role for LODS.”
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Rachael Plunkett, a firm favourite with LODS is, once again, Musical Director for the show. She smiles when she tells me, “You know what, rehearsals for this show have been really good fun.” I've been told that those members of the audience with a good ear for music, may hear some familiar music arrangements within the score. Rachael says, “There are a lot of references in the music to some 60s and 70s hits with certain chord patterns, which the audience may recognise, such as The Beatles, in certain places.” Praising the cast she tells me, “Everyone has worked really hard especially the girls who have a lot to do in this show with the bulk of the dialogue and singing. It will be a good contrast though when we do the next show, Spamalot, which is quite male dominant.”
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The cast taking a quick break from a Sunday rehearsal in the sunshine!
Choreographer - Michelle Taylor
The cast, above, during Act 2 of rehearsals and below performing a medley of songs at The Royals Shopping Centre in Southend recently