Made in Dagenham

Yeadon Town Hall

The female members of Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society have this week turned themselves into Essex girls as they perform in the musical Made in Dagenham.

Based on a true story, Made in Dagenham explores the movement that caused a significant law reform. Rita O'Grady (a fictional character) leads the 1968 Ford sewing machinists strike at the Ford Dagenham plant, where female workers walk out in protest against sexual discrimination, demanding equal pay. This strike causes a lot of public attention around the world and was seen as out of the ordinary to many because in 1968 it was not in a woman's nature to do anything else other than the traditional family roles. The strike is successful and eventually leads to the Equal Pay Act 1970.

The society is one of the first amateur companies to get the rights to this relatively new musical and I would urge people not to miss this chance to see it. I never expected a musical about strikes and trade unionism to be funny but there are so many laugh-out loud moments in this show that it really does give you that “feel good” factor.

There are also some very moving moments as a very ordinary wife, mother and factory worker, Rita (Jordan Danielle Rhodes) finds herself thrust into the spotlight of history as she begins to fight for equal pay for women. The toll it takes on her family life and the reaction of her otherwise loving husband, played by James Pegg, provided some of the most tender and moving parts of the show. Both Jordan and James have excellent voices which blended very well together particularly in I’m Sorry But I Love You, and We Nearly Had It All. Their acting too was superb and really drew the audience into the excellent storyline written by Richard Bean.

Yeadon AOS has a very strong and youthful cast and these two were extremely well supported by Julie Kettlewell as Beryl, Josie Lamb as Sandra, Ruth Graham as Clare and Steph Bailey as Cass, the friends and co-workers of Rita. I particularly liked Ruth’s rendition on Wossname.

Congratulations to Gary Holmes for his wonderfully funny portrayal of then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson and to Heather Coulton in the role of Barbara Castle MP. I was also impressed with Sally Holmes in the role of Connie Riley, the Ford Factory Shop Steward, and especially her singing in Same Old Story. I must also mention The American song This Is America, sung by Gavin Mills as Mr Tooley, the Ford US Executive, which was hilarious. Other excellent performances were by Johnathan Spry as Monty the Ford NUVB Convenor and Sullivan Martin and Melina Shillito as Graham and Sharon, Rita and Eddie’s two children.

The show is directed and choreographed by Peyton Martin who has done an excellent job. The stage is split into two layers which works very well in the transition of scenes and there is also a very good touch of having back projection onto a rear screen at the back of the stage so that each of the scenes can have its unique backdrop. The screen also serves to hide the orchestra which has enabled the main stage to take up the usual orchestra pit space at the front thus giving more room for the acting and choreography.

Musically the show is very good. Jacob Savage the musical director has done an excellent job with David Arnold’s score and his five-piece band provide superb accompaniment for the principals and chorus. I was also glad to note that the band never overpowered the singers which too often happens these days. There are some very catchy numbers in the show, particularly the chorus numbers of Stand Up, Made in Dagenham and Everybody Out that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

This show was a completely new direction for YAODS as regards show choice but since securing the amateur licence to stage the show they have been astounded by the interest they have had from everyone from directors and cast members to the general public. The cast energy has been there ever since they started rehearsals and has grown ever since culminating in this wonderful show.

There are a limited number of tickets left for the end of the week and Saturday’s matinee but these are selling fast. Visit www.yaods.amateurboxoffice.co.uk or ring 07468107304 to reserve your seats. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

John Burland