Made in Dagenham, 3.9.24
Made in Dagenham at Loughborough Town Hall
“Made in Dagenham,” the musical adaptation of the true story behind the 1968 Ford sewing machinists’ strike, is brought to life in a spirited LAOS production directed by James Nelson. This show captures the essence of the fight for equal pay with a blend of humour, emotion, and social commentary, anchored by a witty and poignant script by Richard Bean and rousing music and lyrics by David Arnold and Richard Thomas.
The production has a somewhat sluggish start tonight, with sound issues affecting the clarity of the first few songs making some of the early dialogue and lyrics difficult to comprehend, which hinders the audience’s immersion in the opening scenes. However, once the technical kinks are ironed out, the show finds its rhythm, transforming into an evening full of warmth and vitality.
The band, under the expert direction of James Stevens, delivers a dynamic performance. Their energy and musical prowess are undeniable, though at times their volume threatened to overshadow the vocalists on stage. This slight imbalance occasionally makes it challenging to fully appreciate the lyrics, but the cast pushes through these moments admirably.
The choreography, crafted by Charlie Charity and Allison Cundell, is lively and well-executed, adding a layer of vibrancy to the performance. The ensemble’s collective energy helps to bring the factory setting to life, making the audience feel the camaraderie and determination of the women fighting for their rights. The first act closes with the powerful number “Everybody Out,” a rousing anthem that captures the defiance and solidarity of the striking workers.
Individually, the supporting cast shine in their roles. Laura Kidger’s portrayal of the ditsy yet endearing Clare provides comic relief, while Gemma Baxter’s portrayal of the sharp-tongued Beryl adds grit to the group of machinists. Kate King, as the pioneering and steadfast Connie, is particularly compelling, offering a performance that balances strength with vulnerability with her number “Connie’s Song”. These characters collectively bolster Nikita Collington’s portrayal of Rita O’Grady, the reluctant leader who becomes the face of the strike. Collington brings depth to Rita, capturing both her initial hesitance and her growing resolve as the story unfolds.
Rita’s husband Eddie is distinctly unlikable as he embodies some of the more outdated and unappealing attitudes of the 1960s, choosing to lament his loss of live-in maid rather than support her cause. However, David Burton manages to infuse the role with a degree of sympathy and nuance, particularly in his rendition of “The Letter,” where Eddie’s inner conflict is laid bare.
Natalie Littlewood is a force to be reckoned with as Barbara Castle, the formidable politician who played a crucial role in the real-life events, and Littlewood delivers a standout performance with her solo number, “Ideal World.” Littlewood’s performance is sharp and commanding, providing a stark contrast to Richard York’s portrayal of the bumbling and somewhat out-of-touch Prime Minister Harold Wilson. The dynamic between these two characters adds an additional layer of political tension to the narrative, highlighting the broader implications of the strike beyond the factory floor.
Overall, despite the technical hiccups in the very early part of the show, “Made in Dagenham” has much to offer. It is a thoroughly enjoyable evening, filled with humour, heart, and a powerful message that remains relevant today.
LAOS is at Loughborough Town Hall until 7th September, https://www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/events/2024/09/03/made_in_dagenham
