Made in Dagenham

Review by Martine Silkstone

Oh, what a delight! I have seen a few different productions by the Bury St Edmunds Operatic and Dramatic Society in the past, but nothing compares to the slick, professional quality they bring to the stage for Made in Dagenham.

Directed by Dan Moore, with Jillian Craig as Production Manager and Sophie Parry as Musical Director, this show is so much more than you might expect from a local amateur group. From the clever staging and fabulous costumes, to the brilliant choreography and talented cast, everything falls into place perfectly for this performance and you are thoroughly engaged and entertained throughout.

Inspired by true events and based on the hit movie, the story transports you - perhaps via an imaginary Ford Cortina - to Essex in 1968, where working mum, Rita O’Grady, is just trying to get her husband out of bed, the kids off to school, and herself to work at the factory on time. 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’, Rita leads her friends in the difficult battle for equal pay. It’s a funny, naughty, dramatic, emotional rollercoaster ride, full of heart and performed by a brilliant cast who give it their all.

Jess Corbett is spot on as Rita, giving the perfect portrayal of a working mum: busy, tired, forgiving, strong, capable, and passionate - in a fight, you want her on your side. Meanwhile, as her husband Kenny, Craig Fisher does a good job of being the 'man's man' while remaining strangely loveable.

Other stand out performances (though in fairness they were all top notch) include Phil Cockell as the inept Harold Wilson (hilarious), Sam Thurkettle as sweary Beryl (worth the ticket price alone), Jess Cleverdon as Clare (adorable), and Alexandra Fouracre-Smith as Barbara Castle (what a voice!).

Special mention should also be made of Harvey Gould as Barry, and Noah Sparkes as Bill - those boys got moves.

A modern comedy musical that is packed full of laughs and catchy songs, including the rather relatable ‘Busy Woman’ and the rousing finale, ‘Stand Up’ - very apt given the audience’s ovation. What’s not to like? Throw in the 60s vibe and a bit of politics and you have something rather wonderful, like Grease and Billy Elliot had a baby.

Yes, there was far too much smoke being pumped onto the stage, someone needs to reinforce the portable door frame, and there were a few sound issues, but this was opening night and the cast was not fazed by any of it. As my review buddy said, it was as good as any London show.

Well done guys - you nailed it.

Made in Dagenham is at Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds until 18 May.

FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE

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