Made In Dagenham – Tudor Musical Comedy Society
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 19th September 2022 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography
Made in Dagenham, the musical based on the 2010 film that tells the true story of the 1968 sewing machinists’ strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham, Essex, is Tudor’s first production of 2022.
This show certainly packs a punch with a strong feminist message, catchy tunes and electrifying performances from its talented cast. This was musical theatre at its best!
Led by a great creative team Paula Lumsden in the director’s chair, Andy Timmins heading up the orchestra and Jenny Morris setting the dance moves. Made in Dagenham a show full of life and humour with wonderful toe tapping tunes from the opening number “Made In Dagenham” to the closing “Stand Up” All in all this is a show not to be missed.
The real strength in this performance was the ensemble with their slick choreography and phenomenal vocals.
This is a cast that cares about the story, loves working together and knows how to put on a great show.
Natasha Cartwright led the Dagenham girls as Rita O’Grady, the machinist-turned-campaigner. From not wanting to get involved then letting her fiery side take over and leading the ladies in their fight. Her vocals throughout were strong and clear and she blew us away with her stunning voice in her final call-to-action, Stand Up!
Nathan Rock played Rita’s forgetful but eventually supportive husband Eddie, in a mature and sensitive performance. His vocals reflecting his character well. Nathan is joined on stage by his daughter Sharon, playing his daughter Scarlett alongside Jake Silvester who played his son Graham. These two youngsters play their parts with great professionalism.
Hannah Wys had the audience laughing with her hilarious take on Beryl, the bawdy factory worker who wants all the gossip on her colleagues’ love lives, Rhiann Horsley as Sandra the resident “dolly bird” flirtatious but struggling to adjust to the strike and Georgia Young as Claire so well meaning but always struggling to find her words and Louise Grifferty brought pathos and power to the show as the seasoned union convenor, Connie. These ladies bring real substance to the show.
Paul “Lumpy” Lumsden plays the pipe smoking, gannex wearing Harold Wilson perfectly and Charlie Ward as Barbara Castle is his perfect foil this pair will have you laughing out loud and gripped by their great vocals and charm.
