top of page
web-made-in-dagenham_edited.jpg

MADE IN DAGENHAM: THE MUSICAL

2-5 October 2019

Redditch Palace Theatre

Director: Bev Hatton

Assistant Director: Mandy Alexander

Musical Director: Phil Radden

Choreographer: Naomi Beckford

Book: Richard Bean

Lyrics: Richard Thomas

Music: David Arnold

MAIN CAST

SYNOPSIS

Based on the 2010 film of the same name, Made in Dagenham dramatises the real-life story of the Ford Dagenham sewing machinists and explores how their 1968 strike began the fight that led to the introduction of the UK’s Equal Pay Act in 1970.

 

The musical focuses on machinist Rita O’Grady, who finds herself taking a stand after the women at Ford Dagenham are re-graded as unskilled workers while the male workers see their wages increase. After the company management refuses to acknowledge the women’s concerns, the pay grade grievance turns into a battle for equal pay and Rita leads the women on strike.

 

Ford’s American bosses respond by laying off 5,000 Dagenham men – including Rita’s husband Eddie – and the women’s solidarity begins to fracture. Risking her marriage and friendships, Rita vows to continue the fight for equality and travels to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in Eastbourne to make one final impassioned speech.

REVIEWS

Musical Geek

NODA (coming soon)

SHOW PHOTOS

bottom of page