It’s been a while since I’ve been able to take a trip to the theatre, but when I heard that ‘Made in Dagenham’, the stage musical version of a classic film, was soon to be leaving the west-end, I knew I had to take a trip soon, and I’m very glad I did, since this really exceeded expectactations. Sometimes stage musicals based on films can feel a little forced, and seem to be centred more on making something specifically for fans of the film to enjoy, rather than something that will be genuinely artistic. However, this production, was very clever, offering wit and humour, set to some very catchy tunes.
It was also very moving, since the story takes place during the fight for equal pay for women, and it is touching to think of the reality to the story. It is based on the lives of real people from history, who really did fight to change women’s rights and this makes the emotions of the characters from the story seem all the more real.
The show also features actress Gemma Arterton in the leading role of Rita O’Grady, who is famous for her roles in films such as Quantum of Solace and St. Trinians, as well as Adrian Der Gregorian as her husband Eddie O’Grady, who gives some good emotional performances throughout the show. Arterton’s singing was very impressive considering her lack of past musical theatre experience.
The show expanded well on the film storyline, not acting as a complete copy like some can, and it was very much its own piece of entertainment, not reliant on the film to give it purpose. In the musical, Rita begins as an ordinary women working at the Ford motoring factory, whilst also looking after her two children. She relies on the money she makes at this job to feed the family and so, like the rest of the female workers is upset when they are told of the current pay reduction. This is because the government refuses to accept their job as ‘skilled’ work, though it requires extensive knowledge of sewing, and so there is a lower minimum wage. Eventually Rita, guided and supported by her peers, decides to face the issue head on and demand higher pay, in fact, she soon decides, equal pay! Her and the other girls go on strike against the unfairness, and despite enormous strain on her personal life, marriage and family, she continues to fight for what she believes in.
For me, the final scene, where she gives a speech for women’s rights, is the most moving, as well as a scene where her husband sings to her as she reads a letter he has written, explaining that he has taken the children away. These scenes make you consider the enormous personal pain that the real women on strike must have gone through and how much they sacrificed for the cause.
This show is a real treat, with a distinctive set design as well and an inherent fun that lasts through the politics and emotion. Sadly it’s about to close, but perhaps it will see a revival or a national tour in the coming years so don’t give up hope. All I can say is that, if you do get the chance to see this wonderful story, I really recommend taking it!
Image from: http://media.westendtheatre.com/made-in-dagenham-poster-large.jpg
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