Made in Dagenham
NODA awards for Best Musical, Best Production and Best Programme
25th-30th October 2021
Director: Nikki Mundell-Poole
Musical Director: James Tovey
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Inspired by the true events of 1968, “Made in Dagenham” tells the story of Rita O’Grady - a busy mum, loving wife and hard-working Ford factory employee, who along with her female colleagues, works long hours sewing car seats and who get their pay grade dropped to ‘unskilled’. Finding a voice she never knew she had, Rita leads the women on a trailblazing battle for equal pay taking on the Unions, Ford’s top brass and the Government. It’s a gritty, funny and emotional tale of love, friendship and the importance of ‘Standing Up’ for what you know is right.
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Made in Dagenham was a challenging show to present. Casting and early rehearsals were all during Covid Lockdown and either done 'Online' via Zoom "RLS" software or subject to the "rule of 6".
Once we got to rehearse in person, we of course kept to guidelines on social distancing, testing and isolating where required. There was always the chance the show would be cancelled in the event of further lockdown restrictions or a cast member having to isolate. Nevertheless, we got there and performed to almost sold-out audiences and standing ovations pretty much every night!
