HUGE congratulations to Walney Musical Theatre Company for bringing another brilliant musical production to The Forum stage.

Running until Saturday 19 this week, the show is inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham.

Written by Richard Bean with witty lyrics by Richard Thomas and a catchy musical score by David Arnold, the Grammy and Ivor Novello award-winning composer, who was music director of the Closing and Paralympic Closing Ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

This largely young cast, with a sprinkling of magic from director David Marcus, swept the audience along with a strong narrative on their first night accompanied by fantastic singing, especially in the ensemble company singing, under the musical direction of Paul Blake.

Every single person involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, brought something special to the piece as they re-tell the story of the girls from the Ford factory in Dagenham, who took on the might of Ford bosses and the TUC in 1968 - the same year that transport minister Barbara Castle had brought in the car seat belt law.


There were some remarkable performances, with great comic timing and delivery of songs.

And with such a large cast, it isn’t possible to mention every character; except to say that there wasn’t a weak link.

Starting with the O’Grady family, Rita (Lorna Taylor) and Eddie (John Edwards) striving to keep things ticking along in their busy household, singing Busy Woman in the opening, together with their children, nicely played by Jack Roberts and Isla Wilson; Beryl (Alisha Rowlings) at the factory, keeps the girls amused amid the sewing machines, their demands of This Is What We Want doesn’t impress the hapless Monty (Louis Simon).

Clare (Phoebe Greaves) singing Wossisname tries to tell them how she would help the situation. The girls decide to register a formal grievance when they discover that they have been downgraded to C Grade.

Set against the huge industrial unrest, with strikes everywhere, Always a Problem, sung by the then prime minister Harold Wilson (Joe Atkinson), together with pipe and civil servants, tries to figure it out, with much wiping of brows.

Barbara Castle’s (Leah Greaves) fiery entrance makes Harold quake in his shoes, but not before he appoints her the secretary of state for taking on the unions.

Fast forward to the Ford Social Club for Payday where all those 60s drinks – cherry brandy, dubonnet, brown ale and babycham - make an appearance to this foot-tapping tempo.

Eddie’s in the dog house; asked to remember 10 years ago, Millwall football, of course, and not his 10th wedding anniversary. I’m Sorry I Love You follows where the tiff turns into a dreamy happy ending.


Rita finds herself drawn into the unrest in the workplace with co-worker Connie Riley, poignantly played by Jenny Shipley; Same Old Story tells how they earn less than men on the same grade. A meeting is planned at the factory for them to air their grievances. Rita demands equal pay and then leads the women out, onto the picket line to strike, Everybody Out.

David Arnold’s musical score fits the action, like a glove and Paul Blake directs the accomplished musicians through all the many different styles of music effortlessly.

Act two opens with the arrival of the Americans. Tooley (Tommy Halfpenny) singing This is America, is here to kick some butts. Storm Clouds on the horizon culminates in a powerful ensemble until they hear that Connie has fainted and been admitted into hospital. Connie asks Rita to give her speech at the TUC Conference.

Ford present their newest sexy car off the production line, the Cortina. This sassy promotion is one of the dancing highlights of the show and gives choreographer Cathy Fidler and the dancers plenty of chance to shine in their jewelled and sparkling costumes.

Eddie, meanwhile, agonises that his life with Rita is slipping away. One of the musical highlights of the show is John’s rendition of The Letter, where he sends a powerful message to Rita whilst she, along with the factory girls, attends a meeting with Barbara Castle to discuss the equal pay issue, Ideal World.

They turn down her offer, they’re off to speak to the TUC, Viva Eastborne with Rita bearing her soul, beautifully played from the heart here by Lorna; torn between what she believes is right and her family falling apart, Stand Up. The rest is history... and it's all here in Made In Dagenham.

Don’t miss this rollercoaster of a ride with the whole cast and crew of Walney Musical Theatre Company this week at Forum.

Review by EILEEN LITHGOW

*Made In Dagenham runs each night until 7.30pm, at Saturday. Tickets are still available at The Forum box office.