Back again for another review of a local theatre show. This time, it’s going to be a little difficult to cram everything into one review but I’ll certainly give it a go.
This is the second time I’ve been back to this theatre, since last week, when I went to see ‘All or Nothing – The Mod Musical’. If you haven’t seen that review, then trust me it’s worth a read. Anyway, this show is something completely different. Set in 1968, ‘Made in Dagenham’ is about a factory worker and mother Rita O’Grady played by Daniella Bowen. Who along with other fellow women workers including Beryl played by Angela Bain, who is shall we say, not afraid to say what she thinks in a whole manner of ways, decide that enough is enough and want to be paid the same amount as the men, and to have sex equality enforced.
So the women decide to go on strike, and the fight begins to stand up for what they all believe in. Performances by Daniella, Angela and all of cast were exceptional! You felt like you had a real connection with the characters, and even hated some characters on the odd occasion. The singing and musical performances from cast and band were outstanding! I even had the odd tear in my eye whilst watching certain scenes, I felt like you had a real connection with the shows. All the songs were catchy and really enjoyable. I even looked up the shows music on my phone during the interval so I could by the soundtrack at a later date.
Photo (above): Group photo of me with some of the cast!
The use of lighting and sound was good, I really liked the fact that the cast played the songs of the shows themselves. Seeing women, being the main focus of a musical, is something you sadly very rarely see so it was a nice change. The story was very easy to follow, which helped with the right level of humour made it even more enjoyable.
I got the chance to meet some of the cast after the show, and they were all really kind and friendly. A few signed my programme, then one of them ran off with it and got the rest of the cast to sign it for me, which was really nice so if your reading this thank you!! :). Sadly I didn’t get a chance to meet the leading lady, as she had to go home as she wasn’t feeling too well after the show, so if you too are reading this, I hope your get better and recover soon!
To end, I would go so far to say, this is probably the best show I’ve got the privilege to review! This show is a must see for sure! At the end of the show, the cast got a standing ovation and it honestly couldn’t have been more deserving! Absolutely brilliant!
I will start by being completely honest with you. When I first watched the trailer before going to see the show tonight. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure if I would like it, but after seen the complete show for myself my views on the show have definitely changed.
The show ‘All or Nothing’ is set in the swinging sixties in the East End of London. The show is based on the rise and fall of a well-known and popular band of the time ‘The Small Faces’. ‘The Small Faces’ consisted of four young men: Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones and Jimmy Winston later replaced in 1965 by Ian McLagan.
Steve was not exactly a “goodie too shoes” at school and played up. With a passion to pursue a musical career, he got a job working in a music shop where later he met Ronnie, Kenny and Jimmy. They formed a band called ‘The Small Faces’ and started playing local gigs. As they grew in popularity, they started playing on TV shows like ‘Top of the Pops’ and touring around the world. But sooner or later the fame got to them and the band fell apart in 1969.
Having personally never heard of ‘The Small Faces’ before, watching the show felt like you went back in time and witnessed the musical culture of the sixties. All the music was played live, which was a nice touch. Both acting and vocals were excellent by all the members of the cast. The story was easy to follow, and the music I quickly got into, so at which point become very enjoyable and I couldn’t wait for them to start singing again.
Photo (above): Me and Tim Edwards, main leading man after the show!
It was narrated by Chris Simmons (famous for acting in TV shows, such as The Bill and Eastenders.) The way he performed his lines was outstanding whether he was on stage or in one of the chairs in the audience. He made the story very easy to follow, with the odd bit of humour thrown in here and there to make it more fun. But the acting overall from the whole cast was again brilliant! The use of lighting and staging were truly on par.
Photo (above): Me and Chris Simmons after the show!
The staff at the theatre were great! They even gave me a free t-shirt! Which I honestly wasn’t expecting. As well as free drinks at the interval. The hospitality at the theatre was really good. I couldn’t fault it in anyway. I could tell just by them talking to me that they had some previous experience helping people with a visual impairment, but at the same time you could always tell that they were not completely sure on what to do in certain situations, like helping me find my seat for example. This is something which maybe they could work on a little more. But I’m just nick picking here, so just something I thought I’d mention.
Photo (above): The ‘All or Nothing’ t-shirt they gave me!
I would highly recommend this show, you don’t have to know anything about “The Small Faces’. I didn’t and I was still able to follow the story with no problem. The music was catchy and vibrant, and you could easily sing along to them (unless your like me and didn’t know the words!) So if you have some free time, go and see this show. It is honestly great fun and a really enjoyable night out.
There was only one down side though…we did manage to get the car locked in the car park! Luckily some came out to let us in. Ah the extra experiences of going to the theatre!
The VI Critic 