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!
The VI Critic 