We’ve all become accustomed to industrial action in all sectors of our society, many striking for better pay. But what happens when that pay isn’t equal between male and female workers? What happens then?
Made in Dagenham tells the true story of the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968. Rita O’Grady, a sewing machinist, finds herself the unlikely centre of attention as she takes up the mantle of leading the striking workers after being classed as ‘unskilled’ and continuously being paid less than male colleagues doing the same job. The unprecedented strike takes her to the top of the TUC and Harold Wilson’s government as she fights for equal pay amidst the personal battles industrial action creates.
This musical is the best musical SUPAS have staged in a long time and certainly the best I’ve ever seen. The choice of production to stage, I think, was a stroke of genius. And it was executed, largely, very well! The story is a captivating one, which the cast, crew and production teams were able to communicate exceptionally, the songs were very entertaining and emotional at times, and the set design, lighting design and costuming was on point throughout. A lot of effort has gone into this production, and its 60+ team members should be very happy with what they’ve produced. This was my first time seeing Made in Dagenham and I simply cannot wait to see another production of the show. SUPAS have outdone themselves with this one.
There were a couple of small issues that arose, such as scene transitions occasionally making the musical feel stop-start, and the sound design sometimes meant cast members could not be heard over each other and the band, but this was minimal. I would also like to see the ensemble used a little better. It became clear after a few scenes that some of the ensemble never particularly got their time in the spotlight, whilst others were given it excessively. I’d have liked to see the ensemble be balanced out a lot more, giving more actors their fair shot at leading the group or positioned in prime locations, rather than always relegated to the back of the playing space or behind others.
The standout performances were so difficult for me to select, I found my mind changing so many times. Our leads, Isabel Butterworth as Rita O’Grady and Ben Jowett as Eddie O’Grady, were spectacular. The passion and the energy you felt from both of them, as well as their relationship with one another showed an understanding of character that rivals many professional productions, and their charisma together, apart and with the rest of the cast was a joy to watch.
Next, after her fantastic performance last semester as Morticia in The Addams Family, Zara Walton has returned in her second show-stopping role of the year as Barbara Castle. Fierce, witty and powerful, Walton executes her role as antihero perfectly and dominates the space when she’s on stage. Finally, a special mention to ensemble member Emily Mawson. Her voice is simply beautiful and I hope she gets given a leading role in the next show, as she’s definitely a rising star in this ensemble and SUPAS.
What a show SUPAS have staged. Cast and crew have delivered a fantastic production of Made in Dagenham. Despite a few elements needing to be refined and rethought a little bit, this show is a great watch, and I encourage everyone to go and see it as soon as they can!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Made in Dagenham is running until April 27th at the University of Sheffield Drama Studio. Tickets are available here
