REVIEW: Made in Dagenham: the musical
Barton Peveril Performing Arts
Rose Theatre, Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh
IT somehow seemed fitting that on International Women's Day Barton Peveril musical theatre students presented a show that dealt with industrial relations and the women workers of Ford's Dagenham plant whose strike in 1968 led to the introduction of the Equal Pay Act.
Not nearly as worthy as it sounds, this was nevertheless an inspiring story that received a very real and moving treatment. The cast gave extremely committed performances with even the smallest roles were nicely fleshed out. Alex Harrison was impressive as the uncrushable, determined Rita, beautifully matched by Jack Etheridge as her husband Eddie. Kirsty Scopes (Beryl) made an impression, as did Ebony Deas (Barbara Castle) and Tom Tollyfield as a fusty and slight unhinged Harold Wilson, forever cradling his pipe.
With a fairly minimal set, the production was staged with great enterprise and imagination, with immaculately choreographed musical numbers.
Karen Robson
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