Made in Dagenham opens Wednesday 4th November at The Maltings in Ely, being the first production by the newly renamed Ely Theatre Company. The story follows the women of Ford’s Dagenham as they fight for equality and equal pay. We had the opportunity to get to know more about the upcoming musical with the cast and creatives:
Creatives (Stephanie Peachey – Director):
1: What inspired you to produce Made in Dagenham?
I saw Made in Dagenham in London, the original production in 2014 and I loved it. A real story about real people, a show with a huge heart, characters with boundless courage, and friendship and love that binds it all together. I came out of the theatre convinced that I would do it one day. It’s only taken me 12 years! I am even more aware now of how relevant the story still is. Sandi Toksvig said recently that “The current estimate is that it will now only take 250 years for women to be paid the same as men. I mean, what’s the hurry. We can wait!”
2: What is your favourite musical number from the show?
Everybody Out has always been the song I sing very loudly in my car. It gives me goosebumps! But during rehearsals I have come to love We Nearly Had It All. It’s epic! This is the song where Rita has to make a decision between her home life and the love of her life and continuing with this life changing campaign she has taken on.
3: What has been the most enjoyable part so far about making the production?
I have the best cast. I love shows where the cast feel like a family. We have cried, laughed, supported each other, shared our own stories – stories of our mum’s, our grandmothers. This is a show that is making us all think of what equality really means for us and for our children. It feels great to know we are all in it together.
Cast:
4: What drew you to this role and how do you relate to Rita’s character and her journey?
As a housewife and working mother having experienced the impact of the gender pay gap myself, I was drawn to the opportunity of portraying a character who experiences the same challenges and also relished at the thought of being part of such a significant historical story. Naomi Ing – Rita O’Grady
5: What is your favourite musical number from the production?
I have two favourite musical numbers to choose from: the first being Cortina for its catchy octane-filled jazz number and energetic dance sequence. The second being We Nearly Had It All as a beautiful ballad that makes you stop and listen to the slow and meaningful lyrics and melody. Naomi Ing – Rita O’Grady
6: Can you share a memorable moment from the rehearsal process so far?
The most memorable moment from the show for me personally, had to be the first time the chorus listened to Viv Aggett perform Connie’s Song. Her stunning vocals brought the room to a standstill and everyone was reduced to tears. You could really grasp Connie’s years of struggle and plight and it really resonated with the female cast in particular as a reminder of the issues that women still face in the workplace today and why it is important that we perform shows such as Made in Dagenham, to further highlight the ongoing issues and fight for change. Naomi Ing – Rita O’Grady
7: What are you most excited for audiences to see?
I am most excited for the audience to see the vibrant costumes and set that we plan to showcase and to really be immersed in the show and transported back to the swinging sixties. Naomi Ing – Rita O’Grady
8: This is the first ETC production. What does this mean to you?
This is not only my first ETC production but my first ever show with the group as a whole. As the lead, I feel the responsibility to map out the journey and experience for the audience and bring the rest of the cast with me, and so I want to make sure that ETC’s first ever production is memorable for all the right reasons and fun for the cast, crew and the audience. Naomi Ing – Rita O’Grady
9: Can you share a memorable moment from the rehearsal process so far?
The first time we all Sang we almost had it all- at the end we looked around and almost everyone was in tears! Jo Bennett – Beryl
When We All First Sang ‘Everybody Out’ and gave Steph literal goosebumps afterwards! Jack Wright – Bill/ Cortina Man
My favourite bit was Naomi’s daughter catching the joyous vibe this afternoon and literally squealing with delight while we’re singing Stand Up. Keeley Wickham – Musical Director
10: What are you most excited for audiences to see?
I’m excited for the audience to see how this incredible story about ordinary working women has connected us all not just as ‘am dram luvvies’ but because it’s powerful and emotional and beautiful and still relevant 60 years on. Lucy Short – Barbara Castle
I’m excited for the audience to see our genuine connection on stage. That’s not acting, it’s real and it has come from hours of supporting each other in and outside of the rehearsal space. Nicole Drury – Sandra
A Professional Standard and staged Production with an incredible and history making story that’s still relevant as of today from over 60 Years ago. Jack Wright – Bill/ Cortina Man
Most excited for audience to see Naomi’s portrayal of a “housewife” and the strength, bravery and strong will she has. Viv Aggett – Connie
11: This is the first ETC production. What does this mean to you?
A great honour and privilege to be a part of such a unique and groundbreaking musical theatre production. Jack Wright – Bill/ Cortina Man
Made in Dagenham opens Wednesday 4th November at The Maltings in Ely. Many thanks to the cast and creatives of the show for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
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