Made in Dagenham, Darlington Operatic Society Review

Reviews

25 Oct

Reviewed by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

Darlington Operatic Society's production of Made in Dagenham, performed at The Darlington Hippodrome brings a burst of British charm, humour, and grit to the stage. This feel-good musical, based on the true story of the 1968 Ford sewing machinists' strike, demands a delicate balance of comedy, drama, and socio-political commentary. This amateur production tackled the challenge admirably, delivering a heartfelt and engaging show that captures the spirit of the original story.

The production's standout performance undoubtedly came from the actress portraying Rita O'Grady (Ellen Dunbavin-Lomas), the story’s protagonist and unlikely leader. She brought warmth, humour, and conviction to the role, showing both vulnerability and strength as her character grew from a factory worker to a confident spokesperson for women's rights. Her vocal delivery was particularly commendable during the powerful solos, especially in numbers like "Everybody Out" and "Stand Up," which were both emotional high points of the night. Supporting roles were filled with enthusiasm and commitment, from the brash humour of Beryl (Zoe Kent) who had the audience in stitches, to the earnest, if somewhat bumbling, portrayal of Rita's husband, Eddie (James Bearpark). The ensemble worked together to create a believable community, giving the story a genuine sense of camaraderie and unity with collective energy and enthusiasm shining throughout.

The production's direction by Joanne Hand, embraced the comedy of the musical while honouring its more serious themes of gender equality and solidarity. The set design was effective, cleverly making use of simple backdrops and props to evoke the industrial feel of 1960s Dagenham. The clever use of lighting transitions effectively signified the shifts from the factory floor to the domestic scenes, adding depth to the narrative. Choreography, also by Hand, was lively and suited to the skill level of the cast, with rousing group numbers that filled the stage with joyful energy. Occasionally, the dance routines lacked synchronisation, but this did little to diminish the sheer fun the cast exuded. The decision to keep the movements simple, rather than overambitious, was wise, allowing the performers to focus on delivering strong vocal performances.

The impressive orchestra lead by Steven Hood, brought the 1960s-inspired score to life with vigor. The music occasionally overpowered some of the more delicate vocal lines, but this was a minor flaw in an otherwise spirited accompaniment. Standout songs like "This Is What We Want" and "Ideal World" were delivered with a gusto that clearly resonated with the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause. The harmonies were tight, showcasing what talent the society posses and the cast's dedication and enjoyment were evident from the opening moments until the final bows.

There’s a genuine sense of community in an amateur operatic production that is hard to replicate in professional theatre, and that was certainly the case here. The audience, filled with friends, family, and local supporters, clearly enjoyed every moment, sharing laughter and cheering for the characters' triumphs. The show was a success due to the cast's commitment, the director’s creative vision, and the technical team's clever use of resources. It’s a testament to the strength of the material itself that it can be brought to life so engagingly by performers of varying experience. This Made in Dagenham was a joyous and uplifting evening of theatre, celebrating not just the story of Rita and the Ford machinists, but the enduring spirit of community theatre itself.

A spirited production that charms with its heart, humour, and commitment. The show is wonderfully warm with an earnest take on a powerful story that deserves to be told. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, social history, or simply local theatre, this production is well worth your time.