‘The women of Ford Dagenham have changed the world today and history should place these ordinary working women alongside the Suffragettes’
As we mark our 175th Anniversary of innovative education for women, this year’s Senior Musical ‘Made in Dagenham’ celebrated a group of fearless women who fought for a brighter future.
Inspired by true events, the musical tells the story behind the headlines of the landmark 1968 strike at the Ford Car Factory in Dagenham. When their work was reclassified as unskilled by management, the female machinists decide to make a stand and take to the picket line until they gained Equal Pay with men.
The production opened in a flourish of feather dusters as the cast introduced the ‘Busy women’ at the heart of the story, wife and mother Rita O’Grady, played with passion and subtlety by Arianna L and Sairah K. As Rita goes on a journey of self-discovery, defying expectations and leading the fight in the battle for equality all the way to Westminster, she meets political ally Barbara Castle. Played with wit and panache by Chloe G, her moving delivery of the number ‘An Ideal world’ set the scene for the final moment of victory as Barbara extols the virtues of never surrendering to misogyny.
The show was visual spectacle from start to finish, with sparkling dance numbers choreographed by the cast. Year 11 students took the lead, with Sairah K, Samara T, Sujena S and Sujana HF in particular developing powerful moves for the anthemic ‘Everybody Out’.
As the strike gains momentum, the American Executives attempt to crush the women’s movement, in the barnstorming number ‘This is America’ getting Act 2 off to a rollicking start thanks to choreography lead by Mia P, Arianne K and Katie K. Further choreography was led by Dance Captains Alex J and Shefali S who staged two jubilant numbers, Cortina and Viva Eastbourne with great skill.
The cast excelled in capturing the gritty realism of Act 2, when the harsh realities of the strike take their toll on the community. As fractures start to appear in Rita’s marriage, Aaliyah A and Ariane K thoroughly embodied the role of her husband Eddie, caught between the sexist attitudes of the era and his love for his wife.
As events threaten to break the solidarity of the working class community, the ensemble rose to the dramatic demands of the text with maturity and conviction. The poignant subplot was beautiful performed by Sara JK and Izzy G as Connie, a lifelong activist who attempts to win change have been thwarted. Year 11 students Siya K and Orli M captivatingly blended comedy and pathos with their skilful performances as Lisa and Monty, who become Rita’s champions.
One of the highlights of the show was a life-size Ford Cortina, meticulously crafted by Mr Boase over many months using a 3D printer. The final flourish was its personalised NLCS numberplates- FMB 175. A team of students from Years 10, 11 and 12, managed the behind the scenes with tremendous professionalism, transporting the audience to each location through a series of detailed trucks, including a full replica 1960s kitchen.
As the piece built to its finale, Rita’s impassioned plea to the audience to ‘Stand up’ for women’s rights was met by the standing ovation from the audience.
The show was a triumph and a huge testament to the talent of all of those involved.
