The suspense around the School was palpable: could this year’s Senior School show really live up to the hype? Previous years had set the bar high with ‘Grease’ and ‘Sister Act’. What’s more, unlike former productions, ‘Made in Dagenham’ presented its audience with brand new material – untested and unknown by most – and with an edgy political message. But Moreton girls have much in common with their Dagenham counterparts; they are strong, talented, enthusiastic team players who believe in themselves. This spilled out onto the stage with every performance.
From the outset, the carefully-crafted nuts-and-bolts of the scaffolded staging suggested this would be a no-nonsense performance where talent would take centre stage, as indeed it did. The ‘Made in Dagenham’ ensemble instantly hit the audience with an adrenaline punch of song and dance. We were transported to working class Dagenham, in Essex and, unlikely though it may seem, the players on the stage were utterly convincing as young men and women working in a mundane car factory seeking thrills wherever they might.
The cast continued to enthrall with every energetic group number and impressively remained in character throughout. The lively choreography, delivered with faultless singing, created an atmosphere charged with passionate messages of unity, solidarity and determination. This was, after all, a performance about equal rights for women.
The casting of the key characters was inspired. Beatrice in Upper Sixth was a mesmerizingly understated Rita O’Grady who evoked every ounce of empathy her character demanded. When paired with her convincingly tough husband, Eddie, played by Romilly in Upper Sixth, they created a tender love story which left a lump in the throat. Another outstanding performance was given by Kate, Lower Sixth, as a genuinely formidable Barbara Castle, whose solo ‘An Ideal World’ left the audience completely awe-struck. The team of machinists, together with Amy, Upper Sixth, as the union convener, Connie Riley, were the fabulous five who provided the continuous pace and humour from which the story hung. There were notable performances from the foul-mouthed Beryl (Lauren, Lower Sixth) the sassy Sandra (Holly, Lower Sixth), and the ditzy Clare (Lizzie, Lower Sixth). All showed incredible versatility of talent – throwing themselves from dance routines to pitch-perfect singing and flawless acting. They were a force to be reckoned with, mimicking the strength of the characters they were portraying.
But this was not just about the key players. Every moment was peppered with superb characterisation, from the haughty Mr Hopkins (Bella, Upper Five) and his surprisingly emancipated wife, Lisa (Emily, Upper Sixth) to the irreverent and loathsome American, Mr Tooley, played by a funny and convincing Chloe (Upper Sixth).
But this was also a team effort, with strength of talent shown from the opening number to the rallying ‘Stand Up’ anthem to close. Did this live up to the Moreton standard? In the words of Mr Tooley – perhaps – “Hell, yes!”
Mrs K Hodge (Teacher of English)
Watching Moreton’s production of ‘Made in Dagenham’, with its cast of talented young performers, I found myself wondering how this clever and compelling ‘play with songs’ had previously passed me by.
This poignant tale, which evoked memories of the 60s’ workplace among many audience members, was staged and performed to the highest standard with stunning vocals and stirring moments of high emotion alongside well-delivered comedy. It was obvious throughout how invested the cast had become in this inspiring true story with its strong and very real female characters.
Witty dialogue and great cameo roles gave everyone a moment to shine – not to mention the wonderful, catchy musical numbers, all of which led to an uplifting evening’s entertainment.
Equally, the fabulous set, lighting and costumes helped to transport us back to 60’s Essex as the girls relayed their moving and powerful message of unity, fairness and equality.
Vanessa Baldry (Parent)
Every single year I say it – how will the drama department top this production – but this year, maybe because it’s my last, with not one but two daughters in the cast, I really mean it. How will Mr Jenkins and his astonishing team top the production of Made in Dagenham?
It was a stroke of genius to choose this show – with the feminist social history of the story, the wonderful score and script, the opportunity for serious dramatic acting as well as the joyful cast musical numbers.
The soloists were nothing short of astounding and every single member of the cast shone and their bond as a musical theatre family was obvious to all! I have never laughed or cried more during school performance.
Heather Pickering (Parent)
