What’s it all about?
Take a stand and head to the Adelphi Theatre for the inspiring story of the real-life Ford Dagenham girls who turned off their sewing machines and picked up their placards in the life-changing fight for equal pay that took them from Essex to Westminster.
Led by the luminous Gemma Arterton, Rupert Goold’s brand new, very British, very endearing musical puts these incredible women on the map; adding a few fictional storylines and embellishments to create a hugely enjoyable evening packed to the brim with heart, wit and passion. Add in a score of infectious songs and a smattering of kitsch 1960s style and you’ll be layering your This Is What Feminism Looks Like t-shirt over a Biba number quicker than you can shout “When do we want it? Now!”
Who’s in it?
Arterton swaps Bond girl for Essex girl to play our heroine Rita O’Grady; transforming from a mother who buys her daughter a nurse’s outfit when she declares she wants to be a doctor into a warrior for women’s rights, bringing the house down with TUC speeches and impassioned calls to arms.
If anyone is tempted to call a case of star casting, you’ll find no evidence of hierarchy in Goold’s down to earth production; Arterton gives as modest a performance as is it impressive. Her pleasant singing voice – better described as sweet than bring-the-house down – has excellent support from an energetic ensemble that inject constant fun and oomph into Richard Thomas’ witty songs covering just about everything from VAT on tampons to America’s power complex.
In Dagenham a potty mouthed Sophie Stanton gets all the best lines from Richard Bean’s truly funny script – “I’m sweating like a f*cking kestrel” one of her choice phrases – while in Westminster Sophie-Louise Dann goes head to head with Mark Hadfield as a brilliantly ballsy Barbara Castle and buffoon-like Harold Wilson respectively. Threatening to steal the show, it’s a pairing that should come complete with its own drum kit as the punchlines just keep coming.
What should I look out for?
The opening to Act II in which Goold pulls out the big guns – quite literally – for the tongue firmly in cheek number This Is America. Think Bruce Springsteen on acid.
What will I be humming?
I woke up this morning with the infectiously cheerful title track still buzzing in my head, but it is the final number Stand Up that you’ll want to stay with you. Arterton’s spine-tingling rendition of the protest song is so electrifying it will have you on your feet, conveniently just in time for the curtain call.
Who was in the press night crowd?
One of the starriest press nights of the year and we were so captivated by spying on Caitlin Moran who was sharing her Malteasers with the whole of her row that we barely noticed anyone else. Russell Brand’s hair, of course, was unmissible from the stalls, as was Michael Ball’s charm and the West End’s most sparkling couple Samantha Barks and Richard Fleeshman.
In a nutshell?
Gemma Arterton won’t need to ask you twice to Stand Up in support of Rupert Goold’s heart-warming, puntastic and inspiring very British hit.
What’s being said on Twitter?
@lizzieroper Saw the remarkable Made in Dagenham last night, It’s HILARIOUS! amazing songs, great cast, and the jokes keep coming. Perfect. BOOK NOW!!!
@EricaWhyman Well I bloody loved it #MadeinDagenham funny, naughty, touching, passionate. Yup, unashamedly passionate about equality. Hurrah. #deadproud
Will I like it?
If you’re a fan of Bean’s zingy one-liners, Goold’s dynamic direction, or even just looking to lay your eyes on the incredible Bunny Christie’s latest paper airplane kit-inspired set, then you won’t be disappointed. Go, watch, laugh, be moved then head out inspired to change the world.
Made In Dagenham is booking at the Adelphi Theatre until 28 March. You can book tickets through us here.