Made in Dagenham - WAOS, NETG Adjudication

A challenging choice of production – not only because musicals stemming from films frequently don’t have the same impact, but because this one is based around relatively local events which occurred in living memory of many of the audience. The production also reminds us about other issues of the sixties – corporal punishment in schools, the changing expectation of girls in education, the marginalised role of women in politics and unions, and the powerful influence of American business interests in the British way of life.

Made in Dagenham manages to combine these complex issues into a pithy and entertaining production – with much appeal to a 50+ audience who will have personal memories of these matters. As musical theatre therefore, it relies more on acting ability than it does the music - you don’t necessarily come away humming the songs, but you do reflect on the story and the characters.

WAOS managed this challenge superbly – from excellent casting to the detail of make-up and shoes. It was the perfect ‘feel good’ show for the times that we are in, where the audience could completely revel in live theatre, and participate in the inevitable standing ovation that results from a final number entitled ‘Stand Up’.

The production was colourful and energetic, with good movement in a limited space. It was clear that the cast were having a good time, and this does communicate itself to the audience! The rehearsal challenges facing Director and MD must have been significant, but the end result was a credit to them both, and the whole production team.