Made in Dagenham @ Norwich Playhouse
A feel-good, feminist hit.
You know that damning feeling you get after discovering that Mozart started composing aged 3? Or when a mate tells you Beyoncé was 21 when she released Crazy in Love? Well, I suffered plenty of that last night. The Norfolk Youth Music Theatre presented Made in Dagenham, and displayed more talent than I have in a single toenail.
Made in Dagenham is one of my favourite films. The NYMT more than did it justice – they mirrored the movie’s wit and summoned more soul than the original actors did. The troupe told the story of Rita O’Grady (Ellen Smith) who leads the fight to end sex discrimination in the workplace.
Along with other working-class women, Rita is a machinist for Ford. The factory scenes were a delight – the cast nailed Richard Bean’s clever script, casually cracking jokes and slinging ripostes. From solos to ensemble numbers, the songs were also brilliant. The sassy, bloke-bashing opening number (“if you want something done ask a busy woman”) set the tone for the irreverent songs that followed. Emma Seamarks surprised us with a West End-worthy Ideal World, and her performance as the “fiery” Barbara Castle was a show highlight. Ellen Smith also shone, as did support from Niamh Plunkett’s Sandra Beaumont.
The NYMT carried the show with few shortfalls. The final scene was rushed and overwhelming, but that’s a complaint for Mr. Bean (no, not that one). Minimal set design was overshadowed by fab 60’s costume, and the articulate youngsters overcame minor sound hiccups.
Stage director Adrian Connell should be proud of his cast. They smashed the stage adaptation, and proved themselves to be stars in the making. A feel-good, feminist hit, I’d recommend NYMT’s Made in Dagenham to anyone.
8/10
