Review: Made in Dagenham

Written by Charley Greatrix

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the dress rehearsal for Treading the Boards production of ‘Made in Dagenham, at the Paget Rooms in Penarth. A show filled with great music, emotional moments and many laugh out loud moments too. The company open their doors tonight to a sold out audience but don’t fear, you have two further chances to catch this fantastic performance on Saturday (11th July 2:30 and 7:30).

Based on the film, with music by David Arnold and lyrics by Richard Thomas, creatively directed by Jo Jones, beautifully choreographed by Shannon Rees and incredible band and vocals musically directed by Emma Arscott - audiences are in for a real treat!

Set in 1968, this show centres around the Ford sewing machinists at the Dagenham plant who went on strike after being downgraded to ‘unskilled’ and fought for equality paving the way for the Equal Pay Act 1970. The effective set design (Carl Denley and Rhys Blayney), digital design (Nathan Jones), vibrant ’60’s costumes (Sarah Bunkham) and props (Kirsty Blayney) transport you to late ’60’s Essex and sets the scene throughout. The use of simple props and set takes the audience on the journey through this monumental story. 

This production starts by setting the scene of a regular mother and wife who always has the world on her shoulders, ‘Busy Woman’ is a scene setting opening number with beautiful vocals from Rita (Jodana Weekley) and Eddie (Richard Beamish). Graham (Emlyn Pirso) and Sharon (Nancy Jones) are the children of Rita and Eddie and these young actors displayed perfect vocals and had fantastic stage presence, we are sure to see them in leading roles in the future. The female ensemble add great power and life to the stage with stunning vocals and great comic timing. 

Swiftly moving into ‘Made in Dagenham’, this titular song introduces the audience to the men from the Ford Factory and is filled with many hilarious one-liners which is sure to tickle the audience. Really strong vocals from the male cast, then joined by the female cast gives a great sound for audience to enjoy and settle into this production. 

We later hear from the women of the Dagenham plant as they express their wants after finding out they have been downgraded to unskilled. ’This Is What We Want’ was a high energy performance with hilarious moments from the dirty-minded Beryl perfectly portrayed by Lisa Perry and vocal highlights from Sandra (Stevie-Jo Nation), Cass (Rachel Watson) and Clare (Shannon Rees). Shannon (as Clare) then gives clear, strong vocals in ‘Wossname’ with beautiful backing vocals from the female cast, the effective set and lighting really adds to this scene. 

We are then introduced to Harold Wilson (Stuart Burnell) in ‘Always A Problem’ with deadpan characterisation, it is sure to give you a chuckle, the simple but effective choreography and harmonies made this a really enjoyable scene. 

A switch of energy into ‘Payday’ set in the social club with effective lighting to set the scene with great choreography and harmonies from the cast. When the women are unimpressed by the misogynistic entertainer at the club, Beryl (Lisa Perry) takes matters into her own hands and hilarity ensues. 

We then enjoy another song from Rita (Jodana Weekley) and Eddie (Richard Beamish) with ‘I’m Sorry, I Love You’, great characterisation from the pair throughout and beautiful, rich vocals. Another highlight was ‘Same Old Story’ with great, clear vocals from Connie (Carys Ringrose), beautifully acted with Rita and lovely offstage harmonies from the extended cast. 

Act one ends with the strike action with ‘Everybody Out’, perfect harmonies and choreography gave this scene real energy and the sign props added incredible power to this number. I must additionally mention the stand out vocals from Angelique Duff during this song, she is sure to blow you away. 

In act two we officially meet Mr Tooley (Josh Taylor) Ford America’s arrogant executive, ‘This Is America’ proves a strong entrance for Tooley with great vocals and stage presence. The solemn storytelling number ‘Storm Clouds’ was very effectively staged with enchanting vocals throughout. ‘Cortina’ added some additional sparkle to the stage with strong vocals and great choreography. We are then led into an emotional scene with ‘The Letter’, the sincere, clear and strong vocals from Eddie (Richard Beamish) were truly impressive. No spoilers - but you may want to bring some tissues!

‘Ideal World’ set in Barbara Castle’s (Jo Jones) chambers at Westminster showcases the incredible talents of Jo with this song being very dynamic and wordy but so expertly delivered with really crisp and clear vocals. We are later blessed with another fantastic performance from Rita (Jodana) following an emotion filled scene during ‘We Nearly Had It All’, more beautiful, strong vocals which make this scene truly captivating. 

From this we head to the high energy and colourful ‘Viva Eastbourne’ with more strong, stunning harmonies from the cast and fun choreography which sets this vibrant scene. The performance finishes with an impressively powerful performance of ‘Stand Up’ sung by Jodana who has such incredible stage presence and really keeps the audience in the palm of her hand. Stunning backing vocals from the whole cast, effective choreography and a fantastic showcase of more great vocals from Sandra (Stevie-Jo Nation). 

Amongst the phenomenal talent showcased by this cast, I have some additional standout performances which deserve recognition. Mrs Hopkins (Gemma Cannon) displayed brilliant characterisation and stage presence throughout the performance. Mr Hopkins (Jamie Brown) had good stage presence and delivered all his lines with conviction. Monty (Tony Caley-Burnell) is clearly a seasoned actor with incredible timing, characterisation and emotional portrayal. 

This production clearly has a strong cast with acting skills and vocal abilities showcased perfectly, a credit to the production team whose passion and expertise are clear throughout this show. We are very lucky to have such talented people here in the Vale of Glamorgan, their audiences are in for a fantastic theatre experience. 

‘Made In Dagenham’ is a must-see production with a talented cast and production team who have created something really special. You don’t want to miss out, so if you haven’t already - secure your tickets at www.ticketsource.com/treading-the-boards - you won’t be disappointed. 

‘Made In Dagenham’ is at the Paget Rooms, Penarth, 10th-11th July with tickets available for 2:30 and 7:30 on the 11th July 2026.