Made In Dagenham - Long Eaton Operatics Society - Review

LEOS Musical Theatre Company once again delivers big smiles and even bigger performances with their vibrant take on Made in Dagenham. Bursting at the seams with a dynamic cast of singers and dancers, the stage buzzed with energy and talent from start to finish. But with all that razzle-dazzle, did this feel-good musical still hit home with one of the UK’s most important stories of women’s equality? Let’s find out...

Made in Dagenham is a British musical based on the true story of the 1968 Ford sewing machinists strike at the Dagenham plant, where a group of female workers stood up against gender pay inequality. Led by the spirited and determined Rita O’Grady, the women challenge not only their bosses and the powerful Ford corporation but also the ingrained sexism of the era. Balancing the struggles of activism with family life, the musical is a heartwarming, humorous, and inspiring tale of ordinary women achieving extraordinary change, ultimately leading to the landmark Equal Pay Act of 1970.

For a directorial debut, Simon Parker has smashed it. Wrangling a large cast, delivering a powerful message, and keeping the whole show running smoothly is no small feat—but he’s done it with style and flair. Backed by assistant director Laura Davey, choreographer Victoria Palmer, and musical director Jonah Williams, this team made sure Made in Dagenham hit every high note. Sure, this is amateur theatre—so the odd missed note, visible set change, or choreography fumble just adds to the charm. What stood out were the beaming faces of the cast and the sheer passion bursting from the stage. I walked out of the theatre itching to grab my jazz shoes and get back on the stage myself! 

Two standout musical moments stole the spotlight for me: “Same Old Story” and “Ideal World.” While the big ensemble numbers were a blast and full of infectious energy, these quieter songs gave the audience a moment to lean in and truly feel the weight of what these women were fighting for. Philippa Buchanan, who seems to be collecting star turns in amateur theatre like badges (this is the fourth show I’ve seen her in, in a year!), delivered “Same Old Story” with such honesty and presence—I believed every word. Meanwhile, Alex Tavener brought Barbra Castle to life with fire and flair. Playing such an iconic figure is no small ask, but Alex did it with confidence and style. Her performance of “Ideal World” was so polished and powerful, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were watching a seasoned professional.

Although Made in Dagenham is very much an ensemble show, Rita O’Grady sits at the heart of it all, and Rachelle Bragg absolutely shines in the role. From her first moments as any old wife, mother, and factory worker, to becoming a fearless and fiery leader, Bragg takes the audience on a brilliant journey. Her character arc is so clear and well-crafted that you could practically see the steel forming in her spine as the story unfolded. A cracking bit of character work!

There were also some brilliant comedy gems sprinkled throughout the show. Mina Holtom’s Beryl was an absolute riot—dry, sarcastic, and oozing comic timing. Every time she opened her mouth, you just knew a laugh was coming. Ali Langton also deserves a shoutout for his wonderfully bonkers take on Harold Wilson—making him so eccentrically blithering was a genius move that totally paid off. And let’s not forget the factory girls! Amy Parker, Ellie Simmonds, and Natalie Webster had such sparky chemistry on stage that their banter and bond felt like real-life workplace friendships. 

Kheenan Jones delivered a passionate performance as Eddie, capturing the emotional core of the character. Adam Guest was instantly convincing as the villain. And Andy Cattanach brought just the right energy to Monty, making the role feel like a perfect fit.

Would I have done a few things differently? Sure. I’m not the biggest fan of blackout scene changes, I usually lean toward a “less is more” vibe when it comes to ensemble dancing, and at times the volume was cranked up so high to compete with the band that it felt a bit like a concert. But did any of that take away from the fun? Not one bit.

That’s the real joy of amateur theatre—it’s not about perfection, it’s about passion. The buzz in the foyer, people chatting over interval ice creams about how many LEOS shows they’ve seen, the clear love and support within this community—it’s infectious. And with all the brilliant work the group is doing to promote inclusivity, how can you not root for them? So yes, you could dim the sound, scrap the blackouts, and clear a bit of space for the dancers if you’re after polish. Or you could crank it all up to eleven and soak in the joy, because this is the heartbeat of musical theatre.

So, if you're after a night of feel-good fun, don’t miss Long Eaton Operatic Society’s Made in Dagenham at the May Hall, Trent College, running until Saturday 12th April. And if you can't make this one, get ahead of the game and book early for their next production—Young Frankenstein, coming this October (21st–25th). It’s bound to be a riot. Trust me, you won’t regret it!