News

A cast of 21 has been confirmed for Made in Dagenham as the musical returns to its East London roots from 26 August – 17 September at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.   Artistic Director Douglas Rintoul, who directs, launches his debut season with the first revival of this hit musical, a co-production with New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich. The cast in this actor-musician production is the theatre’s largest yet, bolstered further by six members of the Queen’s Youth Theatre. The run continues at the New Wolsey Theatre from 21 September – 15 October.   Dagenham, 1968: Rita’s a busy mum, loving wife and hard-working Ford factory employee. But something’s very wrong. Rita and her female colleagues find themselves working long hours sewing car seats for far less money than the men. And they’ve had enough. Finding a voice she never knew she had, Rita leads the women on a trailblazing battle for equal pay, taking on the unions, Ford’s top brass and the Government. As the pressure mounts, Rita struggles to keep up the fight and the happy home she’s worked so hard for.   Based on the hit film, Made in Dagenham – The Musical is inspired by the true story of the sewing machinists’ strike at the Ford Dagenham factory, which eventually led to the Equal Pay Act. Daniella Bowen stars as Rita. Her many impressive credits include the West End’s Dreamboats and Petticoats as well as tours of Mamma Mia and Our House. “This is a real home-coming,” says Douglas. “A wonderful chance for us to relive a truly momentous piece of our area’s history. After its West End success, the play will now have its regional premiere in the most fitting location – a producing theatre just a few miles away from the Ford plant in which it is set. It’s a brilliant way to open our autumn season – with a fantastically large-scale, uplifting musical filling our stage, featuring wonderful actor-musicianship and choreography, and celebrating the achievements of local people.”   Aptly, several members of the company are locally based: Dan de Cruz, from Hornchurch; Steve Simmonds, from Dagenham; Sarah Scowen, from Grays; and Wendy Morgan, from Westcliff.   The full cast includes: Angela Bain, Daniella Bowen, Daniel Carter-Hope, Dan de Cruz, Sophie-May Feek, Jeffrey Harmer, Callum Harrower, Joey Hickman, Anthony Hunt, Martina Isibor, Graham Kent, Claire Machin, Wendy Morgan, Jamie Noar, Loren O’Dair, Elizabeth Rowe, Sioned Saunders, Sarah Scowen, Steve Simmonds, Thomas Sutcliffe and Alex Tomkins.   Credits include West End musicals such as The Commitments and The Lion King, work with numerous high-profile companies such as the National Theatre, Regent’s Park and the Rude Mechanicals as well as TV roles on Wire in the Blood, Dalziel and Pascoe and Coronation Street.   Musical Direction is by Ben Goddard, Choreography by Tim Jackson, Design by Hayley Grindle, Lighting Design by Paul Anderson, Sound Design by Emma Laxton, Voice Coaching by Charmian Hoare and Matthew Dewsbury is Casting Director.   Made in Dagenham – The Musical has a book by Richard Bean, music is by David Arnold and lyrics by Richard Thomas. Based on the Woolley/Karlsen/Number 9 Motion Picture. This production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited. Tickets are from £12.50 - £30. Call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or book online.