Made in Dagenham – The Musical will ‘stick with you forever’

The production of Made in Dagenham – The Musical will be staged by the New Garrett Theatre in Atherton and tells the true story of Ford sewing machinists who went on strike in 1968.

Their fight for equal pay changed history and it is their story that will be celebrated by the theatre group.

Leading lady Amy Gaskell, who plays Rita O’Grady, said: “It’s a show that everyone should see at least once in their lives, a true feel-good story with so much heart to it.

“It’ll stick with you forever.”

Leading lady Amy Gaskell plays Rita O’Grady (Image: New Garrett Theatre)

Made in Dagenham tells the story of a group of women workers at a Ford plant in the Essex town who went on strike in 1968 in protest against discriminatory pay.

The strike they led gained national and worldwide attention and would ultimately help pave the way to the Equal Pay Act of 1970.

The act outlawed less favourable treatment between men and women in terms of pay, employment and conditions.

The theatre group say its production is packed with memorable songs, humour and “sheer girl power.”

Some of the cast of Made in Dagenham – The Musical (Image: New Garrett Theatre)

They describe Made in Dagenham as “more than just a musical, it’s a celebration of the courage, determination and the power of ordinary women who achieved extraordinary things.”

The cast will be made up of talented people from across the local area with an age range spanning from 13 all the way to 80.

The New Garrett Theatre is a local community theatre group that has built a strong reputation for delivering award-winning, high-quality productions.

The theatre welcomes performers aged 11 and over from all backgrounds.

They say they work hard to play a vital role in Atherton’s cultural life, providing its members with opportunities to flourish onstage and audiences with memorable experiences.

Made in Dagenham – The Musical will be staged at 7.15pm from Wednesday July 22 to Saturday July 25 at St Mary’s Catholic High School and Sixth Form College on Manchester Road Astley.

Tickets can be booked online at tntg.co.uk.