Pupils from Moreton Hall School, Oswestry, are currently hard at work in rehearsals, in preparation for their highly anticipated production of Made in Dagenham, with performances getting underway this week.
Made in Dagenham tells the true story of a group of courageous women at Ford’s Dagenham plant in the mid-1960s, who take on the mighty corporation to demand equal pay. Rita O’Grady leads the determined group and ignites a powerful movement for women’s rights and workplace equality across the United Kingdom. It is a heartfelt tale of defiance, solidarity, and the fight for justice.
Coming at a time when the recent appointment of Rachel Reeves as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, marked a significant moment in UK politics. Reeves made history as the first woman to hold the position and has since earned herself a strong reputation, particularly for her role in delivering the most recent UK Autumn Budget and has since been flying the flag for women in parliamentary roles.
Holly Harney, from Moreton Hall’s Lower Sixth, said: “Being a part of this inspiring production means so much to me. It is truly inspiring to tell such an inspiring story, and it’s amazing to see how our school supports us as young women.
“Moreton Hall is incredibly encouraging, with feminist societies and opportunities to explore what it means to be a woman today. Made in Dagenham is another example of how we’re encouraged to speak up, stand tall, and share our stories with pride. I’m so excited to be a part of something that empowers not just me, but all of us.”
Mr Michael Jenkins, Director of Drama at Moreton Hall, added: “This is a brilliant production that has all the important ingredients for a memorable musical – outstanding emotive scenes, vibrant musical numbers, and a powerful narrative. We are incredibly proud to present this production and retell the stories of the forward-thinking women from Dagenham.
“Based on a true story, it is wonderful to see our pupils engage with the history and their characters through their own research. Barbara Castle, the first female Transport Minister, represents a full-circle moment for us. While much has changed since then, there is still progress to be made, and I hope this production inspires our girls to follow in those ground-breaking footsteps and be the ‘first’ in their own right.”
The department proudly celebrated outstanding academic results this Summer, with every pupil achieving grade 9 at GCSE and A or A* at A Level. This unwavering commitment to excellence underscores the department’s role in shaping the next generation of accomplished actors and performers.
The production will take place in the state-of-the-art, Holroyd Community Theatre, Weston Rhyn, on the same site as the award-winning independent school. The curtain is up on December 3rd and runs until December 6th. Tickets are available now and open to the general public. To book yours, visit: www.moretonhall.org/dagenham
