What Did the Critics Think of Made in Dagenham?

Now the musical has officially debuted on the West End stage, this week on the Simon Morris blog I ask what the critics thought of Made in Dagenham.

The Real Story of the Ford Sewing Machinists’ Strike of 1968

I’ve been waiting with baited breath for the release of Made in Dagenham. As I pointed out in a recent blog post, I held high hopes for it. The story is compelling and the score looked promising. In other words, it looked like a West End smash just waiting in the wings.

The musical, an adaption of a 2010 film of the same name, chronicles the real story of the Ford sewing machinists’ strike of 1968, when workers protested in hopes of securing equal pay. It stars accomplished actress Gemma Arterton in the lead role of Rita O’Grady; an ordinary woman turned into a leader by extraordinary events.

A Deeply, Unapologetically, British Musical

Made in Dagenham debuted at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on the 5^th November. The reviews are in, and as ever there seems to be somewhat of a mix.

There was plenty to like about the show. Paul Taylor at the Independent labelled it "a big-budget, even more crowd-pleasing, British musical," whilst the Evening Standard’s Henry Hitchings called it “a deeply, unapologetically British musical with a quirky, big-hearted charm." It was generally praised for its mischievous lyrics, amiable production, gag-infested book and feel-good vibe.

Sanitised in the West End

Yet these positives left some critics feeling as though the production lacked the substance that a musical about the struggle for women’s rights in the 60’s needs to make it resonate.

The Guardian’s Michael Billington suggested that despite the show boasting some positive elements, it "suffers from its caricatures, relentless jokiness and a functional score." In other words, he’s saying that it makes a good stab at representing feminism, but lacks passion and ultimately, substance. This is something echoed by the Morning Star, which said the show was “sanitised” in the West End.

A Thrilling Night’s Entertainment in the West End.

Ultimately, it seems as though the critics are saying that Made in Dagenham is hardly going to make Germaine Greer’s must see list anytime soon. Nevertheless, it’s a fun, big-budget affair that should provide a thrilling night’s entertainment in the West End.