Spotlight on social justice
Strikes are never far from the news these days.
But a group of gutsy local performers are calling on audiences to come out and lend their support for their latest show at the Macrobert Arts Centre, centred around groundbreaking industrial action of yesteryear.
For Stirling and Bridge of Allan Operatic Society (SABOS), rehearsals are in full swing for their latest production,‘made in Dagenham the Musical’.
Based on the hit movie and inspired by a pivotal moment in British political history, this modern show is a fizzing fusion of catchy songs, feisty characters and gritty humour.
Readers may have seen the hit movie, or might even remember the 1968 strikes at the Ford factory in Dagenham, Essex, which brought about the long overdue Equal Pay Act of 1970.
The show’s heroine, Rita O’grady, is merrily juggling her responsibilities as an ordinary mother, wife and factory worker.
But life takes a dramatic turn when the women in the stitching room of Ford’s Dagenham car plant have their pay downgraded. Rita courageously leads her friends into battle against the mighty Ford Motor Company and the corrupt trade union who should be protecting them.
It’s an exciting journey – but Rita’s family needs her too. Can she win justice for her colleagues, indeed all working women, and still hold her marriage together?
A SABOS spokesperson said:“in light of the current cost-of-living crisis, SABOS and the company of Made in Dagenham are delighted to be supporting the vital local charity Start Up Stirling and will be collecting donations of food items every night at the theatre.
“More advice will follow on exactly which items are most needed, but all donations will be most gratefully received.”
In addition, SABOS have this year introduced a special offer so that even hard-pressed theatre fans don’t need to miss out.
Ten tickets have been released on a‘pay What You Can’basis for Made in Dagenham at the Macrobert Arts Centre on Tuesday, March 28 and Wednesday, March 29.
These will be issued on a first come, first served basis and are limited to a maximum of two tickets per household – but applicants will pay only as much they can afford, no questions asked.
To apply for this offer, readers are invited to email: sabosmusicaltheatre@gmail.com, or send a private message to @ SABOS Musical Theatre on Facebook.
Made in Dagenham the Musical is playing at the Macrobert Arts
Centre from Tuesday, March 28 until Saturday, April 1 at 7.30pm, plus a matinee on Saturday, April 1 at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost £19 and £17 for concessions with a group discount of £1 off each ticket for groups of 10 or more.