Portlaoise Musical Society are delighted and excited to move into sixth gear as they look forward to the opening of their spectacular 2023 show Made in Dagenham, sponsored by Downeys Autostop, at Dunamaise Arts Centre, from Saturday, November 18 to Saturday, November 25
A special ISL (Irish Sign Language) assisted show will be held on Monday, November 20.
The award-winning Portlaoise Musical Society are set to blow the roof off Dunamaise yet again with this West-End smash-hit musical comedy, brought to life by a talented cast from Laois and beyond.
Audiences can be prepared for laughing, crying and wanting to sing-a-long and dance in the aisles. What really makes it stand out is the fact that it was inspired by a true story.
On 7th June 1968, 187 women walked out of Ford’s Dagenham plant in London, led by several key women: Rose Boland, Eileen Pullen, Vera Sime, Gwen Davis and Sheila Douglass.
These women really did strike fear into the hearts of the political leaders and a lot of hardship for management at Ford.
The women really wanted their technical skills used to make seat covers be ranked at the same grade as their fellow male workers.
Following a strike and intense pressure, the women’s activism was fundamental to Barbara Castle passing the Equal Pay Act in 1970, for which women had been fighting for decades. This truly was a ground-breaking historical moment for women’s rights.
This year’s production has an incredible pedigree with a 55-strong talented cast. Clara native Aoife Digan takes the lead role of Rita O’Grady who leads the strike at the Ford Dagenham factory.
Aoife is treading the boards again in Portlaoise after playing the part of Eilidh in last year’s production of ‘Sunshine on Leith’.
Aoife has played several other roles with musical societies across the Midlands in productions such as All Shook Up, Sunshine on Leith (in Birr) and First Date and she will next play the part of ‘Little Sally’ in Urinetown with Athlone Musical Society in March 2024.
Aoife’s co-star is Eoghan Fingleton, who plays the part of Eddie, the husband of Rita O’Grady who feels hurt that his wife is never home anymore due to her striking responsibilities.
Eoghan, a native of Ballyfin is a graduate of the Irish College of Musical Theatre and has won numerous AIMS Awards including ‘Best Male Singer’ for his portrayal of Judas in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ for Portlaoise Musical Society in 2015.
With accessibility in mind, Portlaoise Musical Society together with Dunamaise Arts Centre want to welcome all to enjoy music and the arts.
On Monday, November 20, a special performance will feature Sign Language assistance, which will be instructed by Mary Guest, who was responsible for making Portlaoise the first amateur Irish musical society to embrace such an endeavour in 2022!
Dunamaise Arts Centre will also have senior staff trained as sighted guides to support people with sight and visual impairments.
Written by Richard Bean (of One Man, Two Guvnors), original score by Grammy Award winner David Arnold (Sherlock, James Bond) and lyrics by Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer the Opera). Made in Dagenham in Portlaoise is being produced by a stellar team including Director Art McGauran, Musical Director Mary Rose McNally and Choreographer Stephanie Browne.
Chairperson JJ Tynan is looking forward to the society’s 2023 production and said: “We are thrilled to return to the stage after our sell-out Irish premiere of ‘Sunshine in Leith’ last year.
“Made in Dagenham is a story that encapsulates the struggle for women’s rights and through it, we embark on a journey of inspiration and reflection as we honour the indomitable spirit of those who fought for equal pay.
“Audiences should be prepared for a wonderfully funny, lively show and we guarantee a week full of energy with lots of enjoyment for those on the stage and those watching.
“To Richard Downey and all our patrons and sponsors thank you for believing in the power of the arts and for championing our cause.
“Your generosity and commitment have allowed us to continue spreading the power and positivity of the arts throughout our community and beyond,” added JJ.
Portlaoise Musical Society, established in 1999, were winners of many awards over the years including most recently A.I.M.S. ‘Best Overall Show’ with Titanic – The Musical in 2019 and ‘Best Overall Show’ (Runner-up), ‘Best Visual’ and ‘Best Actor’ (Shane Kelly) with ‘Ragtime-The Musical’ in 2020!
The society were also Runners-Up at the 2023 AIMS Awards for ‘Best House Management’, ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ and ‘Best Technical’.
Tickets for Made in Dagenham are priced €22 and on sale from Dunamaise Arts Centre.
