Costing approximately €50,000 and involving around 100 people, Portlaoise Musical Society’s 2023 show ‘Made in Dagenham’ is revved up and ready to take to the stage of the Dunamaise Arts Centre.
This year’s show will run from Saturday, November 18 to Saturday, November 25.
“It’s a huge undertaking,” said JJ Tynan, a plasterer and coach of The Heath ‘mothers and others’ team by day and chairperson of Portlaoise Musical Society by night.
“My first time on stage was in 2014 when I was asked by a friend, Seamus Mulhare, to help out.
“I was a Roman soldier in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ It was only supposed to be for a few nights but it opened up a whole new world and I’m still involved almost ten years later and haven’t looked back,” said JJ.
With one of the longest performance runs by an amateur musical society in the country, at eight nights, the Portlaoise show involves a massive effort from everyone involved, he said.
“It takes care of the long dark nights. The rehearsals take place over three months and the fundraising requires a lot of time. Obviously directors are involved but everyone on stage and behind the scenes is there on a voluntary basis.
“We couldn’t do it without our sponsors and our main sponsor this year is appropriately Downey’s Autostop,” said the chairperson.
“We sit down in April/May, get feedback from the cast and apply for the performing rights. Once we have the show picked, we select the cast and from September to November, it’s full on.
“There is a cast of just under 60 with an absolute army working backstage and also at front of house.”
The West End smash hit musical comedy is based on the true story of the Ford female machinists whose 1968 strike paved the way for legislation on equal pay.
“It’s an historically factual show, a huge story with lots of comedy. There is some colourful language in case anyone is offended by that. It’s not meant to offend.
“It’s the language of its time in working class Britain. There is also a bit of tugging at the heart strings,” said JJ.
Clara native Aoife Digan (23) takes the lead role of Rita O’Grady who leads the strike at the Ford Dagenham factory.
Aoife played the part of Eilidh in last year’s production of ‘Sunshine on Leith.’ The primary school teacher in Edenderry has played several other roles with musical societies across the midlands.
Having been involved in youth theatre, she joined Clara Musical Society.
“I went over to Portlaoise to do the show last year and absolutely loved it and had to come back,” Aoife said. “I was very surprised to get the lead role. It’s a mammoth one but very enjoyable.
“I love my character. She has a fire lit under her. She rallies all the women to go on strike for equal pay. She is funny, very determined. She’s very caring and looks after the girls in the factory.”
Devoting so much time to a role and performing for so many nights while continuing to work is tough going, Aoife acknowledged.
“I get very tired but I love it and am willing to do it. Everyone in Portlaoise Musical Society has been so welcoming, offering me accommodation or other help. It is the best group. We will have to have an easier few days in school next week,” she laughed.
Aoife’s co-star is Eoghan Fingleton from Ballyfin who plays the part of Eddie, Rita O’Grady’s husband who is discommoded by his wife’s absence from home due to her striking activities.
Longstanding member Alex Cathcart plays Mr Tooley, a Ford executive from Texas.
Claire Carroll and Olive Maher are veterans of the award-winning Portlaoise Musical Society, according to JJ.
“Out of the 23 productions, they have only missed a handful,” he said. Olive’s daughter, Lauren is also involved in this year’s show as is Alex’s daughter, Aoife and former secretary Hilary Treacy’s son, Ollie.
The production team includes: director: Art McGauren; musical director: Mary Rose McNally and choreographer: Stephanie Browne.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
A special ISL (Irish Sign Language) assisted show will be held on Monday, November 20, having been introduced last year by Hilary Treacy who was supported by the committee in her bid to make theatre more inclusive.
While the normal curtain call is 8pm, this year it will be 7.30pm for the opening night and other nights apart from Sunday, 19, and Saturday, 25, when it will start at 6.30pm.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Tickets cost €22 including booking fee and can be purchased by clicking here.
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