Rita O'Grady leads the 1968 Ford sewing machinists strike at the Ford Dagenham plant, where female workers walk out in protest against sexual discrimination, demanding equal pay. The strike is successful and leads to the Equal Pay Act 1970.
Made in Dagenham is a 2010 British film directed by Nigel Cole. The film stars Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson, Rosamund Pike and Jaime Winstone. It dramatises the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968 that aimed for equal pay for women. The film's theme song, with lyrics by Billy Bragg, is performed by Sandie Shaw, herself a former Dagenham Ford clerk.
According to the Daily Mail, Gemma Arterton played the lead role of 'Rita' in a workshop production of the musical adaptation of the film Made in Dagenham. There is not yet a London theater or deal drawn up for a full production, but the Mail reports that Arterton has expressed her 'keenness to move ahead with the project.' The show is aiming to take the stage in about a year. (more...)
According to Baz Bamigboye for Daily Mail, a new musical based on the movie, 'Made in Dagenham,' is on its way to the West End in 2013. James Bond score writer David Arnold is on board to write the music for the show, with Richard Thomas writing the lyrics. A reading was held earlier this week, and a full workshop is set to take place in February. (more...)
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