Made In Dagenham: My Story

Dagenham was my first time on stage since leaving school over 50 years ago. And it only happened after one of the players asked for the help of men. They were short of old chaps to wander about looking windswept and interesting. So, as a friend, I agreed to help with the proviso. I had no lines, no dancing and certainly no singing. Oh, what a surprise I had coming! How easily I was played; cheers, Andrew Bell!

At the beginning of October, I attended my first rehearsal. I spent two and a half hours with Karen, Northern Life’s editor, who was also the play’s choreographer. I mentioned every few minutes that I’m not a dancer, just to be told, “Well, you’re here. You may as well do a bit!”

The following day I couldn’t walk as my knees had locked up. Three evenings later, I returned to the second rehearsal to explain I would have to drop out due to my knee problems. Karen was very kind and patiently explained, “Just don’t do that. You can do the other simpler dances.” I decided to see it through.

Then we got to meet Lisa, the singing director. Made in Dagenham has many songs and proper singers in the cast. She ensured we did vocal warmups, and we all learnt every song. Thankfully on show week, I didn’t have to wear a microphone!

“I MENTIONED EVERY FEW MINUTES THAT I’M NOT A DANCER, JUST TO BE TOLD ‘WELL, YOU’RE HERE. YOU MAY AS WELL DO A BIT!'”

By the time Christmas came around, we were all ready for a break, but I still tried to rehearse at home, reading the script as with the state of my memory, the words would have all disappeared. It’s an age thing!

After Christmas, we returned to it with a noticeable sense of things speeding up. You could see all the characters developing; songs were being sung better, some people weren’t carrying scripts, and we were getting placed on stage where props would eventually be. As a complete novice, imagining the scenery – the car and a band on stage with us wasn’t easy. We didn’t see all that until a few days before the performance began.

One of the things that surprised me backstage was the number of people who do the scenery, props and costumes—a fantastic bunch of men and women who have their own ballet going on behind the scenes. The scenery men and women have all sorts of obstacles to doing their job. The cast members are always in the way (sorry!), but without this band of lovely folks, the front of the stage wouldn’t happen.

Unfortunately, the show’s performers, dancers and singers were amazing to me, too many to individually name – very supportive with a wicked sense of humour. Even though I must have done their heads in at times by being in the wrong place or singing when not supposed to. Stevan Manley was a mine of information, always ready to answer my questions. I had many, including ones about makeup; I’d forgotten you must put that on.

So, show week arrives, but first is band call, then technical rehearsal. We were in the theatre for thirteen hours on Sunday the 19th of March. Monday the 20th, we did three and a half hours, and then the big day was Tuesday the 21st – the first show in front of a crowd. Nerves and adrenalin flowed, and I didn’t make any mistakes. I enjoyed it Wednesday; my wife Yvonne brought her mum and a work colleague to the show. Thursday was my worst day, as I missed my slot to go onto the stage for a song. Gutted, but the cast rallied my spirits. They all had tales to tell of similar things happening.

“THE LIFT YOU GET IS FABULOUS. IT’S LIKE BEING INJECTED WITH PURE ENERGY”

During Friday’s show, it all came together for me. I knew what I was doing and soaked up the crowd’s applause. Saturday came around, and all day I felt tired and somehow empty. But stepping on stage that night, the lift you get is fabulous. It’s like being injected with pure energy; knowing friends and family are there is a big help. The laughter and applause are like some mystical medicine.

The finale was very emotional. The audience loved it, and so did we. A few tears were shed to be washed away at the after-show party, which was very nice. All the cast, backstage staff, friends and family made it a memorable party.

Strangely by Monday, I had a feeling of “What now?” so I’m going to see if I can play a part in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – none singing and dancing, of course. What do you think the chances of that are? This will be shown in September. Keep your eye open for info.

The theatre is always looking for new members, in front or back of the stage, and stewards for the shows. Please don’t think you’re too old or your health issues will stop you. They don’t! I had some serious health stuff recently and struggled to breathe, but pacing myself and sitting down when possible, got me through. Give it a try. You will really enjoy it, and meet some fabulous folk. If you’re lucky and I’m still around, you can buy me a beer or two!

ColneLife Summer 23