IT’S a man’s world. But not for long... Dagenham, Essex. An ordinary woman fights for equal pay and achieves something extraordinary.

Crediton Society CODS has this week been staging the lively and enjoyable musical about disgruntled factory workers who took industrial action to get a well-deserved pay-rise.

“Made in Dagenham, The Musical” resembles a naughty “Carry On” film, with lots of jokes and laughter, colourful costumes and language.

It is based on the real-life Ford sewing machinists’ strike of 1968, and has a serious message underneath all the fun, one of equality between the sexes.

The story revolves around working mum Rita O’Grady (impressively played by Perdita Wright) who learns that her sewing team at the factory is going to be demoted to an unskilled pay grade.

Encouraged by her friends, especially the older employee Connie (played so well by Hazel Price), Rita tells the management that the women want to be paid the same as the men or they’re walking out.

The strike fills the ladies with confidence at first but times get tough and tensions grow between Rita and her husband Eddie (entertainingly played, in his first CODS role, by Andy Kirby).

Beryl (Heather Barlow) is that sweary woman we all know and can’t help but laugh along with, while Clare (Buffy Fouracre) is that slightly ditzy character who never seems to fully understand what’s going on around her.

Bridget Merrett was an impressive level-headed Barbara Castle and Paul Walker the wacky Harold Wilson.

Mike Canning played the arrogant, rich American who endlessly asserts his sense of superiority, somewhat cartoonish but fun to watch (and boo).

Other principal characters were Cass (Katy Vallance), Sandra (Sarah Carter), Lisa Hopkins (Steph Morgan), Bill (Barry Stimson), Barry and “Cortina Man” (Josh Pike) and Steve Morris who stepped in to play the role of Monty after Chris Barlow suffered an injury.

The opening night performance on Monday, April 10, was delayed in the second half for a few minutes after a member of the cast fell when coming off stage.

While treated off stage, the rest of the cast soon returned and carried on in stoic fashion but this did not detract from the outstanding performances presented.

The second night was sold out and saw a full standing ovation from the audience.

CODS have hit the right note with this musical, sold out on Wednesday night, one seat left on Thursday, and just a handful left for tonight, Friday and six seats remaining for tomorrow, Saturday, at the time of going to press.

CODS female members stepped up to the plate for this production and it has contributed to it becoming what is believed to be CODS best box office, ever.

CODS presented a high-energy, uplifting piece of musical theatre with bittersweet moments and a sense of gritty realism underneath all the 1960’s sheen.

Full of memorable songs like the catchy “Pay Day”, the sombre “Same Old Story” and the rousing “Stand Up”, the hard work and effort from all involved, on stage and back stage, made this show just the best from CODS to-date.

The show was a roller coaster of emotions for the audience and CODS members alike, but there could be no criticism.

It was spectacular and demonstrated that there is such a wealth of talent among the CODS team, so well done all.

Alan Quick