THE battle for equal pay is set to take centre stage in Solihull as ‘Made in Dagenham’ the musical is announced at the Core.
Half a century on from a famous pay dispute involving the women sewing machinists who battled Ford for equal pay, Solihull on Stage are preparing to bring the story of the historic strikes to the borough.
Made in Dagenham the musical, which will run from April 24 to 28, tells the story of the women who walked out of Ford’s Dagenham plant in 1968 after they were told they would be paid significantly less than men.
Suzanne Brittan, who plays the key character of politician Dame Barbara Castle, who took the fight to Parliament, said: “The strike by the women workers at Ford Dagenham was a major factor contributing to the first legislation passed in the world to end pay discrimination between men and women – The Equal Pay Act.
“Made in Dagenham the musical is an upbeat account of the women at the plant overcoming the prejudices of their family, management and political system in the fight to be recognised as skilled workers.
“As well as its serious message, the show has plenty of lighter moments and lively numbers that reflect the fun nature of the music scene of the time. There’s something for everyone in this uplifting and funny show.”
Tickets are available from www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0121 704 6962.
