Gemma Arterton will star in the musical adaptation of Made in Dagenham, which premieres at the Adelphi Theatre on 5 November 2014 (previews from 9 October). Directed by Almeida artistic director Rupert Goold, the show has a book by Richard Bean (One Man, Two Guvnors) with music from David Arnold (musical director of several Bond films and the Olympics closing ceremony) and lyrics by Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer: The Opera).
Made in Dagenham dramatises the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968 that aimed for equal pay for women. The film was released in 2010 starring Sally Hawkins.
The production will star Gemma Arterton in the lead role of Rita O'Grady, with Adrian Der Gregorian (Sweet Smell of Success, The Woman in White) as her husband Eddie. Arterton appeared in the workshop version of the show in 2012, and said: "It's an important story that I'm passionate about telling, and we intend to tell it with wit, warmth and, of course, a lot of singing and dancing in this production."
Joining Gemma Arterton and Adrian Der Gregorian are Steve Furst playing US Ford Executive Mr Tooley, Mark Hadfieldas Harold Wilson, Sophie-Louise Dann playing Barbara Castle, Sophie Stanton as Beryl, Heather Craney as Clare, Sophie Isaacs as Sandra, Julius D'Silva playing Ford Dagenham boss Mr Hopkins and Naomi Frederick as his wife Lisa.
Also joining the Made in Dagenham cast are Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Thomas Aldridge, Kate Coysten, Christopher Howell, Scott Garnham, Ian Jervis, Paul Kemble, Emma Lindars, Jo Napthine, Tracey Penn, Gemma Salter, Gareth Snook, Rachel Spurrell, Emily Squibb, Karli Vale and Rene Zagger.
Director Rupert Goold said: “We have in this show some of the best original music around and a cracking script and to know that it will be performed by this multi-talented, wonderful, diverse, rowdy bunch of actors makes me keener than ever to get into the rehearsal room.”
Directed by multi-award winning Rupert Goold (Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre), Made in Dagenham has a book by Richard Bean (writer of One Man, Two Guvnors), music by BAFTA and Grammy award winning composer David Arnold (James Bond series and Little Britain) and lyrics from Olivier Award winner Richard Thomas (Jerry Spring The Opera).
Olivier Award-winner Bunny Christie (Curious Incident) will design with choreography by Aletta Collins (His Dark Materials at the National Theatre).
Directed by multi-award winning Rupert Goold (Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre), Made in Dagenham has a book by Richard Bean (writer of One Man, Two Guvnors), music by BAFTA and Grammy award winning composer David Arnold (James Bond series and Little Britain) and lyrics from Olivier Award winner Richard Thomas (Jerry Spring The Opera).
Olivier Award-winner Bunny Christie (Curious Incident) will design with choreography by Aletta Collins (His Dark Materials at the National Theatre).
