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."
Gemma Arterton recently starred as the Duchess of Malfi in the inaugural production at Shakespeare's Globe's Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Her other stage credits include The Little Dog Laughed. She is known for her film roles, which include St Trinian's, Quantum of Solace and Clash of the Titans.
Made in Dagenham has design by Bunny Christie, with choreography by Aletta Collins. It's produced by Stage Entertainment, Glass Half Full Productions and Just For Laughs Theatricals.
