Huge congratulations to everyone involved with ‘Made In Dagenham’! We are so proud of all who worked tirelessly to ensure we presented such a professional final performance! We have been blown away with the feedback and comments from the audience who are comparing our school musical to professional productions they have seen!

The Drama and Music departments want to commend the students for their focus and determination! Since the return from Easter break, the students have rehearsed constantly, juggling big rehearsal commitments with their busy school schedules! We definitely have some talented “busy women” here at Presdales School!

On reflection, ‘Made In Dagenham’ was such a perfect first musical to launch with, the central messages resonating so importantly with the talented, promising students presenting it. This definitely was felt by audience members who commented that they were moved to tears with empowerment as much as with sadness for the O’Grady’s marital struggles.

As a team, we felt so privileged to work with such talented performers – they may not realise how they supported us with their energy and imagination! The leading ladies communicated so powerfully and, when they joined to sing their memorable numbers, there was no shying away from ‘What We Want’! Female students confidently embodied male roles with maturity and with great effect. The large chorus worked brilliantly throughout, ensuring the big musical numbers provided energy and created atmosphere to get the audience up on its feet by the finale with ‘Stand Up’. The fact that we could perform with a live student band was fantastic; they were so patient in technical runs and performed beautifully each night, even improvising some sound effects for us! The lead male role was performed by Ted Goodchild who perfected the best ‘Dad Dancing’ we ever dreamed a 17 year old boy could!

We must acknowledge Niamh Jacobs, a year 12 student, who undertook a huge lead role as Rita O’Grady! Niamh was a natural in rehearsals and quickly convinced us that she was a mother caught up in something she was so passionate about! Niamh Jacobs is an incredible actress and singer who definitely has the potential to be a known name in future years!

Drama and Music have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating on our first Musical! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us along the way and thank you again to all who came to see ‘Made In Dagenham’!

Miss Mack, Mrs Hetherington, Miss Ringer and Mrs Fehmi

Drama and Music Departments   

A big thank you to Amy Pozzilli, Year 12 photography student, for taking the fantastic photographs.