Thurles Musical Society (TMS) is all set to stage the hit show ‘Made in Dagenham’, which opens in the Premier Hall, Thurles on Tuesday evening next, March 28th, and runs until Saturday April 1st.
Three years after it had been originally billed, this brilliant show, (latter centred around a strike in the Ford factory in Dagenham in Essex, London, dramatizing the Ford sewing machinists strike of 1968, and aimed at obtaining equal pay for women), is all set for the stage, with Director Oliver Hurley having collaborated with Musical Director Mary Rose McNally and Dance Captain Siobhan King, to bring this stunning piece of theatre to life.
TMS had originally planned to stage this show in 2020, but Covid 19 put paid to their plans. Thankfully the majority of the cast and chorus has returned for this run, with a number of notable additions as well. In fact, almost a cast of sixty will don costume for the show, bookings for which can be made through Gr8events.ie or at Bookworm, Thurles from Thursday March 23rd – Saturday 25th, between 11:00am-2:00pm.
There is huge interest in this production locally and it is anticipated that many regular show goers will travel from distance to enjoy what is still, a relatively new show. Patrons are encouraged to book tickets early, so as to secure the seat you wish to have.
Among the main role players are Fiona Delaney (Rita), John Hayes (Eddie) – (John is also joined on stage by his children Éanna and Fiadh) – Brendan Bailey (Harold Wilson), Linda Ryan (Barbara Castle), Barry Derby (Monty), Frank Tuohy (Tooley), Peter Donnelly (Barry), Therese Murphy (Sandra), Mary Callanan (Beryl), Denise King (Claire), Siobhan King (Cass), Nina Scott (Connie), John Butler (Mr Hopkins), Cole Flanagan (Cortina Man) and Deirdre Hayes (Lisa). There are also roles for Geraint Fyler, Peter Stockborough, Finbarr Shelly and Gerard O’Hagan – it is indeed a big cast.
The set and stage are in the final throes of preparation by Anthony Kirby (Stage Manager), Rita Dempsey (Stage Director) and their teams, while the orchestra members under the guidance of Mary Rose McNally are also fine tuning their work.
In total, there will be well over 100 people involved in this production– a real community event and Thurles Musical Society is most appreciative of all the support received so far. Anyone wishing to submit subscriptions or patronage would be very welcome to do so – simply place your sub into an envelope and address to Thurles Musical Society, Hickey’s Pharmacy, Liberty Square, Thurles.
So make sure to get along to the Premier Hall next week and witness a great piece of local theatre right on your doorstep.
[Prepared to be entertained, but please note the show does contain some strong language.]
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