Book by Richard Bean
Music by David Arnold
Lyrics by Richard Thomas
Based on the Woolley/Karlsen/Number 9 Motion Picture
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International
Performance materials are supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk PIMLICO OPERA THE PRISONERS & STAFF OF HMP
5-9 MARCH 2025
Supporters of the Project
Costing around £200k, the project receives no government funding. 1/3 comes from ticket sales, 1/3 charitable trusts, 1/3 kind individuals.
TRUSTS
Michael Bishop Foundation
Capital Group
Linbury Trust
Ingram Trust
Mackintosh Foundation
Childwick Trust
Dischma Charitable Trust
De Laszlo Foundation
Andrew Sutton Trust
Brewster Maude Charitable Trust
EHB Trust
The Tansy Trust
Mageni Trust
Noel Buxton Trust
The Foxley Trust
Please support the next two years of work in prison
Join online grangeparkopera.co.uk/prison/
HOUSE OF LORDS
Mr & Mrs Jonathan Boyes
Mark & Rosemary Carawan
Dr Roger Donbavand
Amanda Leathers
Ruth Markland
James & Sarah Sassoon
Hugh & Catherine Stevenson
The Tschanz family in memory of Stephen Gotsztony
HOME SECRETARIES
Bill Bourgourd & Judith Thomas
John Derrick & Preben Oeye
Ray & Vida Godson
Ian & Clare Maurice
Mr George Meagher
Mr John C Pearson
Ali Smith
Fiona Squire
JUDGES
Sir Gerald & Lady Acher
Mr Jasper Barnes
Mrs Margaret Bolam
Bill Bougourd & Judith Thomas
Marie & Etienne Deshormes
Audrey & Stephen Hofmeyr
Mr & Mrs Joshua
William & Felicity Mather
Lady Parker
Ed & Sarah Peppiatt
The Percy family
Viv & Nigel Robson
Victoria & John Salkeld
John & Maxine Samuels
Carolyn Saunders & Richard Ford
Richard & Helen Sheldon
David & Margaret Walker
GOVERNORS
Christopher & Molly Beazley
Mr & Mrs Boothby
Riccardo Calzavara
Mr Austin Erwin
Alastair Gillies
Will & Janine Hillary
Sophie & Guy Holborn
Madi & David Laurence
Sarah & David Melville
Nina & Gary Moss
Sara Nathan & Malcolm Singer
Mr Cedric Pierce
Katherine & Dominic Powell
David Stanton
Maria & Julian Sturdy-Morton
John & Carol Wates
Peter & Tessa Watkins
Tom & Elaine Yeo
and two anonymous donors
JAILBIRDS
Abu Khamis
Charles & Rhona Atterton
Stephanie Bamford & Dr Mark Wilkinson
Yuki & Tom Beardmore-Gray
Lorraine Bell
Francis Carpenter
Sue Clark
Tom Clementi
Eleanor Cranmer & Nick Thomas
Ms Julie Devonshire
Philippa Drew
Mrs Claire Durtnall
Mr Campbell Edgar
Dr Julia Ellis
Leila Ettehadieh
Ismay Forsyth
Nigel & Bernie Foster
Alex Freeman In memory of Glenys
Dr Rosalind Given-Wilson & Prof Paul Collinson
Michael Gordon
Ms Angela Hakim
Alastair & Vanessa Hammerton
Richard Hanson-James
Mr Andrew Hine
Clare Hoskins
Marion Howells
Alister La Bella
Jenny & Mike Lavin
Charles & Sue Marshall
Alison & Chris Mason
Mrs Sarah Matthews
Eloy & Letitia Michotte
Martin & Marion Motz
Isabella Murray
Kathy Mylrea
Pamela & Bruce Noble
Ms C C Paddock
Judy Perry
Jan & Mike Potter
Sabine Preston
Mr & Mrs G Pye
Michael Ross & Jennifer Kelly
The Scoones Family
Mark & Louise Seligman
David & Jane Shalders
Mr Ashley V Silverton
Mr & Mrs Teague
Paul & Wendy Tobia
Miss Mave Turner
In memory of Johnny Veeder QC
Sue Waldman
Lady Walker
Justine Wall
Gabrielle de Wardener
Katie & Christian Wells
and five anonymous donors
CREATIVES
DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER Lizzie Gee
MUSIC DIRECTOR Bethany Reeves
COSTUME DESIGNER Bek Palmer
LIGHTING DESIGNER Warren Letton
SOUND DESIGNER Bertie Pugh
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER Dale Baxter
ASSISTANT to DIRECTOR Helen Siveter
ASSISTANT to MD Phil Bateman
CAST
RITA O’GRADY Jodie Jacobs
HAROLD WILSON / MR HOPKINS
Christopher Howell
MR TOOLEY Steven Serlin
EDDIE O’GRADY Jack Beaty
BARBARA CASTLE
Jacqueline Hughes
MONTY / CORTINA MAN
Chris Jenkins
Several roles Dale Baxter
BERYL Abigail
CONNIE RILEY Babs
LISA HOPKINS Marlena
SANDRA BEAUMONT Scarlett
CLARE Lorraine
CASS Minem
SHARON Teshira
MACER Chennelle and playing several roles
Andrea
Brenda
Cheryl
Claire
Joyce
Kayla
Roxy
Tatjana
Tiffany
PROJECT LEADER
Helen Sennett
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Gemma Brooks
STAGE TECHNICIANS
Declan Costello
Dominic Kelly
Chris Samuels with Harolyn
Anika
Constance
STAGE MANAGER
Samantha Kerrison
DSM Sarah Tien-Taylor
ASM Jenny Wood
CHIEF ELECTRICIAN
George Seal
Jake Lawrence deputy
Lizzie Donaldson deputy
WARDROBE MANAGER
Izzie Byers
COSTUME SUPERVISOR
Jessie McKenzie
WIGS & MAKEUP
Frances Hitchcock-Wynne with Sana
Ashleigh
Charlene Nicole
WITH THANKS TO Arena Seating
Scenic Projects Set
Christie Lites
Lighting equipment
Show Works
Sound equipment
Matthew Jackson
Keyboard programming
Pirate Crew Ltd
Band
ORCHESTRA MANAGER
Mark Lacey
KEYS
Bethany Reeves
Jeremy Cooke
Lindsay Bridgewater
GUITARS
Graeme Taylor
Andrew Taylor-Vebel
REEDS
Duncan Lamont
Mark Lacey
TRUMPETS
Frazer Tannock
Edward Maxwell
BASS Liz Bradley
DRUMS Martin Briggs
PERCUSSION Mark Taylor
THE FORD SEWING-MACHINISTS STRIKE OF 1968
Thestrike was a landmark labourrelations dispute which triggered the Equal Pay Act 1970. The women made car seat covers and as stock ran out car production at the Ford Dagenham factory halted.
Led by Rose Boland, Eileen Pullen, Vera Sime, Gwen Davis, Violet Dawson, and Sheila Douglass, machinists walked out on 7 June 1968 when their jobs were graded in Category C (less–skilled), rather than Category B (more–skilled) which earned 15% more.
The Dagenham machinists were joined later by the machinists at Ford’s Halewood plant.
The strike lasted for three weeks when the women’s pay was increased to 8% below that of men. Six years later, in 1984, there was a further six-week strike and women achieved the same grading as male workers..
The film Made in Dagenham, was released at the Toronto Film Festival in 2010. The musical premièred in London in 2014.
BIOGRAPHIES
LIZZIE GEE DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
AS DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (The Other Palace). AS CHOREOGRAPHER: A Face in the Crowd (Young Vic), Dr Strangelove (Noel Coward), Groundhog Day (Old Vic / Melbourne), Here You Come Again (Leeds/UK Tour), A Christmas Carol (Broadway/Old Vic/San Fran/ Melbourne/US Tour), Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (Old Vic), Little Shop of Horrors (Regents Park), Twelfth Night, Vernon God Little (Young Vic), Jack Absolute Flies Again, A Pacifist Guide to the War on Cancer, Rocket to the Moon (NT), Sound of Music, Present Laughter, Running Wild, Beauty and the Beast, Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Goodnight Mr Tom (Chichester FT), The Madness of George III (Nottingham), Frost/Nixon (Sheffield), Sunshine on Leith (Dundee Rep), Spitting Image, Mother Goose, The Miser, Upstart Crow, Man in the White Suit, Love Story, Daddy Cool, The Girls, Onassis, An Ideal Husband (West End).
BETHANY REEVES MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Bethany studied Music at Oxford University and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She started playing the piano aged two and since then has taken up a silly number of instruments including piano, cello, saxophone, clarinet, recorder, organ, accordion. Bethany works as a freelance collaborative pianist and musical director and one of her favourite parts of every week
is coming to Bronzefield on Friday afternoons and leading the weekly music sessions INTERESTS swimming, pottery, watercolour painting, and running her small homemade cards business Bethany Ella Cards, through which she raises money for charities.
WARREN LETTON LIGHTING
DESIGNER
Warren works as a Lighting Designer, Programmer and Associate Designer on productions in the West End and for international tours for Cameron Macintosh, Royal Opera House, RSC.
RECENT WORK includes Old Friends (Broadway & West End DESIGNER), Les Miserables Arena Spectacular (International tour DESIGNER), Phantom of the Opera (West End ASSOC LD), Come From Away (West End and UK tour ASSOC LD), Hamilton ( West End and UK tour ASSOC LD), Miss Saigon (US, Australian and UK tours, Vienna and Japan (ASSOC LD) PLANS include Phantom of the Opera (US Tour ASSOC LD), Miss Saigon (UK Tour ASSOC LD), Midsummer Night’s Dream (West End ASSOC LD). OPERA CREDITS
INCLUDE Grange Park Opera, Rambert Dance, Goteborg Opera, Bucharest National Opera, Scottish Opera, Longborough Opera and Royal Scottish Conservatoire.
DALE BAXTER
SEVERAL ROLES / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
I have been in the industry for over ten years and have been lucky to participate in many excellent shows.
I have enjoyed this process with the women immensely. I’m so proud of all them and I can’t wait to share the stage with them and share their hard work and incredible talent with the audiences. This show shall stay with me forever.
CREDITS include Dancer in Aida (Royal Opera House), Guys & Dolls (Bridge Theatre SWING / ASST CHOREOGRAPHER), Big Deal West Side Story (Leicester Curve), Eugene/Dance Captain Grease (UK tour), Ensemble Merry Widow (ENO) and Aladdin (Hackney Empire), Dance Captain/Ensemble Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Toronto), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park), Ensemble Bugsy Malone (Lyric Hammersmith), Starlight Express (Bochum), Jack & the Beanstalk (Hackney Empire).
JACK BEATY EDDIE O’GRADY
I am lucky enough to have had a great career so far in theatre, film and tv, but nothing will compare to my experience here in Bronzefield. Theatre credits include Billy Elliot, Guys & Dolls, Carousel. INTERESTS cooking for my loved ones, gym, swimming, film.
I’m so proud of each and every one of the women here. Watching them grow into this complicated show has been so special.
CHRISTOPHER HOWELL
HAROLD WILSON / MR HOPKINS
Christopher played Edna in the Bronzefield / Pimlico Opera production of
Hairspray in March 2020. WEST END CREDITS include five London Palladium Pantomimes, Sunset Boulevard, Gypsy, Hairspray (twice), 42nd Street, My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, Made in Dagenham, Stephen Ward, Wicked, Betty Blue Eyes, Too Close To the Sun, The Witches of Eastwick, Fame, Elvis, Buddy, Peter Pan, What a Performance OTHER RECENT CREDITS includes: The Sociable Plover, The Lightkeepers (Shanghai), the Parisian premiere production of Guys & Dolls FILM & TELEVISION: Semi Detached, 42nd Street, Made in the 80’s, Les Miserables, Kiss Me Kate, Phantom of the Opera, The Spadesman, Buddy, Driving Safely INTERESTS A proud dog owner and huge Star Wars fan.
JACQUELINE HUGHES BARBARA CASTLE
Jacqueline trained at the Guildford School of Acting. THEATRE CREDITS include Groundhog Day (The Old Vic), Wicked (London, UK and International Tours), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre and UK Tour), Hello Dolly (London Palladium). OTHER WORK includes pantomimes, workshops and voiceovers. Jacqueline is a performance coach / mentor.
JODIE JACOBS RITA O’GRADY
Jodie played Nancy in the Grange Park Opera 2015 production of Oliver! The original Nancy, Georgia Brown was Jodie’s cousin. She recently spent two years developing and performing in a
new british musical Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder before it transfered to the West End. CREDITS include Hello Dolly (London Palladium), Rock of Ages, Evita, Little Shop of Horrors, We Will Rock You, Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Made In Dagenham has been a career highlight, working with these women and superb colleagues.
CHRIS JENKINS MONTY / CORTINA MAN
THEATRE CREDITS include A Face In The Crowd (Young Vic), Boundless as the Sea, Miss Littlewood (RSC), Titanic the Musical (China Tour), Groundhog Day (Old Vic), Hex, Jack Absolute Flies Again (National Theatre), War of the Worlds (Dominion/UK tour), All That (King’s Head Theatre), The Arcadians (Wilton’s Music Hall), Candide (Opera Della Luna), Tick, Tick...BOOM!, The Burnt Part Boys (Park Theatre), Billy Elliot: The Musical (Victoria Palace), Spamalot (Playhouse), South Pacific (Barbican and UK tour), The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Gielgud), The Cradle Will Rock (Arcola). TV includes: It’s a Sin, Sanditon.
STEVEN SERLIN MR TOOLEY
Steven played Ali Hakim in the Grange Park Opera production of Oklahoma! A character actor for over 35 years, he has starred in many West End musicals including Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, The Wild Party, Heathers, Piaf, Hairspray. He has a strong career in pantomime, delighting audiences as the Baddie in over ten productions. In his teens, Steven played on Wimbledon Court No 1 in the finals of the county tennis championships. Sadly he didn’t win.
“I
t is the prisoners’ curtain call on the first night that never fails to surprise and move me. Their faces express utter bewilderment. They are aghast. For much of their lives they have been reprimanded but in front of them this evening, 300 people are applauding. Music can work miracles”
WASFI KANI FOUNDER
ABIGAIL BERYL
I am 35 from Rochester, Medway, Kent. I have been in prison well over a year now and near the end of my time. This was a fantastic opportunity to get me of my comfort zone and achieve something so incredible and be released on a real high and a lifetime great memory I will never forget. I love singing, dancing, acting, even growing up at school as part of a choir in school plays. I push myself to the best of my ability. This has been a learning curve. The performers and actors are brilliant to work alongside. And I thank them for all really welcoming and teaching me to be the best I can. A memory of Bronzefield I will never forget. Thank you.
ANDREA various roles
I’m 42 and grew up in West London. I’m a mum of 6 and I’ve been in prison for 6 months, serving a 5 year sentence. This is my first time of being in a theatrical programme. On the first day of rehearsal I never know what to expect, but I was so happy to find out that I would be a part of a show. Being in this show has built up my confidence and has kept me out of trouble with officers. I’ve always enjoyed acting at school, but always been told by my Mum I cannot sing. So I was very nervous when it came to singing and dancing but I feel so comfortable working alongside the group of girls I’m with. This is an amazing dream come true. This is such an amazing experience and I’m so
honoured that I was selected to be a part of this production. I’m just going to have fun with it and make the team and my family proud.
BABS CONNIE
I’m from Holland. Growing up, I was always singing and dancing. Jazz, ballet and my barbershop choir were my life. This is the opportunity to fully express myself and learn so many skills. Pimlico gives us that, working together in a team. To really put ourselves out there. No shame, no regrets. Meeting all the people involved in this project and working alongside them for 5 weeks, being a part of their world, is such an honour. I hope we’re gonna smash it and give everyone the best night of their lives. And as we say in Holland “Toi toi toi!”
BRENDA various roles
I am 44-years-old and have been in plays as a kid and did study Performing Arts at college. I jumped at the chance of being in this production. It has been really fun and rewarding, and I have made some really good friends and great memories along the way. It has been an amazing experience which I will remember for a long time to come. Thank you to all the people who made this happen.
CHENNELLE MACER / various roles
I am a 45-year-old youngish lady from NW London which was an experience in itself. One of those places in London that
makes you grow up. Strong and afraid of nothing in life. Doing this production is It is a stimulating and very productive way to channel all the extra energy I conduct from having ADHD. When I was younger, I used to imagine myself in different places and situations and now, doing this production has allowed me to put the imagination into reality. It would be nice if others could go through this highly recommended experience in their lives. It’s also a way for me to forget I’m behind these walls and bars.
CHERYL EMMA / v arious roles
I’m 53 and from London. When I was young I loved dancing. My parents used to tell me, when they would play their reggae music, I used to turn my plastic bath over and stand on it and start dancing. I believe I was only 3. I love music. Being on remand is tough as I’m still waiting on my sentence. I was here back in 2017 and I was in the production of Sister Act. Seeing what goes into the shows has been a great experience. It has boosted my creative side and it also helps in building confidence and has further developed my vocal range. I love coming to rehearsals and coming together as a team. Working with the other women, I have made some good connections whilst doing this. It also has helped with keeping me busy, keeping my mind occupied. The time flies by quickly. I would like to thank everyone that I have worked with. It’s been a FANTASTIC experience.
CLAIRE JO
I love the outdoors. Horses, horse riding, walking. I love reading. I love dancing and music. I love exercise classes and meditation. I love a good hug and a cuppa (tea and coffee). I love my Chapel Peer Support Worker job. Pimlico has brought and is bringing smiles, laughter, enjoyment and confidence. A smile from ear to ear.
JOYCE
various roles
I am 38 years old, born and raised in Islington, North London. I now live in Bournemouth, Dorset and have lived in this region for the last 12 years, following quite a lengthy sentence in 2013. I relocated there after successfully completing 6 months’ rehabilitation. This was a chance to take a risk and start afresh, where I had nothing to lose except my life, if I had stayed in London. This was a new beginning and a fresh start as I then moved on to volunteer in the treatment facility I resided in and that had saved my life. I also volunteered in other treatment centres in Bournemouth. During employment, I then successfully enrolled in college and completed A Level 2&3 Health and Social Care and this aided the next part of my journey and began paid employment working with vulnerable young adults and adults affected by homelessness, with complex needs, including addiction and mental health difficulty. I also gained employment in the perfume industry and successfully
progressed to management (managing a team of 15 – 18) while working as a support worker. This role also included recruitment and probationary interviews. I progressed in both employments for nearly a decade. However, my life started to unravel and became unmanageable. I have 3 children aged 20, 18 and 13. My youngest child has a long term terminal physical disability called muscular dystrophy, which is a muscle wasting disease, as well as my oldest child suffering severe mental health difficulties and at the time was in decline. My life gradually progressed to become very unmanageable as my children reside in London. My unfortunate relapse is what currently brough me back to serving in HMP Bronzefield, after staying clean and out of the system for over 10 years. Participating in this play, Pimlico has shown me a path change, as I have always wanted to perform. I have always been creative and played instruments including playing the violin, piano and recorder. Expressing myself has always been a big part of my life from a young age. The stresses of my children’s health, mortgage and having three jobs, took its toll. Participating in Pimlico has taught me a lot about myself. Pimlico staff and Bronzefield staff have been amazing. This opportunity has been a game changer for me. Thank you all for this opportunity!
early childhood, until the age of 18, to with the same group of children. It was
so far away from my home and family has been really tough, as prison life can seriously bring you down, even if you’re a generally bubbly person like myself. Singing and dancing have always been there for me when nothing else was and have brought me out of some dark moments. It’s refreshing to surround myself with such a talented and wonderful group of people that share the same love for the arts that I do.
LORRAINE CLARE
I’m 38 years old from Southampton where I’ve lived all my life. When I was at school I never had anything like this project, as I was the shy one. My best subject was P.E. That was what I thought I was only good at, but doing this project has built my confidence and shown me you can do whatever you want, when you just go for it. The best part about this project is learning new things.
Having gained GCSEs in Music and
music and drama as leading subjects, which was followed by attending
activities since I’ve been on remand
Unfortunately, the abuse I’d suffered “within four walls” in a relationship joyless experience. An additional
depression. I grew up with my father always respecting my mother so that was a very unfamiliar and deeply wounding experience. Ironically, people’s kindness within the prison environment and being among many women in a similar situation, (put down, “squashed”) started gradually “unblocking” me again. In small steps, I’m starting to slowly open up to playing the piano like I used to. The experience of taking part in Made in Dagenham is liberating and cathartic due to the subject at its centre. It brings back the passion, joy and fun I used to have while performing. There’s still a long way to go for me to regain healthy levels of self-esteem, but the experience of being in this musical has put me on the right path towards it. Thank you!
has brought some joy to an otherwise positive point for me is that my father was a night shift assembly line worker at Ford back in the 70s when I was a little girl, so the theme feels all the more personal and relatable to me. When he and my mum divorced, and life was difficult, it was always the performing arts that lifted my spirits. 40-odd years on, participating in Made in Dagenham in such an environment is once again lifting my spirits. Thank you Pimlico for bringing some love into a hopeless place and for all the patience and dedication. I hope the end result will please the audience as much as the rehearsals are bringing pleasure to me.
ROXY various roles
My name is Olesia but everyone calls me Roxy. I am from Portugal, I am 26 and have always wanted to be an actress. I have never had the opportunity to perform. When I was younger, I used to love to dance and sing. I moved to the UK five years ago. Being in a project like this has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to take part in this project to learn about
myself, learn how to express myself and to take myself out of my comfort zone. The best part of this experience is being around and working with professionals as well as other prisoners. It has been really enjoyable but at the same time hard in prison. It brings a sense of normality to our life in prison and takes your mind off being in prison. I am really looking forward to performing to my friends in prison and my family. This project has given me something to focus on and is allowing me to express myself, and I have learnt and am still learning a lot from this experience.
SCARLET SANDRA
I was born and raised in West London. I have always found acting very interesting and I love theatre and live acting. I always tend to find myself backstage and off the scenes, however, with Made in Dagenham, I was thrown right in and within 24 hours was given a main role. This was out of my comfort zone but I knew I could do it, therefore, I put my mind to it and done it. Extremely grateful for the experience and working with professionals, it’s a memory I shall never forget.
TATJANA various roles
I always dreamed to do acting, but never had opportunities. I had a bad childhood and sad life. I know plenty of actors and always wanted to be like them. Now when I have this opportunity, even if it’s only in prison, I’m definitely gonna take it. My time here has started to fly and I made new friends.
I’m loving it.
TESHIRA SHARON / various roles
I am 18 years old and I have been in jail for 5 years. I’ve had a lot of comments inside and outside of jail. For example, people like to say I’m dramatic, I should be in drama. I don’t know if that’s a compliment. I shall admit I do love acting. I am very quick with my witty jokes. This programme is an opportunity for me to expand my confidence and explore my love of acting. It has been a wonderful
experience. I am thankful I was seen as a good talent by my people around me. I am looking forward to performing in front of a big crowd. I’m a bit shy when it comes to things like this. I can’t wait to dress up. My inner child comes out. I cannot wait.
TIFFINI RACHEL / various roles
I’m a mother of two wonderful kids, of Guyana. Since I was young, I was always involved in acting and signing. After seeing Pimlico pop up on my timetable and learning what it was about, I think it was an honour to be involved. Yes, I might be in prison but this experience is life-changing. I get to learn British history, do something I love and be a part of something I always wanted to do.
Being a part of this Broadway show is a dream come true.
