MADE in Dagenham might not seem like the typical choice for a school musical production, but it was a perfect choice for the exceptionally talented cast of students at Queen’s College Senior School.

The show was packed with punchy musical numbers, a raucous script, wonderful acting, staging, costumes, and was backed up beautifully by the music and dance.

Set in Dagenham in the late 1960s, the musical follows the women of the Ford plant and their battle for equal pay.

The production deals with some complex issues, not to mention some complex key changes during some of the songs - but it was all dealt admirably by the cast.

India Lightwood led the performance, playing protagonist Rita O’Grady.

She truly did the women of Dagenham justice with her beautiful portrayal.

Her acting and singing were superb and she should be praised especially for remembering her long speech during the TUC meeting which she delivered with real passion.

India and the other female leads of the cast, especially a loud-mouthed Beryl portrayed by Charlotte Moreland and the brilliant Cass portrayed by Isobelle Desbrow - had you feeling the women’s struggles.

You really felt all of Rita’s emotions throughout the play and the anger and heartache was wonderfully acted out.

There was some superb singing and dancing during the show particularly during Made in Dagenham, Everybody Out and Stand Up.

But credit must be given to Katie Theobald for her outstanding performance as Barbara Castle - she truly brought the politician to life and her comical timing with Harry Hughes as Harold Wilson who again was superb, was absolutely spot on.

While this was a play focused on the fight of the females, the males of the cast really held their own too.

Their opening song was fantastic and there were some truly comical moves and great voices throughout.

George Wells gave a lovely performance as Rita’s husband Eddie and his solo near brought me to tears it was so touching.

Benjamin Jones perfectly played tight-fisted Ford boss Peter Hopkins and along with Nell Hemansbrook as his wife Lisa showed the differences between what was expected back then of a husband and wife.

Michael Franks was another star for me - he played each of his three roles perfectly, and his rendition of Made in America was a show highlight.

He had me laughing the whole way through with his spot-on accents.

Well done to all involved - there’s certainly some bright futures ahead for the talented students of Queen’s College.