Response
“Thank you so very much for giving my little sister the chance to perform in the show. I haven’t seen her so happy, healthy and focused as I did last night, and was overcome with pride and emotion all night, I still am this morning! Again thank you for all the hard work you all do, it truly is amazing. Never forget the difference you make to someone’s life.”
“What makes a great artist is a combination of great talent and great humility and you showed us both. Thank you.” Marlena, prisoner
“What an experience. It has changed my life for sure.” Cast member
“The high point of my entire professional career.” Cast member
“I’ll treasure this forever.” Brenda, prisoner
“Both outstanding and humbling.” Audience member
The project
This biennial large-scale project was, for the prisoners, an intensive, transformative experience of rehearsing for and performing in a West-End standard production, in front of a paying public audience.
After four weeks of intensive rehearsals (six hours a day, 3 February – 3 March), prisoners performed alongside professionals with a live orchestra for an unforgettable night.
The musical Made in Dagenham had its West End premiere in 2014. It is the story of the women making seat covers in the Ford plant at Dagenham who staged a strike for equal pay.
There were performances for other prisoners, for prison staff and for the public.
