Meet the Essex girls who changed the world!

Maryport Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society has become one of the first amateur companies in the world to gain the rights to Made in Dagenham – the Musical.

Based on the 2010 BAFTA-nominated film of the same name starring Bob Hoskins, Sally Hawkins and Miranda Richardson, it depicts the real life story of the 1968 Ford Dagenham sewing machinists’ strike that aimed for equal pay for women and was a trigger for the passing of the Equal Pay Act of 1970.

The lively musical score includes foot tapping tunes such as Made in Dagenham, Viva Eastbourne and the show’s strike anthem, Everybody Out.

The main character of Rita O’Grady is played by Zoe Robertson.

Zoe played the title role of Gypsy in MAODS centenary production in 2013.

She said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Rita. This 1960s homemaker and factory worker was ahead of her time and was a crusader for equal rights, supported by the girls in the factory."

These girls included Beryl (Sandra Wilkinson) and Connie (Susan Houghton).

Rita’s husband Eddie, a Ford Dagenham factory worker is being played by Luke Matear who delighted audiences in the lead role of Sam in Ghost last year.

The cast is made up of 20 people ranging in age from 11 to 60, including Spotlight on MAODS members Luka Anderson and Beth Smith who are playing the roles of Rita’s children Graham and Sharon.

Members from other amateur groups in the area have also come along to be involved in this first for West Cumbria.

The production runs from Wednesday June 1 to Saturday June 4  in the Carnegie Theatre, Workington at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12, available from the Carnegie box office on 01900 602122 or online at www.carnegietheatre.co.uk

Parental guidance is advised due to strong language.