Made in Dagenham at the Abertillery Met

If you like your theatre with heart, humour, and a well-earned fist in the air, Made in Dagenham at the Abertillery Met Theatre promises a night that hums with energy and purpose.

Perched right in the centre of Abertillery, the Met is one of those venues that feels woven into the town itself. Intimate, welcoming, and full of character, it brings audiences close enough to catch every raised eyebrow and defiant grin. It’s the perfect setting for a story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Presented by Brynmawr Musical Theatre Company (BMTC), this production carries the spirit of the South Wales Valleys onto the stage. BMTC is a long-standing, community-driven group known for producing high-quality musical theatre while staying rooted in inclusivity and local pride. Drawing performers from across the region, from Nantyglo and Ebbw Vale to Abergavenny, Cwmbran and Port Talbot, the company blends talent and community spirit into something genuinely special. Their ethos is simple but powerful: create ambitious productions while keeping theatre accessible and affordable.

Made in Dagenham, with music by David Arnold, lyrics by Richard Thomas, and a book by Richard Bean, is based on the 2010 film of the same name. It tells the true story of the 1968 Ford sewing machinists’ strike, following Rita O’Grady as she unexpectedly becomes the voice of a movement demanding equal pay. What unfolds is a lively mix of sharp humour, stirring songs, and moments of real emotional punch.

This production is lifted even higher by an 8-piece live band, giving the score a rich, full sound, and by strong, soulful singing that brings both the rousing ensemble numbers and quieter moments to life. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re quietly holding your breath.

I went along with Pamela Rose, who presents the Curtain Call show on Newport City Radio every Saturday morning at 10am, a programme packed with music from the world of theatre. Between us, we covered the full emotional spectrum, plenty of laughs, and more than a few moments that genuinely stirred something deeper. It’s that rare kind of show that entertains while quietly reminding you why the story matters.

In a venue like the Met, that journey feels immediate and personal. The audience becomes part of the story, sharing in the camaraderie, the setbacks, and the triumphs.

This production runs until Saturday 18th April. Go and see it if you can!

By Kym Frederick