7 July 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students/Annwyl Rhieni, Gwarchodwyr a Myfyrwyr
Made in Dagenham!
If you were lucky enough to get tickets to our summer production of Made in Dagenham you will have been blown away!
When our Expressive Arts team screened the trailer reveal at the end of our Christmas concert 2025 there were probably many people who, like myself, we’re not massively familiar with the musical. But what an absolute corker it turned out to be!
The Music and Drama departments were simply overwhelmed in January by the number of students wanting to audition for roles in the show. After making some very difficult decisions, they have worked tirelessly, rehearsing 3 to 4 evenings per week, to produce an absolutely magnificent performance. Made in Dagenham had an additional meaning for some of the older cast members because this was the musical that was originally planned for the Covid summer of 2020. Not only did the students have the opportunity to relive the show, but they were now taking on lead roles.
Made in Dagenham had a very powerful message to deliver. Drawn from the real life 1968 sewing machine strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham, it follows the leader of the strike, Rita O’Grady, as she encourages the women of the Ford factory to walk out after they are re-classified as unskilled workers, whilst their male counterparts see their wages increase.
After Rita is patronised and snubbed by the factory at a union meeting, the women’s grievances over their workers status turn into a fight for equal pay. Determined not to be treated like the poor relation, the women vote unanimously to strike and encourage the women at the Liverpool factory to strike also. However, when the American bosses fly in and layoff over 5,000 men as a result, including Rita‘s husband Eddie, cracks begin to show in the women’s solidarity.
Risking her marriage and friendship, Rita continues her efforts for equality and gives a rousing speech at a televised trade union conference, leading to the passing of equal pay within the union. Ultimately, the strike was influential in passing the Equal Pay Act of 1970.
Many people have commented to me during recent months, and particularly during the week of the show, how wonderful it is that Llanishen High School always strays from the beaten track when selecting their school production. Long may that continue!
I don’t know where to begin when commending the students. Every single one of them was faultless, passionate, caring, talented, and endlessly energetic! The cast were stunning. The Orchestra was stunning. Mr Grimstead, Mrs Brown, Mrs Cumpstone, Mr Wolverson and Mr Fox were stunning. We wish Mrs Cumpstone a very happy and healthy maternity leave and we wish Mr Wolverson all the best for his new arrival due in the summer!
Whilst there are far too many people to mention on an individual basis, there are a few individuals that I would be remiss not to thank.
Thank you to Ruben Kelman who not only played the character of Harold Wilson with his customary charisma but also managed the ticket sales and distribution. Without Ruben they wouldn’t have been any bums on seats.
Thank you to Eve Payne, Grace Lee and Megan Strange for their role in leading choreography for some of the musical numbers. Dazzling!
Thank you to Elinor Maizey for leading the backstage team and for designing the stunning set. We wish Elinor well on her course at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in September. Elinor, if you’re available, we may need you next year!
Thank you to Freya Curtis who is our resident director. After supporting and directing some of the scenes within the show, Freya will be using her skills further in her university degree at the University of South Wales. Again, are you available next summer Freya?
Thank you to Joel White. Without him they would’ve been no lights! We are going to miss him massively when he takes up his exciting placement at LIPA university! Again, next summer Joel?
It is always a joy when LHS alumni join us. So, it was wonderful to have Rueben Smith back from university to lead the band mixing desk!
There are far too many staff who have helped in so many different ways to mention, but a massive shout out goes to Mr Thomas, Mrs Smith, Mr. Bradley and Mr Powell for giving up their time every Wednesday to be part of the wonderful Orchestra. Also, our PGCE Music student, Mr Snaith, who played trumpet in the band and has been invaluable in leading rehearsals. We wish you all the best for your new job at Cardiff West high school in September.
Behind the Scenes!
Before we leave, I also wanted to share some photos from behind the scenes on the opening night. When you spend an evening backstage with this lot, you really see the beautiful friendships and bonds that grow. These lot were so incredibly supportive of one another.
Garden party!
On the Wednesday evening of the show, we also hosted a stunning garden VIP pre-show event for Alumni from the Expressive Arts as well as our Governors and volunteers who give so much of their time to support the school.
Huge thanks go to Mrs Pettit and Mr Hurford for hosting us in the school garden. Mr Hurford – the garden has never looked better!
Mrs Pettit and her team of student chefs prepared a delicious menu of canapes, using produce from the school garden and polytunnel. Thank you to Denise Chiwoko, Evie Ingram, Emelia Stanley, Kaitlyn Seaman, Lexi Cole, Daniel Wells, Nia Parsons, Blake Davies and Eddie O Brien. Your culinary preparations and waitering were superb!
Finally, thank you to the wonderful audience! You make the magic happen. Thank you for the gift of your talented offspring. Until next year……
Thank you for reading/Diolch am ddarllen,
Mrs Sarah Parry, Headteacher