Portlaoise Musical Society revs up for a spectacular show

There is great excitement as award-winning Portlaoise Musical Society launch their spectacular 2023 show – Made in Dagenham.

The musical comedy Made in Dagenham was inspired by a true story and based on a hit film, about the female employees of the Ford motor factory in Dagenham and will delight Laois audiences at Dunamaise Arts Centre from 18th to 25th November.

Made in Dagenham’ was first a film in 2010, which then went on to become a West End musical. The story centres around Rita O’Grady who became the representative for women. She was a normal wife and mother who wanted to stand up for what was right. 

She encounters discrimination and sexism along the way but sticks to her guns, much to the disappointment of her husband, Eddie, who cannot cope with his wife ‘neglecting’ her domestic role.

Members of the society, along with the committee and show’s Director Art McGauran hit the ignition on their forthcoming show at their first fundraiser of the year – a Table Quiz at Lily’s Bar Portlaoise on Friday, April 21 at 7.30pm

With Ford being very much at the forefront of the show, for the launch, a beautiful Sunset Red vintage Ford Cortina GXL was kindly offered to the society for display on the night, by Bernard Kilbride who is a member of the Ballinakill Vintage & Classic Car Club, who regularly hold charity events around the county.

Chairperson JJ Tynan is looking forward to the society’s 2023 production and said: “We were thrilled to return to the stage last year with our sell-out Irish premiere of ‘Sunshine in Leith’ and can’t wait for the season ahead. Made in Dagenham is a wonderfully funny, lively show and we guarantee a week full of energy with lots of enjoyment for those on the stage and those watching! The music is really uplifting with our talented crew, we are confident of, yet again, raising the roof off Dunamaise Arts Centre”! 

Portlaoise Musical Society extend an invitation to new members to come along and join in this years show. The society are organising workshops with the show’s production team shortly for anyone interested in joining them on stage, to come and get a snapshot of what to expect.

On Monday 8th May, the show’s  Director Art McGauran and Musical Director Mary Rose McNally will conduct a workshop on music and drama at Holy Family School from 7.30pm. Also on Wednesday 10th May, Choreographer Staphanie Browne will conduct a workshop in dance at the same venue from 7.30pm.

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Auditions will then take place on Sunday 14th May and audition pieces can be requested by emailing: portlaoisemusicalsoc@gmail.com .

Portlaoise Musical Society, established in 1999, were winners of many awards over the years including most recently A.I.M.S. ‘Best Overall Show’ with Titanic - The Musical in 2019 and ‘Best Overall Show’ (Runner-up), ‘Best Visual’ and ‘Best Actor’ (Shane Kelly) with ‘Ragtime-The Musical’ in 2020!

The 2023 A.I.M.S. Awards take place in Killarney from 16th to 18th June and Portlaoise Musical Society are hopeful but awards are not top of the agenda for the group as the number one priority is enjoyment for all and Made in Dagenham, where enjoyment will be full and plenty! More details to follow of cast announcements and tickets on sale date.

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The Society thanks Lily’s Bar Portlaoise and Bernard Kilbride of Ballinakill Vintage & Classic Car Club.