A COUNTY-based theatre group is inviting audiences to relive a significant moment in the campaign for women’s rights in the UK.

Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society’s (KODS) latest musical production, Made in Dagenham, tells the true story of the Ford sewing machinists who walked out of the car manufacturer’s Dagenham plant in 1968 to fight for a skilled pay grading.

The strike identified unequal differences in pay between men and women and led to the creation of the 1970 Equal Pay act, which still exists today.

A spokesman said: “The plot follows housewife and machinist Rita as she unexpectedly finds herself leading the fight for equality. Challenged by government, Ford management and male colleagues from the factory, the musical documents how the Dagenham ladies overcame their struggle to secure equal pay for future generations of women.

“The musical is based on the 2010 BAFTA-nominated film of the same name, which featured a star-studded cast led by Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins and Miranda Richardson. It’s West End debut in 2014 saw Gemma Arteton perform the lead role.”

The cast started rehearsing in October 2018 and have since been working to capture the historical accuracy of the events and characters involved.

Sue Doran, Director, said: “It’s a challenging production and very different to the musicals KODS has taken on before.

“The cast is working really hard and I am extremely proud of all the effort they have put in so far. “

Performances will take place at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, from Monday March 11 to Saturday March 16 .

Tickets are available from The Rose Theatre box office, 01562 743745 or online at www.rosetheatre.co.uk