WHAT a great choice the Island Savoyards made in bringing Made in Dagenham to life at Shanklin Theatre.

The theatre company specialises in musicals and this one was a rousing feel-good funny show, but couldn't have been more topical.

It centres on the campaign for equal pay for women, which was famously brought to the public attention by the female machinists at Ford in Dagenham, Essex, who went on strike in 1968 after being declassified — an action which led to the Equal Pay Act 1970.

Made in Dagenham was first a film, released in 2010, and then taken to the London stage. Although it closed six months later, it has since proved a popular choice for theatre companies, so it was good to see it performed on the Island.

The Island Savoyards couldn't have handled it better. A bold statement I know, but it was hard to find an element to criticise. After seeing the opening night on Thursday, over the Easter weekend I bumped into several people who had seen it, and thought the same.

An ensemble cast meant there were several great roles, too many actors to mention here (sorry!), but not one duff performance.

The main character was a fictional one, Rita O'Grady, played by Harley Mackness, and the night really did belong to her. She was on stage most of the night, with a huge script, and she channelled the spirit of the feisty heroine perfectly.

Her husband Eddie was played by Luke Cumberpatch, who put in an emotional performance — particularly heart-rending when singing The Letter.

Rob Steel-Bingham channelled Donald Trump, all orange hue and coiffure, as American Ford boss Mr Tooley, which was a great touch, and Amanda Barnley was a brilliant Barbara Castle.

Well done to director Anthony Wright, musical director Andrew Woodford, the orchestra, choreographer Jake Alabaster and the team behind the fantastic set and costumes.

The next show to be presented by the Island Savoyards will be Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, on July 28 and 29.