‘Protesters’ take to the streets of Axminster

Placard carrying people called for ‘Equal pay for women’ - but it was all a bit of theatre

Axminster Musical Theatre pomotoe their upcoming musical show Made in Dagenham outside The Guildhall. Picture: CONTRIBUTED - Credit: Archant

Shoppers in Axminster were caught off-guard last Saturday by what appeared to be a protest demanding ‘Equal pay for women’.

The flash mob of men and women took to the streets with placards and banners - dressed in Ford motor company coats and overalls - calling for equality in the workplace.

Axminster Musical Theatre pomotoe their upcoming musical show Made in Dagenham outside the West Street Co-op. Picture: CONTRIBUTED - Credit: Archant

But all was not what it seemed - the ‘protest’ was actually a staged event - promoting Axminster Musical Theatre’s upcoming musical show Made in Dagenham, which is set in 1968 during a strike at Ford’s factory in Dagenham.

‘Made in Dagenham’ is based on a true story surrounding the strike of 1968 that resulted in women being awarded equal pay with their male counterparts. The female workers at Ford’s Factory in Dagenham stood up to an industry dominated by men and as a result the government applied the Equal Pay Act of 1970.

The musical, with a stunning cast of high level performers, runs from November 13 to 17 with a matinee performance on the final day at Axminster Guildhall. Performances start at 7 30pm and the Saturday matinee 2.30pm. Tickets can be bought from The Archway Bookshop 01297 33595 or www.ticketsource.co.uk