BACK in the 1960s, women united in the name of equality and more than 40 years down the line, women are still marching to protect their rights.

Hence the story of Made in Dagenham still reverberates as loudly as its musical chorus.

With that in mind, the tale of how a band of women helped gain equal pay is being marched onto the stage in Adlington.

The women, and men, of St Paul’s Players are taking on the famous real life story next week.

Based on the 2010 film of the same name, Made in Dagenham is drawn from the 1968 sewing machinists' strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham, Essex.

The strike was influential in the passing of the Equal Pay Act of 1970 and the musical focuses on the leader of the strike, Rita O’Grady, as she encourages the women of the factory to walk out to demand the same pay as the male counterparts.

Director Stephen Blundell has teamed up with his daughter Lily to direct the production.

He said: “I’ve been in shows for 40 odd years but not directed for the last 10, so doing it now alongside my daughter is absolutely superb.

“The cast is terrific, it sounds fantastic and we can’t wait to get it on stage. I’m really looking forward to it.

“There is this incredible other story around it regarding men’s attitudes towards women.

“But it is a funny story, as well as some sadness, which makes it a great show.”

When the women go on strike, factory bosses respond by laying off the workforce, including Rita’s husband Eddie and cracks begin to show in the women’s solidarity.

Stephen adds: “As a family we saw the production in London and really wanted to do it.

“My wife Liz wanted to play the part of MP Barbara Castle but she has been in hospital so Lily is directing and taking on the part.

“Hopefully if she recovers well. Liz she might make the final night!”

Made in Dagenham runs from March 6 to 11 at the Adlington Community Centre in Railway Road. For tickets call 01204 407784 or www.stpaulsplayers.co.uk.