MADE IN DAGENHAM Searches For West End House; Gemma Arterton Is Top Pick For 'Rita', Fall 2014?

After starring as "Rita" in two workshop productions of the musical adaptation of the film MADE IN DAGENHAM, Gemma Arterton is officially the producers' top pick to star in the show when it comes to the West End.

The Daily Mail reports that backer Stage Entertainment is meeting with theatre owners to scout a Fall 2014, mid-sized house for MADE IN DAGENHAM's stage debut. Once the production finds a home, the show's team will begin negotiations with Arterton for the lead.

The Mail's Baz Bamigboye writes: "I hear that Gemma's 'jumping' to play Rita and is 'eagerly' looking forward to hearing from Stage Entertainment, once they have a theatre booked."

Read the original report here.

The film originally starred Sally Hawkins as a machinist in Ford's Dagenham factory who ends up picketing the plant to end sexual discrimination and demand for equal pay in the late 1960s.

Rupert Goold directed the musical workshops. Made in Dagenham's creative team also includes book writer Richard Bean, composer David Arnold and lyricist Richard Thomas.

Arterton made her West End debut in The Little Dog Laughed in 2010. Arterton recently appeared on the big screen in Byzantium and Unfinished Song, as well as Quantum of Solace opposite Daniel Craig. Her upcoming projects include Runner Runner, The Voices, Mystery White Boy, The Wright Girls, The Pre-Nup, Gemma Bovery, Ned Rifle and more. Her other film and television credits include St. Trinian's, Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Lost in Austen, Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Tamara Drewe.

Photo credit: Simon Annand