THERE'S a red flag flying over the Victoria Hall this week.

And don't be too surprised to see a burning bra or two hanging from the flagpole as well.

Politics, profanities and a perfectly-sized piece of social history are being served up this week by the talented cast and crew of Selkirk Musical Theatre Company.

Be warned though, Made in Dagenham is a steer away from the normal Victoria Hall productions.

Peppered with sexual innuendo and shop-floor f's, it's not exactly a family-friendly night at the opera.

But it is a damn good show - and a foot-tapping reminder of the swinging sexism of the late 1960s.

For anyone who enjoys those wonderful kitchen-sink dramas of the decade - A Taste of Honey, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, or Poor Cow - this is for you.

Although, in fairness, at times it feels more Sid James than Shelagh Delaney as the humour and slapstick of Carry On provide plenty of laughs.

And for anyone, like myself, who doesn't already know Made in Dagenham the Musical, don't despair... the songs, like the early Ford Cortinas, are instantly adorable.

Kirsty Cleland has all the allure of a young Rita Tushingham as she enchants, enthrals and entertains in the lead role.

As a strike-leader and long-suffering wife, the Galashiels actress is both convincing and commanding.

And the ever-reliable Stuart Mitchell, who plays hard-done-by husband Eddie, has to be at the top of his game not to be outshone.

But, in true socialist fashion, Made in Dagenham the Musical isn't just about the leads... everyone has their part to play - and how well they play it.

Tracy Borthwick is having a blast as the potty-mouthed Beryl.

And Amanda Blacklock is pitch perfect as the hapless Clare who attempts to keep up with the flow of double-entendres.

Ellen McFadzen, with her Viv Nicholson hair-style and shortening mini-skirts, is a delight as sassy Sandra.

And the shopfloor resolve is perfectly pitched by Ellen Halliday, as Cassie, and Julie Craig, as Connie.

Relationships, friendships and even governments are tested in this factual story which, historically, helped females eventually earn an equal footing when it came to filling up pay packets.

Robin Murray could challenge Mike Yarwood with his hilarious performance as Harold Wilson.

And he's regularly brought down a peg or two by the feisty Rachel Inglis as Barbara Castle.

Made in Dagenham the Musical is a battle of the classes as much as the sexes, with Jodie Millar and Yvonne Mitchell providing some gentrified grace.

The dialogue is a delight, the foot-to-the-floor pace is perfect, and the choreography, costumes, straight from Carnaby Street, and score makes sure this is a production that will strike a chord for decades to come.

But for any musical production to be a success, it needs songs.

From the brilliant opening scene, this show doesn't disappoint.

Busy Women, Everybody Out and Viva Eastbourne are nothing other than tremendous encore numbers that bring out the very best of this talented cast.

But perhaps the highlights are Julie Craig's sensational take on the riveting Same Old Story, Rachel Inglis reaching the high notes in the incredible Ideal World, and the delightful duet of Stuart Mitchell and Kirsty Cleland with the making-up masterpiece I'm Sorry, I Love You.

Made in Dagenham the Musical is a celebration of women fighting for their rights.

While it succeeds, this move away from the comfort zone is more of a testament to just how good Selkirk Musical Theatre Company has become.

If you haven't yet got your tickets... join the picket line quickly and don't be disappointed.

Made in Dagenham the Musical runs every night this week at 7.30pm with an additional matinee performed on Saturday at 2pm.

CAST

Rita O'Grady - Kirsty Cleland

Eddie O'Grady - Stuart Mitchell

Graham O'Grady - Callum Crooks & Ruaridh Anderson

Sharon O'Grady - Lucymarie McEvoy & Poppy Davidson

Clare - Amanda Blacklock

Sandra - Ellen McFadzen

Beryl - Tracy Borthwick

Cass - Ellen Harding

Connie - Julie Craig

Monty - Raymond D'Agrosa

Barbara Castle - Rachel Inglis

Harold Wilson - Robin Murray

Mr Hopkins - Jodie Miller

Lisa Hopkins - Yvonne Mitchell

Mr Tooley/ Chubby Chuff/ Aide - Craig Douglas

Sid/ Cortina Man/ Adams - Kyle Fairbairn

Bill/ Mr Buckton - Billy Rooney

Barry/ Gregor Hubble - Ross Aitken

Ron Macer/Aide - Steve Oliver

Ensemble - Tracey Mullholland, Karen D'Agrosa, Sara Young, Kara Roberts, Donna Dodds, Amy Thomson, Eilidh walker, Michelle Donaghy, Logan Fairbairn, Rebecca Fairnie, Zoe Hood, Molly MacFarlane, Anthea Mennie, Elishia Little, Carys Thomson, Kris Dodds & Adam Nichol.

BAND

Keyboard - Derek Calder

Keyboard - Cath Cormie

Keyboard - Jessica Bennett

Reeds - Sam Lord

Reeds - Paul Cormie

Trumpet - Stuart Kemp

Bass - Kit Petry

Drums - Graham Borthwick

Percussion - Pamela Toward

CREW

Grant Brown, Derek Brown, Kerry Brown, Andrew Hood, Jimmy Gibb, Sandy Monks, Jason Fairbairn, Caleb Gibb & Justin Gilchrist.