The curtain's fallen on a successful South Cheshire theatre company's latest production, a musical production of 'Made in Dagenham' about fighting for equal rights.

The show attracted big audiences and was a huge success, once again featuring a talented cast from Crewe Amateur Musicals Society.

Heather in a previous production. (Photo: Heather Clark-Wilkinson)

Members rehearse twice a week and it takes many hours of practice to get the polished finish and high standard of performance which CAMS is renowned for.

And at the helm and often behind the scenes, is a talented woman who has been a member of the group since she went along to watch her mother take part.

Now, many years later, Heather Clark-Wilkinson is a talented actress in her own right, dedicating hours of her free time to CAMS, alongside her full-time paid job in internal events with Bentley in Crewe.

"I went to school in Sandbach and have grown up here," she said. "My mum's been a member since the 60s and I used to go along with her as a child.

"It's my second stint as chairman and I absolutely love it," said Heather, who will also be auditioning for a part in CAMS' next production, 'Ghost'.

It takes many hours of rehearsals to put on the CAMS productions and as chairman Heather gets involved in every part of the work - from casting to rehearsals, chairing the committee of trustees dealing with theatre suppliers.

Heather was chuffed with how Made in Dagenham was performed recently at Crewe Lyceum. (Photo: Nub News)

But the work of CAMS comes second nature to Heather who has been going along since she was a baby when her mother took her along to rehearsals.

She said: "CAMS knows me from a tiny baby and has seen me grow up to take on my role as chairman."

And it's something of a family affair for several members of Heather's family get involved. For Made in Dagenham, Heather's father-in-law played the part of Monty as also got involved with the stage set.

During Heather's two stints as chairman, she's led the group to receive six awards including best comedy performance in a musical.

"We're proud of what we do and what we've achieved," she said. "We have so much talent and acting skills locally, we're very fortunate.

"We also have a great venue, Crewe Lyceum to perform at. We're very lucky."

At the moment, in between shows, the spotlight will fall on CAMs monthly committee meetings, held at the White Hart at Hough but casting will start in the summer for the next production, 'Ghost' which takes place from 15th - 18th April 2026. soon .

So what does Heather do when she's away from her full-time paid job at Bentley and the CAMS work which is voluntary?

"I love watching shows like 'Strictly Come Dancing' and seeing the glitz and the glamour, watching how the show is put together."

In the meantime though, Heather is taking a well-earned rest until things hot up again with CAMS and rehearsals for 'Ghost' start in the summer.

"It's hard work but we all love CAMS. It's one big family and we all help each other," said Heather.

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