Pajama Game

This show has fallen out of favour with societies for some years now so it was nice to see a revival. 

The script is not the most inspiring and the whole show has a slightly dated feel about it.  However TOPS did their best to inject some sparkle into it.  Matthew Capp was very good as Sid Sorokin, he has a voice to die for and the songs in this show gave him the chance to show it, which he did to great effect.  Emma Lambert (Katherine ‘Babe’ Williams) returning to the stage after an absence of 5 years, showed us that she still has the charisma and voice for the leading roles, welcome back Emma!

Simon Lambert (Vernon Hines) brought out the anguish in the jealousy of the character.  Joe Drury (Prez) seemed to struggle with his singing, I suspect a cold and if that was the case, well done for carrying on. Nicola Harrington-Smith (Gladys Hotchkiss) had a great accent and a strong personality on stage. Simon Mann (Charley) sustained his character throughout.  Vanda Mercer (Mabel) brought some nice character to the part.  Bill Patten (Myron Hasler) was suitably grumpy which was exactly as it should be.   The rest of the named cast worked well to bring out the characters.

I found some of the scenes confusing and, although I have seen the film and have watched it many times, I have not seen the show before.   Trying to see the show through the eyes of someone who has not seen either made me realise that the plot was not that easy to follow.  The choreography is not credited in the programme and seemed to be, largely, copying that of the film.  I, particularly, found the choreography in the picnic scene very confusing.

The scenery was limited but perfectly adequate for the production and the venue.   The costumes were, in the main, of the period but the shapes of the day were not necessarily suited to some ladies.   The full skirted dresses were beautiful, but not always flattering and, sometimes, wearing Capri pants is not the best option!

Lighting and sound were good and, overall, the audience seemed to enjoy the production.

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