Pyjama Game

The Pyjama Game is one of those shows which features some excellent music but is not nearly so strong in the dialogue department. Having seen it several times I find it over heavy on script which tends to slow the pace of the action. The Pajama Game is a musical based on the novel 7½ Cents by Richard Bissell and opened in 1954 on Broadway. The subject, labour difficulties, was of course a hot topic at the time.

Producer-Director Janet Bird who is very experienced in this role made the most of the piece and was ably assisted by Musical Director Sian James and Choreographer Claire Tomkinson.

The opening number “Racing with Clock” is an excellent opening for a musical although it was done slightly slower than I have seen it previously. It introduced “Hines” (Neil Alveston) the time and motion study man and set the tone for the resultant union problems and the high profile grievance committee led by leading lady “Babe” (Paula Hunter). Plant Superintendent Sid Sorokin (Matt Harvey and Babe are soon the love element and came over well in their respective roles Although Matt who is more of an “actor” found the songs a little above his natural range, in general he managed to put them across.

Bringing their individual talents to the show were Tony Lacey (Prez), Lee Griffiths (Hasler), Joanna Barker (Gladys), Jean Sanchez (Mabel), Sue Rannard(Mae), Judi Jones (Brenda), David Bradley (Pop)and Francesca Anyon (Poopsie). The latter named also danced with two other ladies Gladys-Joanna Barker and Molly Adamson in “Steam Heat” which was excellently done by all three.

The principle cast was well supported by the “Factory Workers” and Dancers and the backstage crew without whom no show would ever reach the stage. Well done to all.

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