The Pajama Game

It is a long time since I’ve seen this show and Bingley AOS certainly transformed an older show into something fresh and relevant to a modern audience whilst keeping the heart and soul of the original well and truly alive.  Paul Nowland, the choreographer/director looked at the 1950’s as inspiration for the look and feel of the show, and it was well and truly brought to life in a very colourful and imaginative way.

The central characters Babe and Sid were expertly played by Emma Jane Fearnley and Rob Durkin.  Both performers sang brilliantly and effortlessly, and they exuded confidence on stage.
Jonty Wilson made a super job of Hines and his wayward lady-friend Gladys was beautifully played by Ruby Hendry.

Chris Woodhead displayed plenty of cheeky sleaze as the skirt-chasing Union boss, Prez.  Victoria Hawkins was great as secretary Mabel. Factory boss Mr Hasler was well played by David Elliott - and the girls of the shop floor, Poopsie (Veronica La Via Bardgett), Brenda (Becky Stewart) and Mae (Emily Brook) all did a great job of leading the ensemble, adding individual colour to their characterisations. Salesman Max was played with charm by Society Chairman Rick Hoddy.  Garth Rookes was such a kind and agreeable man in the part of Babe’s “Pop”.

As the workers are nonplussed at the lack of a 7.5 cents an hour pay rise, the central drama unfolds with Babe and Sid finding themselves on opposite sides of the picket line.  As if this were not drama enough, the show finds time to take in a duet with a Dictaphone (superbly sung by Rob Durkin), a visit to the famous nightclub Hernando's Hideaway (brilliantly executed by Ruby Hendry) and a jolly pyjama parade finale!  With such a large cast on a relatively small stage, dance routines and big musical numbers were well organised and came across well with scene changes - and there were a lot of them - being worked quickly and efficiently too.

It is easy to forget that The Pajama Game has such a wealth of well- known musical numbers – Hey There, Once a Year Day, There once was a man, Steam Heat and 7½ cents but to name a few.

Musically, the show was very strong and the orchestra produced a great sound, under the control of the Societies new Musical Director Lucy Eyre.  Chorus work was well executed and featured some inventive choreography (by Paul Nowland), which must have been difficult in such a small space, and involved the use of a revolving stage, a moving tea trolley and a piano!  The production flowed along very smoothly, thanks to the effective use of the revolve, and was very well received by the audience.

Congratulations must go to one and all, but especially to Director/Choreographer Paul Nowland who had the difficult task of making this show come “alive” – and he certainly succeeded with this talented young cast.
 

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