The Pajama Game

Well as an opener let me first congratulate Beccles Public Hall for a remarkable transformation as we enter the newly refurbished and modernised entrance foyer to the Public Hall...What an opportunity to display show photo’s and perhaps create an atmosphere to enhance a show...future productions/producers take note!

This show sparkled with tremendous singing and movement from the chorus and principals from the outset with a well conceived opening sequence to ‘Racing with the Clock’. This energy continued throughout with some really well delivered and memorable numbers such as ‘Once a Year Day’, ‘I’m Not In Love’ with Babe and the Girls, ‘Sleep Tite’ with the whole Company. Then in Act Two A hot and raunchy opener ‘Steam Heat’ from Mae and the Steamers and a sleazy but atmospheric ‘Hernando’s Hideaway’ with the  Gladys (Sarah Cook) and the Company. The outstanding Company work was a highlight of this production.

Ian Cook as Sid Sorokin gave his usual polished performance and made us believe he was indeed the conscientious middle management voice as the Superintendant of Sleep Tite Pajamas: We enjoyed his ‘Hey There’ (You With the Stars in your Eyes), ‘Small Talk’, and especially the  reprise to ‘Hey There’ dueting with Babe (Emily Holt) who was equally strong in her vocals and no more so than her opening number with the Girls ‘I’m Not At All In Love’. This pair delivered strong vocals in their many numbers and worked hard at the story line of romance denied through workplace status and politics! Babe, as the Union Grievance Committee Convenor, perhaps lacked a little maturity in her dealings, and just maybe the age gap left Sid a tad reticent to be really confrontational, no doubt influenced by his feelings for her...he did however ‘let it go’ when he delivered a real Alan Sugar style,“ You’re Fired !!”, when Babe deliberately sabotaged one of the sewing machines! I would have liked a bit more made of the Union feisty even dirty politics that underpin the storyline. Their mutual affections however did eventually emerge with an excellent coming together (kiss moment!) which drew audience Awhhhs...

Adding a very necessary touch, (ok more than a touch!) of humour was Prez Rubenstein ( Jason Lambert) who at first sight was so ott that he appeared irritating; BUT we began to look forward to his entrances and there was a ripple of laughter which grew each time he appeared; his Southern drawl and laconic delivery was something to savour together with his long suffering equally endearing ‘partners’. Also offering a humorous aside was Vernon Hines (Tommy McGee) the ever efficient and frustrated  time study man, who with Mabel Ellis ( Debbie Lambert) certainly gave a new meaning to jealousy as portrayed in their number ‘I’ll Never Be Jealous Again!’. Well who wouldn’t be jealous of  Poopsie ( Helen Roscoe) nicely portrayed, and shame she didn’t have a song to herself! Martin Clarke made the most of his part as the overbearing  Sleeptite Factory owner Hasler.  

Other principal parts were well portrayed adding depth to the talented team as mentioned; and I liked the Company  having identifying names, which helped them get into character, which they all did with style.

The minimal staging was a minor disappointment with mostly Blacks and raised rostra but the stage Pros. ‘Button motif’ was a nice touch and the ‘home made’ knife machine worked a treat! Costumes were of the era and particularly the extravagant and colourful Company deserving the accolades! A fun show well delivered.

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