'Amateurs' off to fine start in week's run of 'Pajama
Game'
Stuart Robinson star of toe-tapping musical comedy.
by Clodagh Jackson - Accrington Observer
A knife throwing demonstration and a fashion show, delightful song and dance routines combined with many scenery changes carried out swiftly and silently are just some of the ingredients which make Accrington Amateur Operatic Society's current musical - The Pajama Game - one of their most lively and outstanding productions.
The show got off to a fine start for its week long run on Saturday evening, the colour, sparkle and evident enjoyment of the whole company for their task being infectiously obvious. In fact the production is well up to the high standards which have been set by the society over the years.
The show it the right note as soon as the curtain rose to show the sewing room of the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory. A brief introduction is given by Stuart Robinson who, as Hines, the time and study man as the pajama factory, is able to utilise his many sided talents in this major role.
Not only is Stuart Robinson hilariously funny when the occasion demands but his pleasant singing voice and his lightness of foot when he is singing and dancing are a joy to see.
THE PERFECT PARTNER
He has a perfect partner in Gladys (Katie Birtles) who is both the boss's secretary at the pajama factory - and Hines's girlfriend. A scene which is to me the most memorable of the show is a "fantasy" conjured up in the mind of Hines. In it, he imagines life with Gladys against a background which is dominated by a bed covered with opulent purple counterpane and a scattering of sinful-looking purple cushions. In this scene, Gladys does a quick change from a slut of a housewife complete with curlers and cigarette and mopping bucket to a sensational siren with a large (very large) following of men!
Not only is Glady's transformation from slut to siren effected with amazing skill and speed, but her sinuous movements and slick dancing between herself and Hines build it up to a most striking scene.
KNIFE THROWING
Hines also figures greatly is a completely different scene - that of knife throwing. To appropriate dramatic music, he aims at an apple on his brave partner's head. Luckily his knife goes very wide of its target and away from the girl - who survives to eat the apple!
Sally Hartley as Mabel also has an important role which she plays with competence. She proves herself to be a nimble dancer and a good singer and humorist with a speaking voice which can be heard throughout the hall - which is quite a change these days in amateur shows.
Shirley Thompson as Babe Williams lends her own particular brand of vitality and charm to the role of leader of the ladies' Agreements Committee and girlfriend of Sid Sorokin (John Iddon) the factory superintendent. Shirley's large, flashing blue eyes and gay smile made her ideal for the part of a spirited, sincere and lovable girl, torn by her love for Sid and her loyalty to the Agreements Committee. John Iddon confidently handles his role as the factory boss. His singing of perhaps the most famous song from the show, "Hey, There", is superbly done.
CATCHY 'HEY, THERE'
In fact, out of the 15 songs sung during the first act it was 'Hey, There' which people were singing and whistling to themselves during the interval, proving the song has lost none of its catchiness over the years. 'I'm Not At All In Love', 'I'll Never Be Jealous Again' and 'Once-a-Year-Day' captured the hearts if the audience during the first act.
Terry Beck is well cast as Prez - he has an eye-catching song and dance scene with Jacqueline Gastall as Mae during the Union picnic.
The director of the Pajama Factory, Mr. Hasler, is played by Tom Slinger. He gives realism to the role of a tough businessman who refuses to give his workers the seven and a half cents rise they demand. "I'm a fighting man" he says, waving his fists. His short speech at the Union picnic when he claims that "Pajamas are at the crossroads", contains exactly the right mixture of humour and sincerity.
A repeat of 'Once-a-Year-Day' gives a rousing start to act two after the interval and this is quickly followed by another winner, 'Steam Heat' sung and danced by Gladys and the two steam heat boys.
'Hey, There' is sung again also this time by Babe, in plaintive mood.
Perhaps the most dramatic setting is Hernando's Hideaway which is at first merely revealed in glimpses by tiny green lights.
MINOR ROLES - BUT IMPORTANT
Among the cast of 16 more minor roles are capably played by Bill Woods as Joe; George Yates, first helper; Alfred Hoyle, second helper; Dennis Howson as Charlie; Christine Johnson as Brenda; Frances Wells as Poopsie; John Slinger as the salesman and Jack Riley as Pop.
The producer, once again, is Norman Entwistle, who has done another first class job; the musical director Mr Philip Newton and the dancing mistress Brenda Holgate.