Formerly known as Maghull Amateur Operatic Society
The Pajama Game
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Performed at The Little Theatre,
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There were no write ups in this programme |
Rehearsal photos One | Two | Three
Reviews: Champion
Official Show photos One | two | three
Cast
Hines
................................................................. Neil Butler
Prez
....................................................................
David Cox
Joe
.................................................................. Ian Culshaw
Hasler
...........................................................
Tony Adamson
Gladys
.........................................................
Jacquie Padden
Mable
............................................................. Chris McCabe
Sid
............................................................... Adrian Roberts
1st Helper ........................................................... Phil Makin
2nd Helper
........................................................ Bob Cleverly
Charlie
.......................................................... Jim Donaldson
Babe
.................................................................. Elaine Cox
Mae
............................................................. Natalie Metcalf
Brenda
................................................................ Sally Lane
Poopsie ........................................................ Sarah Culshaw
Salesman
......................................................... Eric Fletcher
Pop
.............................................................. Danny McKillop
Factory Workers
Thelma Adamson, Matt Casson, Becky Clark, Beth Cleverly, Ingrid Cleverly, Gill Culshaw, Jack Davidson, Gaynor Hale, Alex Holmes, Jane Keal, Carol Kennedy, Emma Liu, Lyndsey Lyon, Joyce Perrin, Michaela Roberts, Alison Rusling, Audrey Russell
Director ............................................................... Betty Hall
Musical Director ....................................................... Jill Hyde
Choreographer ............................................... Sarah Bentham
Additional Choreography ......................................... Betty Hall
Production Co-Ordinator .......................................... Betty Hall
Rehearsal Pianists .............................. Andrew Standeven, Paul
Williams, Nick Tudor
Stage Manager .............................................. Andrew Connard
Stage Crewe .................... Jon McMullan, Les Gommersall, Laura
McDonald, Michael Clarke, Pete Beswick & Nick Evans
Flyman .............................................................. Colin Hayes
Costumes ................................................ Charades St Helens
Continuity ...................................... Pam Ashcroft, Isobel Clark
Scenery & properties ............................... Scenic Properties Ltd,
Brompton Suffolk
Resourcing properties ......................... Tony & Thelma Adamson
Ticket Secretaries ....................................... Dave & Elaine Cox
Front of House ...................................... Friends of the Society
Programme Design .............................................. Ian Culshaw
Publicity ....................................... Members of the Committee
Photography ...................................... Becky Clark & Dave Cox
For the Little Theatre
Sound .............................................................. Bernie Howat
Lighting ............................................................... Tony Berry
The most fun you can have in pajamas...
First produced in 1954, nobody anticipated the success of the Pajama Game with its unlikely storyline of striking workers against a drab factory setting, yet it became an instant hit on both stage and screen and has been constantly revived ever since.
Today, although inevitably dated, it still survives, chiefly on the exuberance of the music. In this production, under the enthusiastic direction of Betty Kent [sic], the Maghull Musical Theatre Company made the most of it with so great singing and dancing.
Elaine Cox in the Doris Day role of the flirtatious Babe Williams, exuded great stage chemistry with her lover, Steve [sic] Sorokin, played by the agile Adrian Roberts.
The trouble is, Babe is the leader of the Grievance Committee seeking a pay rise and Sid is the factory Superintendent so, when she immobilises the factory machinery, he is forced to sack her.
But their romance rekindles and their duet in "Hey there, you with the stars in your eyes" was the outstanding number of the night.
Dave Cox strutted happily around the set trying his luck with various women in his role as the philandering union president Prez.
Jacqui Padden enjoyed herself as the seductive secretary Gladys, especially in the ethereal ballet scene where she entertains various 'lovers' until confronted by her indignant suitor Vernon in the shape of Neil Butler.
Tony Adamson, sporting luxuriant head of hair, was in fine form as the factory boss, Mr. Hasler.
Highlight of the show was the Hernando's Hideaway scene with the cleaver lighting showing off the striking black and red costumes to perfection with the dancing and music bringing the stage alive and adding colour to the proceedings.
Jill Hyde led an excellent 10 piece orchestra and Sarah Bentham's dance routines were skillfully executed by a large cast at Southport’s Little Theatre.
Maybe the first half could have been reduced a trifle from a 90- minute marathon but once the funky 'Steam Heat' opened the second half, the pace never dropped and the show ended on a triumphant high as the cast paraded in their pyjamas.
Maghull always put on a fine, entertaining show. Watch out for their Wizard of Oz in November.
Champ verdict 3.5 out of 5 a fun night out.
Review by Ron Ellis