THE PAJAMA GAME. To 10 May 2008.
London.
THE PAJAMA GAME
words and music by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross book by George Abbot and Richard Bissell.
Union Theatre 204 Union Street SE1 0LX To 10 May 2008.
Tue- Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat 3pm.
Runs 2hr 2 min One interval.
TICKETS: 020 7261 9876.
www.uniontheatre.org
Review: Geoff Ambler 22 April 2008.
Industrial relations and relationships were never so harmonious.
Another fringe musical gem deserving a visit has arrived at the diminutive Union Theatre. Hidden two minutes from Southwark tube, under rail arches, with its eclectic seating and friendly bar; set against the rattling of passing trains and run by people passionate about their art, this unique theatre maintains the high reputation of London’s fringe theatre scene, always punching above its weight and winning time and time again with productions superior to many on offer in venues benefitting from funding, luxury and location.
Set in a pajama factory running towards an industrial dispute over a seven and a half cents pay rise demand, The Pajama Game makes a truly fine musical from an affair between management and the union and an affair between manager Sid and union rep Babe; something that was fated to be a rough ride from the outset as Pajama Game proves so melodiously. Throw in a neglected pa, a drunk former knife-thrower, an acerbic, ruthless boss, along with a pile of talent, a compelling book and some directorial imagination and you have that wonderful melange of musical magic the Union Theatre rarely misses.
Imbued with a classic beauty, Kate Nelson as Babe Williams brings restrained passion and self-sacrifice alongside Graham Weaver's louche Sid Sorokin. The two weave a compelling and fiery liaison with chemistry aplenty. Gillian McCafferty and Billy Boyle, as cooling lovers Gladys and Vernon, delight with their humour driven by jealousy, drink, knives and yet more restrained passion.
The Pajama Game is a wonder from start to finish, with effective choreography in such a tight space and a nod to Bob Fosse’s style; music that while it doesn’t leave with you, certainly entertains and stays true to the style and the story and shows off the copious talents of the remarkably large cast of sixteen, some of whom double-up as band members when required and unfortunately almost outnumber the audience.
With The Pajama Game The Union has produced another delight-filled piece of musical theatre that will reward a trip south of the river.
Babe Williams: Kate Nelson
Sid Sorokin: Graham Weaver
Gladys: Gillian McCafferty
Vernon Hines: Billy Boyle
Mr Hasler: Anthony Wise
Mabel: Susan Travers
Charlie: Nicholas Cass-Beggs
Mae: Nicola Gossip
Brenda: Stephanie Nielson
Prez: Sean Pol McGreevy
Poopsie: Maria Lawson
Stewie: Chris Love
Sarah: Victoria McKenzie
Carmen: Mirain Haf Roberts
Virginia: Kate Robson-Stuart
Director: Thom Sutherland.
Designer/Costume: Emma Devonald.
Lighting: Steve Miller.
Musical Director: Magnus Gilljam.
Musical Director: Sean Pol McGreevy.
Choreographer: Sally Brooks.
Assistant musical director: Rob Archibald.
Assistant choreographer: Chris Love.
2008-04-27 23:57:16