The Pajama Game
Shaftesbury Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 12th May 2014
Following a hugely successful run in Chichester, Richard Adler, Jerry Ross, George Abbott and Richard Bissell's musical has finally made it to the West End, sixty years after its Broadway premiere. This ballsy Broadway musical gleams with charm.
The weakest element of the show is the story which has one or two bleak moments. However, it is rescued by its timelessly delightful score. Set at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory in 1950s America, The Pajama Game follows new Superintendent Sid Sorokin who falls in love with feisty factory worker and union rep Babe Williams.
Joanna Riding (Babe) is a dream to watch on stage, it is a joy to finally to see her in a role which isn't underwritten and which allows her to show off just how talented she is! I love that Riding seems to embrace every moment, her sheer enjoyment is electrifying to watch and her passion is infectious. She is a performer who always gives her heart and soul.
It's great to see Michael Xavier (Sid) doing what Michael Xavier does best - charming West End audiences with his natural presence and incredible vocal talents. His first rendition of 'Hey There' was the highlight of the show; despite not having seen a production of The Pajama Game before I was already familiar with the song, but seeing Xavier performing it live and in context completely blew me away. Its simplicity is magical.
Apart from being a little thin at times, what frustrated me about the story is the handling of the strikes. Babe and the workers are so passionate about what they are fighting for, but this doesn’t always translate, personally I didn't feel strongly for either side which is a little disappointing. Ultimately it's just a bit of fun – The Pajama Game is a light heated, almost fluffy musical comedy.
Richard Eyre and Stephen Mear are quite clearly a dream team, their direction and choreography come together to create a smooth and classy production. Now that we no longer have Singin' in the Rain or Top Hat thrilling West End audiences, London has been crying out for a new show featuring timelessly stunning dance numbers. Mear's choreography is outstanding and the ensemble are sharp, but also perform with such individuality - they don't all look identical which is refreshing.
The Pajama Game is really good fun and features a superb cast (with another stand out performance coming from the magnificent Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines) so I really hope it finds its audience. It is certainly a safe option; everyone needs some timeless entertainment every now and again!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
The Pajama Game runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre until Saturday 13th September 2014.
Click here to book tickets (top price seats reduced to £45 at selected performances).
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