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Press Comments

PAJAMA GAME(1984)

Community News (November 1984)

"Show had fine comedy moments"

A gay lifting show with some fine comedy moments, and a superb new leading man, John Reeves, made "the Pajama Game" presented by the Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group, one of the bestg productions yet.

In contrast, the more serious supporting roles of Mr. Hasler, the Pyjama factory boss, who refused to give his workers a seven and half cent rise, and Mabel, Sid's secretary, were nicely played by Harry Newton, and Shirley Davis.

Good support was also given by Lewis Pritchard, whose duet "Her Is", I particularly enjoyed. Carol Rhodes, Sheila Gaskell, Harry Leverington, Len Lee, Peter Beard, Norman Horton, Deirdre Rogers, Stephen Clayton, and George Brown.

Producer, John H. Palin, musical director, Keith Yearsley, and choreographer Jean Patterson had obviously worked well together to get just the right blend - and I have never heard the orchestra play better.

John Reeves had played the part before, and his beautiful voice and natural acting talent made him an excellent choice for this production. Jenny Dixon as Babe acted well and was full of personality, but her voice needed to be a little stronger in songs like "There once was a man".

The comedy partnership of Shirley Davies as Gladys and David McGuiness as Hines was as good as many on the professional stage.

The supporting chorus included Joy Farmer, Doreen Milne, Margaret Rose, Janice Clayton, Justine Truss, Pat Monroe, and Ken Whittiker, and dancers were Susan Sims, Julie Preece, Gillian Daniels, Sally A. Jones, Lesley Rollinson, Linda Broadhead, Diane Booth, Angela McIntyre, Lisa Robinson, Kevin Clarke, Stephen Clayton, and Christopher Donnelly.

Macclesfield Express Advertiser (October 25th 1984)

"Hats off to MMTG"

Hats off to the Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group for another colourful performance. The "Pajama Game", a patchwork of comedy and song was a smash hit with the audience on its opoening night, writes Rosey Bailey.

It is the tale of life in a mid-west American clothing factory "Sleep Tite" where the union, who are petitioning for a 71/2 cents rise with little success. The boss, a constantly fretting character, Mr. Hasler was well played by Harry Newton whose constant trips into the office to check up on the latest inflation figures with secretaries Gladys and Mabel, provides support for the story line.

Constant comic relief is provided by the factory staff who are urged to work faster and harder by time-keeper, Hines.

An ambitious young superintendant Sid Sirokin a new face in a strange town caused a stir as does Union leader Babe Williams when the Official Grievance committee meets the management. The couple, played by John Reeves and Jenny Dixon fall in love, but the cause of true love never does run smooth, especially when you are on opposite sides of the fence,

John Reeves, a newcomer to the theatre group, gave a confident performance, and his excellent obviously trained singing voice added quality to his performance, and Jenny Dixon portrayed the "I ain't falling in love with you Mister", lady with dexterity.

Time-keeper Hines - excellently portrayed by David McGuiness, is the jealous boyfriend of Mr. Hasler's secretary, Gladys (Shirley Davies). As usual David and Shirley had thrown themselves completely into the roles. Their enthusiasm and humorous performances had the audience in hysterics, and they really were the stars of the show.

A human warm touch was provided by Sheila Davis as Mabel, the ever understanding secretary and Marge Proops type, Sheila and David's rendition of "I'll never be jealous again." was excellently directed.

Union rep Prez, a married man who seeks the company of several young factory girls in his spare time, meets his match with the busty bombastic Mae - who was extremely well portrayed by Sheila Gaskell with the aid of, I suspect, a padded bra. Lecherous but charming Louis Pritchard's presentation of Prez, who spends the Union picnic in the company of vivacious Gladys and gutsy Mae, was faultless. The choreography and music added new dimension to the performance. Each scene had been well thought out. and the dance routines were pefectly timed.

Choreography Jean Patterson and Music Director Keith Yearsley's hard work certainly paid off. Congratulations to the chorus and the stage crew without whom the show would not have been possible.

A first night performance the production ran very smoothly with very few technical hitches; The scenery and props were very effective, and the lighting and sound satisfactory for most of the night. Musically entertaining and dramatically effective, the show must be the best comedy yet from the Majestic yet.