Newbury Operatic Society |
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The Newbury Operatic Society web site is at www.newburyoperatic.co.uk |
Last production
The Pajama Game, 8th to 12th April 2008
Based on the novel “7½ cents” by Richard Bissell, The Pajama Game
is a bright and snappy romantic comedy with a score full of hit songs. When Sid
Sorokin, the new superintendent of the Sleep-Tite Pajama Company, runs into Babe
Williams, the head of the union grievance committee, sparks fly and romance is
in the air. However, a long-standing union/ management dispute remains
unresolved and they find themselves on different sides, the company is soon
boiling over with all sorts of passions.
Where
Corn Exchange, Newbury, 01635 522733.
Previous productions
The Pirates of Penzance, 18th to 20th October 2007. See the
review in the Archive.
Thoroughly Modern Millie, 10th to 14th April 2007. See the review in
the Archive.
Calamity Jane, 18th to 22nd April 2006. See the review in
the Archive.
Old Tyme Music Hall, 15th to 16th September 2006
Calamity Jane, 18th to 22nd April 2006
Hello Dolly!, 29th March to 2nd April 2005. See the review in the
Archive.
Into the Woods, 2nd to 3rd July 2004. See the review in the
Archive.
HMS Pinafore and The Zoo, 13th to 17th April 2004. See the
review in the Archive.
South Pacific, 22nd to 26th April 2003. See the review in the
Archive.
Trial By Jury, 10th October 2003, at the Ramada Hotel, Elcot Park.
A Gilbert & Sullivan Evening, 24th and 25th October 2002.
See the review in the Archive.
Oklahoma!, 2nd to 6th April 2002.
See the review in the Archive.
My Fair Lady, 17th to 21st April 2001. See the review in the
Archive.
Review of The Pajama Game
8th to 12th April 2008.
From the Newbury Weekly News.
Pajama tops for opsNewbury Operatic Society turn in one of their best productionsNewbury Operatic Society: The Pajama Game, at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, from Tuesday, April 8 to Saturday, April 12 Old stagers know that when they are told "It's the best you've done" after a show, this should often be taken with a pinch of salt. Throw away the salt, Newbury Operatic Society, The Pajama Game ranks among your top shows. Why? After all, the society have previously fielded excellent principals - as now - and are lucky in having the perennially-reliable Michael Evans in charge of a vivacious orchestra, keeping the balance between performer and music just right. The difference was an outstanding performance from the chorus, which included members of Newbury YoungStars. A tricky opening number was a good indication of things to come and the girls' chorus backing Babe (Zoe Wells) in I'm Not At All In Love was superb. Movement was slick throughout the show, with every member remaining involved in the action. As the icing on the cake, we had Neil Harvey in an excellent performance as Sid Sorokin, keeping the pajama factory running, falling in love with Babe and singing the gorgeous Hey There in a way that had every woman dreaming. In contrast, the up-tempo There Once Was a Man duet with feisty Babe was a showstopper. These two actors are a great asset to the society. Zoe Wells' presence lights up the stage, her powerful voice just right for the role of Babe. She has pizazz by the ton and isn't alone. The 'office staff' roles of Gladys and Mabel were in the safe hands of Jillian Logan and Sam Spaak, actors and singers who make the most of every word. Sam's duet with Jeremy Mann (a hilarious Hines) was a gem and as their miserly boss, Chris Austin did a good job, reminiscent of his Simpsons alter ego. The talented Utku Er initially seemed uncomfortable as union leader Prez, but he became much more settled in the second half, though it is perhaps in livelier roles that he is at his usual best. The sensual Steam Heat misted over a few spectacles as wonderfully voluptuous Jillian, Jeanette Maskell (first-rate as Mae) and Jacqui Trumper put on a performance which, as TV panellists say, was 'hot, hot, hot'. NOS's star is in the ascendant and the production team of Anne Bennett, Sarah Scott-Cound and choreographer Kate Mayo made this a memorable show - absolutely anyone's cup of tea. CAROLINE FRANKLIN |