IN these days of economic uncertainty stresses and strains at the workplace are commonplace.

And that seems to have been the case in the 1950s at Sleep-Tite Pajama factory. But here the workers labour relations gripes, industrial disputes, and dealings with crooked bosses are interspersed with song and dance routines.

But between all the union meetings and time study exercises, there is still time for the love interest to develop between grievance committee member 'Babe' Williams (Jennifer Carney) and company superintendent Syd Sorokin (Joe Marsden).

The two main characters' relationship is well portrayed by both cast members who displayed good stage presence and vocal ability.

But, Babe's union involvement, and Syd's management position, soon puts a strain on things.

Paul Cohen as womanising union boss Prez, and Alice Bowmer as the secretary Gladys, also stood out in a large, hard working cast.

Good costumes and scenery evoke a vibrant colourful 1950s atmosphere, and the accompaniment from musicians Helen and Michael Walker under the direction of Peter Barnett was excellent.

It is an ambitious production with bags of effort from all the cast. But it is an unusual choice of musical to stage, and few songs stuck in the memory once the final curtain had closed.

And as is often the case, a microphone would have helped to amplify even the more stronger singing voices at certain times in this production. DAVE ROBERTS

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