I Got sssssssss Steam Heat

First performed in 1954, The Pajama Game takes a sideways glance at the labour concerns of American factory workers. This West End revival is directed by Richard Eyre (Mary Poppins) and is led by Michael Xavier, who was Olivier-nominated for 2011's Into the Woods. Currently one of London's brightest and breeziest musicals, The Pajama Game is stuffed with slapstick humour and a finger-clicking jazzy score. Among the best known numbers are Once-A-Year-Day and the sultry Steam Heat, which was the first ever Broadway number choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse.

The musical is based on the book 7 1/2 Cents by Richard Bissell, a cutting satire of American labour conditions of the time. While this spirit was retained for the musical production, the love story now took centre stage and the comedy elements were enhanced. With music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, the writing duo who would later pen the classic Damn Yankees, Pajama Game was a commercial and critical smash, winning the 1955 Tony for Best Musical.

What is a Pajama Game anyway?

Love is in the air at the Sleep-Tite pajama Factory. A handsome new Superintendent Sid Sorokin has all the ladies swooning, but he's just got eyes for one - union rep Babe Williams. Babe shuns his advances though, afraid that embarking on a romance can only lead to trouble. And so it proves, when leader of the union Prez calls a strike demanding a pay rise from the firm's steadfast boss Mr. Hasler. Will Sid and Babe's love be able to bridge the divide of seven and half cents?

Sid and Babe aren't the only ones with troubles of the heart. Hines, pedantic factory time-keeper, is jealously possessive of Hasler's secretary Gladys, who in turn is being courted by Prez, who himself has a secret admirer who just can't get his attention. The Sleep-Tite factory and local night club Hernando's Hideaway plays host to this tangled web of love and lust in this uproarious musical comedy!