Albert Halls, Bolton. Until Saturday.

THERE was dissent and disillusionment in the workplace at the Albert Halls on Monday night as Farnworth Performing Arts Company (formerly Farnworth AODS) staged the musical the Pajama Game.

Set in a pyjama factory -- where else -- it tells the story of a group of factory girls and their union representative Babe Williams who is fighting to get them an extra 7 cent an hour raise -- but this is fought at every fence by the management.

So the owner brings in a new shop floor manager, Sid -- a marvellous performance from Joe Connor, to step up production and generally keep an eye on the girls.

And this is where the fun and games start.

Sid not only keeps his eye on the factory girls but his fancy is taken by Babe -- a wonderfully confident performance from Diane Simmons. How can they possibly be lovers in private but enemies at work.

The storyline is interspersed with songs to lift the spirits, especially the toe-tapping Once a Year Day, Seven and a Half Cents, the sassy Hernando's Hideaway -- a sleek rendition by Clare Kiernan in her role as Gladys, Hey There You With the Stars in Your Eyes, and the wonderful Steam Heat -- a brilliant song and dance routine executed by a top hat and tailed trio.

Of course, true love never runs smooth for the two young lovers, but ultimately, all is well when the workers win their pay rise and Babe wins her man.

Anthony Williams, who stepped in at the last minute to take the part of factory owner Hasler, has directed a slick show.

Together with the colourful fifties style costumes -- all beehive hairdos and swirly skirts -- it perfectly evokes the mood of that era.

Linda Hurst