FRIDAY IS THE FIRST of four dates reserved for the staging of Pampalam this year.

To get each night's proceedings immediately into gear, a narrative verse, Pampalam At De Barbecue, highlights, in graphic detail, an uproarious new episode in the lives of those three notorious viragoes – Gladys, Dinks and Vicey – along
with a few other equally infamous characters. An excerpt reveals:. . . . De residents o' Harmony Court did out in full force –

Pasadena Perkins, Slims an' Urla Bes'. . .

Esmerelda, Bombazine, Bite Muh an' Boo

An' Ina Birch wid she jookin'-board ches'

Bruggadung Boarhog was at de fete, too –

A li'l low-key, wid 'e face like 'e would kill . . .

But I want yuh to know dat who really steal de show

Was dat hardside li'l buller, Tootsie Gill!

Such colourful characters, portrayed by a cast of comedy players, appear in this this year's rollicking revue of local life.

The production, now in its 30th year, takes to the Queen's College stage at 8 p.m. on November 2, 3, 4 and 10, with a programme of verses, songs and skits conceptualised to appeal to Barbadians of every age, race and occupation.

Written, produced, and directed by Jeannette Layne-Clark, the show is sub-titled A Pocketful O' Politricks.

National issues

It brings sharply into focus many of the political events currently being debated in the community and concerning candidates girding themselves for the upcoming election battle.

Cost-of-living woes, the seemingly interminable road improvement campaign, the outcome of Cricket World Cup and perennial problems plaguing the Queen Elizabeth Hospital are just some of the issues under scrutiny.

Balancing the political fare is a selection of other items of social interest performed in cameo by such seasoned actresses as Marvo Manning, Merle Niles and Myrna Squires.

The main cast comprises Angela Weithers, Yolande Holder, Janice Perryman, Wendell Thomas, Eleanor Rice, Sade Leon-Slinger and Peter Boyce (in the role of Ali Singh). Stage Manager is Merle Niles.

Tickets are available at CS Pharmacy, Broad Street and Standard Pharmacy, Tweedside Road. Tickets purchased for last Saturday's and Sunday's postponed shows are valid for any date this weekend. (PR)