'Allo 'Allo

One of the most difficult productions in the world of amateur theatre surely is the recreation on stage of one of the most iconic pieces of television history that is Allo Allo. The interpretation of the works of legendry writing duo David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd is a monumental task to ensure that every nuance, innuendo and comedic timing is not overlooked. With an audience that is steeped in the history of the show and with a mindset that is anticipating a like for like interpretation a society has to be brave to do it.

However when you have a society that is the Westovians with the array of talent they have then you have a good head start. Under the direction of Frank Ditchburn, his first for the Society, the cast really got to grips with the show and threw themselves into their roles. All that you would expect from the various characters was there and in the main were spot on. The audience loved it.

In this production there were 15 characters all of whom revolve around the central and pivotal character of Rene. For this vital role the Society was fortunate to have Peter Dawson who proved to be a brilliant catalyst and held the various entangled plot lines together.What a fine job he made of it.

There are fourteen other character parts and all warrant a mention. To generalise as a starter they were strong in their roles throughout the length of the production and there were no weak links. Mary Stephinson displayed all her wealth of experience accumulated over her years of loyal service to amateur theatre as Edith. The burgeoning talent of Erin Atack again shone through in the role of Yvette, whilst Joan Tippins as Mimi her counterpart waitress/good time girl displayed her professionalism in the role.

Making her first appearance with the Society was Rachel Craig as Michelle and her interpretation of the role of the resistance leader with the change of accents was spot on. Also making an acting debut was Ian Dunn as LeClerc and based on this showing it won't be his last, and bodes well for the future. Well done. Mr reliable Mark Lamb never disappoints in whatever role he has. He was at his usual excellent best as Colonel Kurt Von Strohm.

Jamie Gallagher played the Italian fop that is Capitan Bertorelli with verve and to cast him was not "what a mistake to make" Bill Innes was every inch the self possessed comic psychopath that is Herr Otto Flick and I loved his one man foxtrot. Cast opposite to him in the role of  the doting Helga was Hannah Potter and she proved to be a super foil  for him.

The camp Lieutenant Gruber was played to perfection by Gary Manson and he showed again what a talented and versatile performer he is. Mr Evergreen Ron Markwick a stalwart of the Westovians for over 50 years brought the wealth of accumulated talent to the role of General Von Smelling. Breaking from convention the role of Crabtree, that disaster of a secret agent, was played by Lorna Bell. The role requires a great ability to mispronounce the pseudo French language throughout the course of the production whilst at the same time maintaining an English inflection to it. She did this extremely well.

Finally a special mention for Catherine Atkinson a newcomer to the world of theatre. She has numerous parts and undertook the roles of an English airman and French peasant. She looks to have a bright future.

In conclusion a well done to all those unseen members of the Production Team who make things tick and enable the actors to be in the limelight.

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