'Allo 'Allo

I was asked to review this show for Lyn Emmerson and it was my first visit to the Phoenix Players. I had a great time and was very impressed.

The play started with an open stage being cleared up by Mimi (Maria Freeman) and Yvette (Cath Lennon), who were waitresses and a big “distraction” for Rene. Interesting characters who related well to Rene (Pete Kirkham).  A huge part which he played well within the café and towards the audience.

An amusing start to the play by Flick (Si Kneale). Very much the authoritative German Gestapo as soon as he entered.  His accent was good and he demanded the audience turned off their phones! Which we all did. Excellent performance throughout.

British pilots ( Martin Hughes, Tom Spencer and Sharon Stubbs) crept on stage and hid behind the “clock”, thus suggesting original plot of espionage.  They also played other cameo parts (soldiers, peasants, onion seller).

The café scenery was just as we imagine a French café. Outside the café, “the office” and indeed the bed worked very well and was built and painted by the company.  Most of the costumes and props were supplied by alloallo-hire.co.uk.

John Owen made excellent use of everything, e.g. use of violin for an erection, an inflatable Hitler, mouse traps and suspenders, a very funny script including double entendres. Nothing was missed and all the cast played their parts wonderfully. They obviously had fun and carried everything off superbly.

The accents were mixed.  Edith (Rowena Owen) maintained her French accent throughout. Others not so but it did not detract from the whole play.

Helga (Rosie Jones) was obviously up for anything in her part. Seducing and stripping to underclothes and stockings didn’t phase her at all. Even the “mousetrap” scene was challenging but very good.

I thought Officer Crabtree (Richard Thornton) had a hard part, having to mix his words. I wonder how many hours of practice that took?

Alberto (John Owen – director of the show) took a lot on to both perform and direct. It did not detract from his performance.

When there was a rumour that Hitler was calling in by the café lots of plans were made to stop Hitler.  We even had a blow-up doll Hitler – very funny.

Michelle (Annmaria Jones) and Leclerc (Sue Downes) aided the Resistance with information, a radio disguised as a cockatoo and the use of obvious disguises. General Schmelling (Dafydd Vaughan) showed his authority over the other Germans by his voice and demeaner. Lt. Gruber (Peter Thorne) was a force to be reckoned with despite Rene winning the day.

Col. Kurt Von Strom (John Wylde) related well to Helga as they planned together.  Talent on hand was James Peacock who played the piano when required while the ladies danced.

Of course all parts and support members who do prep work with scenery and costumes, as well as perform, are indispensable within the show.  Farce type shows can be quite difficult but the teamwork showed through.  All supporting one another.

Well done all.  A most enjoyable show.

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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