'Allo 'Allo

What a tonic this drama was. With memories of the TV series creating expectations the Players did not disappoint. These characters provided a load of laughs encased in roles that seemed effortless but were the result of hard work. All characters suited their roles and accents were maintained whether principal or minor. Carefully timed lines were the key to the success of the performance. Tom Keeble portrayed a wonderfully harassed Rene who managed to keep juggling the cafe business with the hidden painting, London’s demands coupled with those of the Resistance, the hiding of the two airmen and of course his relationships with his two maids to be kept secret from his wife and each other. Classic moments were his responses to his wife, especially in the bed scene, cuddling Yvette and claiming she had fainted, telling his wife he was ready to leave but whispering it so she couldn’t hear, exasperation with Michelle and the nonsense with the microphoned stuffed parrot- all beautifully timed. Carol Sutherland inhabited her role as Edith, gloating at her own cleverness over the painting to be found ‘under your nose’. Her singing was truly off key - not an easy thing to achieve - and her cabaret exuded delicious awfulness. She was a combination of innocence re Rene’s behaviour and guile in outwitting the Germans. Lauren Scott captured the attractive and aroused Yvette and her reaction when Rene announced she had fainted was priceless. The more rebellious and forceful Mimi with her championship of Rene was well played by Liny Mullen. Willy Cunningham caught the vanity - especially over the wig - and childishness of the Colonel with pat delivery. Ally Brown excelled himself as the Italian Bertorelli, with his understanding of the role, his delivery, his Italian pride in his medals and his mannerisms. In a part seemingly made for him, Cameron Leask revelled in the role of Gruber with his timing, expressions and secret suggestiveness. Andrew Mackie gave a scheming Herr Flick carrying off his disguise with panache - and his best comedic moment of dressing with his cane while ‘his’ Helga was given a very practical and self-preservative touch by Moira Davies. Lucas Galloway had presence and dealt wonderfully with the mispronunciations of Crabtree the policeman and Siobahn Smith as Michelle kept appearing with her altered plans which she ‘would explain only once’. Gary Withnell delighted with his various disguises as Leclerc and the airmen kept popping up in different places with exaggerated PR accents. The others supported in kind. The subtle hand of the director created a well staged show. Attention to detail - from character placement, of gesture and mannerisms, of the staging and moving of scenes and props, with the cleverly worked out, built and manoeuvreable room/set to the detail of costumes, hairstyles and lighting - was splendid. In the often depressing times of today, this production delighted on so many levels giving us lots of laughter created by a dedicated and talented group. Congratulations to all.

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