'Allo 'Allo

When arriving at a venue to watch a stage version of a well loved TV series I can’t help but wonder how the original characters will live up to those we knew and loved.  No such worries here. The mannerisms, accents, and in most cases even the look of those on stage really did justice to the original characters. But then I have come to expect nothing less from HTC.

Old war time songs, playing through the sound system as the audience took their seats, set the scene nicely.  It was house full at this matinee performance, reflecting no doubt the popularity of the 1980’s/90’s TV show on which the play is based, as well of course as that of the company itself.

As the familiar theme tune started up and the lights went down, we settled into our seats in anticipation of what was in store.

An outstanding performance by Steve Hannam as café owner Rene Artois, including his asides to the audience, keeping us on track with the storyline and always in character.  Helga Dove was terrific as Rene’s wife Edith.  She must be congratulated on the out of tune singing which is not as easy as it may appear. Edith somehow remains blissfully unaware of her husband’s indiscretions with his waitresses, Yvette, played by Pamela Self-Pierson and Mimi, played by Katie Fisher.  Two Excellent performances of two very different characters.

Michelle from the Resistance was immediately recognisable in her trench coat and black beret and was well played by Alyssa Upton. Michael Hughes as Officer Crabtree had us all in fits of laughter with his ‘good moaning’ greeting.  I can imagine that his script could have been a challenge at times. He did though pull it off extremely well.

All the Germans were well played and the mannerisms, spot on.  Dan Ricketts really nailed the character of Lieutenant Gruber and the same can be said of Jake Hannam as Herr Flick.  Two excellent performances, as was that of Helga, Gruber’s love interest and played with great conviction by Wendy Eveson. 

Kevin Smith as Colonel von Strohm and Andrew Johnson as General Ludvig von Schmelling completed this talented line-up. Italian Captain Bertorelli was on the same side, so it seemed appropriate to include him here.  Well done to Zachary Smith.

Flight Lieutenants Carstairs and Fairfax, waiting for the right moment to be on their way, were hilarious as they popped up from the cellar on numerous occasions.  Well done to Rachel Ricketts and Korban Doyle.  Last but by no means least was David Wright as Roger Leclerc, a forger working for the Resistance. This was a great supporting role, delightfully portrayed.

The innuendos came thick and fast with the audience reacting accordingly. Just how many copies were there of the fallen Madonna? and who knew a sausage could be the subject of such hilarity.

This was a well directed, fast moving show. The multifunctional set had been well designed, enabling quick scene changes which were carried out by cast and crew, with minimal interruption to the pace.

The production was well costumed with good attention to detail.  Sound and lighting were good with the excellent sound effects coming right on cue.

Thank you HTC for a very entertaining afternoon.

 

 

                                                           

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