'Allo 'Allo

A lovely open set with many props which all suited the scenes. The lighting and sound worked well and the costumes, hair and make up were in keeping with 1940’s France during its occupation of Nazi Germany.

The thing about this show is that it is still much loved and the public are very familiar with the characters.  Casting is crucial and I know North Manchester had to postpone the original run due to cast changes. There are too many to mention all of the cast but the lead of Rene played by Tony Cenci was great. Tony was rarely off stage and had clearly worked hard on lines, accent and his many entrances/exits. His dry delivery was great for this character.

Tony played opposite Susan Longley who was wonderful as Edith. They worked well together and I loved the scene where Edith entertains the patrons with her dreadful singing to create a diversion.

Jane Pearson was super as Michelle from the French Resistance. Her delivery and comic timing were excellent. Clearlytime had been spent on the accents and characterisations and this very much paid off.

Jennifer Gordon and Kelly Parker were excellent as Yvette and Mimi the two waitresses in love with Rene. Both looked like their TV counterparts and delivery of their lines as the foils to Rene’s sarcasm was great.

Mary Doyle as Helga and Kieran Kelly as Herr Flick worked brilliantly together, capturing many laughs and again had great timing to deliver the script with finesse.

Dominic Pastore was fabulous as Lieutenant Gruber with great mannerisms and again his comic timing was superb. Martin Taylor was funny and confident as Captain Bertorelli the Italian, opposite Paul McConnochie who played the grumpy Colonel who is trying to recover the painting.

David Long and David Swift put in sterling performances as LeClerc and Officer Crabtree, roles which although small are important to get right.

The other actors filled their parts well and the direction kept the play moving along at a good pace. The set construction and scene setting allowed minimum time needed between scenes. Well done to everyone involved both onstage and off and for a lovely evening.

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