Allo Allo, The Camembert Caper

Henley first performed the original Allo Allo in May 2019  followed by two episodes of The Vicar of Dibley. However Director Kevin was aware that there was another script which had not been licenced, but whilst looking for their next production The Cambembert Caper suddenly appeared and they seized their chance to perform it and  is believed to be only the second amateur group to perform it and indeed to premier it in the East of England.  Written by the brilliant Lloyd and Croft partnership  it was performed in 2013 by the Milton Keynes Comedy Theatre and Henley had hired directly from them the costumes, props and special effects, so all looked very authentic.

This was a very large cast for a play and Henley had been able to welcome back some of the original cast members and also many new members, which is  very encouraging as many of us have seen in recent years Society members dwindling.   It was evident that they had all bonded very well together and gave it bags of enthusiasm and energy.  We all remember the original characters from the very successful  television series.  Richard Ashby was Rene, with Marina Griggs as Edith, they were both very convincing in their roles, although possibly Edith’s singing was slightly better, as she did not hit quite so many flat notes as was intended!! The two  serving girls, Yvette (Vicky Stokes) and Mimi (Molly Barnett) both made the most of their opportunities to cuddle up to Rene.  Rachel Plummer was Michelle of the Resistance with her famous line “I shall say this only once”. Norman Lloyd was Alphonse and Julian Ochwat as Leclerc along with Tony Stokes as Herr Flick and Bev Pilbrough as Hega and  they all captured their different characters well.  The German Officers were played by Albert Horn, Nuno Diegues and Chris Parkin with Al  Rogers who was perfect for the comedy role of Gruber.  Martin Chalmers was Crabtree, with Hayley Ashby and Hayley Gavin as the British Airmen. Final mention must go to Debby Knights as Madam Fanny who only took on the role with two weeks rehearsals when the original Fanny, Sharon Hulm broke her leg.  So we wish her a speedy recovery.  The whole cast certainly captured the comedy of these all too familiar characters that we know and love so well.  It was a good script and they certainly made the most of their roles, both in their visual appearance and the comic timing. 

I have already made mention to the costumes and props which all looked great. The different sets also worked well on different levels, and reminiscent of the television set.   Pace was upheld with quick and efficient scene and lighting changes.

Well done to Directors, Kailea and Kevin and all your cast and crew in producing this wonderfully comic show  which had your very appreciative audience in fits of laughter throughout. You finally succeeded in your quest to find the lost script Kevin! We the audience also thoroughly enjoyed the wine and French platters which all added to ambience of the evening. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening and for your very warm welcome, it is always a pleasure to come and see you all. 

Catherine Dixey. NODA East Representative District E12

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