Boeing Boeing

The Dylis Guite Players are known for their high standards of work and this performance of “Boeing Boeing” was no exception. Rose Killeen skilfully directed this well-known play and the pace from the beginning to the final curtain was mind-blowing. The set and outfits of the cast complemented admirably the era for which it was written – the 1960’s.

All six actors gave first-class and very professional performances and the dialogue, with a mix of accents to suit their characters, was delivered at a good pace. Great characterisations, body language, facial expressions and speedy entrances and exits made this a very funny and successful farce.

David Stanners gave a superb performance as the charming and loveable character, Bernard, who was engaged to three air hostesses all at the same time. Constantly trying to ensure that these lovely ladies did not meet, with the aid of an airline timetable, did work out reasonably well for a time. However, chaos reigned when flights were cancelled and the ladies got very close to meeting each other in the apartment, Bernard wasn’t too concerned as he had his old school-friend, Robert, who just happened to be visiting Paris at this time. Robert, a quiet and unassuming guy, is persuaded by Bernard to help him out and cover for him. George Critchley took on this colossal role, with copious amounts of complicated and hilarious dialogue, and moving around the stage with great speed, all depending upon which of Bernard’s fiancées was visiting at the time. George gave an incredible performance complete with a Somerset accent.  

Three actors characterised the lovely and vivacious air hostesses to perfection: Gloria, the loud and powerful American played by Briony Harrison, Gabriella, the passionate Italian played by Nirdushan Jones and Gretchen, the strong and controlling German played by Petrina Wright. These three ladies were outstanding; not only with their acting, but their body language and accents perfectly matched their characters and were maintained throughout the evening. Again, great performances.

Throughout all the mayhem Bertha, the maid, knew of Bernard’s escapades and tried to keep things running on an even keel. Olwyn Paxman’s comic timing, body language, facial expressions and dialogue (in a French accent) were outstanding. She had some of the funniest lines in the play all delivered with the correct timing.

As with most plays, all’s well that ends well and Robert ends up getting engaged to one of the ladies. Bernard remains engaged to only one of them.,

Congratulations to everyone involved with this production and it was obvious that a lot of hard work and hours of rehearsals .  The Direction,  production team, cast and back-stage crew all pulled together to make this a wonderful production and a most enjoyable evening with lots of laughter.

Many thanks for the invite and the hospitality. The productions for 2024 looks very exciting.

 

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