It is a few years since I last
saw The Bondgate Players, so I was pleased to be able to see them as they do
their first production at The Majestic Theatre in Darlington, in which will
hopefully become their new home.
The stage version of Jeremy Lloyd
& David Croft’s Allo Allo is based on the popular comedy television series.
This stage version relates the adventures of a hapless café owner in occupied
France. Rene and his wife have stashed a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis
in a sausage in their cellar, where two British airmen are also hiding until
the Resistance can repatriate them. Communications with London using the
wireless that is disguised as a cockatoo add to the many embarrassments this
intrepid proprietor endures in the company of his patrons. News that the Fuhrer
is scheduled to visit the town inspires tricksters disguised as Hitler to
frequent the cafe. Meanwhile Rene summons all the wit he can muster to save his
cafe and his life.
It can be very difficult to
produce a good version of a television series on stage as the audience don’t
want to see a fresh characterisation but want to see a replica of their television
favourites they are so familiar with, so the challenge for The Bondgate Players
was to see if they could play the actors who originally starred in Allo Allo.
Andrew Roberts took the starring
role as Rene and held the production together superbly capturing the role
perfectly as did Edith, played by Dorothy Robinson, where her ‘appalling cabaret’
was enjoyed by all. The innuendos provided
some hilarious moments and the entire cast managed to replicate at least part
of their TV character.
The set worked well and was
instantly recognisable as Rene’s Café, though I did spot a bottle on the shelf
which was not created until the late 80’s and with such a wide stage at times
the dialogue was lost.
This was though a thoroughly enjoyable
evening in a venue which is going from strength to strength.
Runs until Saturday 10th
June at The Majestic Theatre, Darlington.
Tickets cost £10
Tel: 01325 482848
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