ACT Reviews 2022-2023 Season

‘ALLO, ‘ALLO By Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft Directed By Garry Blair HATS Theatre Group

You only have to say, “The fallen Madonna with big boobies” and you think instantly of all those characters that inhabit Cafe Artois. “Allo, Allo” is British situation comedy at its finest, laden with innuendos and endless catchphrases. It is at times bawdy and a little bit naughty but it is a real crowd pleaser. A strong cast has to be assembled to inhabit these iconic, much-loved characters. This high farce with physical comedy hits all the right buttons.

A workable set of the cafe with reversible flats for the additional scenes gave plenty of working space for the action to unfold. The closing of the tabs to reset and strike for each different scene did hinder the story telling a little. The set dressing, including effective props, was good. The production was lit well and the costumes gave recognition to the characters. The Director allowed the Lloyd and Croft script to be played in the spirit it was written. Ensemble playing is the key to the success of the piece, and this was the essential element in this production. The cast delivered and supported throughout. None of the original characters are missing, from the ridiculous British airmen, played by Finn Robinson and Phil Bradbury, to the cod-French speaking Crabtree (Geoff Gibson) “Good Moaning”. Putting on the beret, Barbara Williamson became the Resistance leader, Michelle. The Germans were playfully characterised by Stephen Ireland as Von Strohm, and Roy Eckersley, as camp Lieut. Gruber. Capt Bertorelli, the former gondolier in Venice, was captured by Niven Ganner. Keeping them all in check is General Von Schmelling. Frank Oates, as Schmelling, contributed to the humorous goings on with the knockwurst sausage containing that picture by Von Klomp. The pantomime villain is Herr