Tollesbury Amateur Players, ‘Allo Allo, May 15, 2009
Director – Alex Neal
What a difference a few years can make. Not so long ago, perhaps 2007, TAP were trying to manage my expectations so that I would not judge their inexperienced but enthusiastic cast harshly. Now I find myself reaching for the superlatives as I review not only one of the funniest but also best executed productions I have seen in a while and bear in mind this is my third Allo Allo in 24 months. Firstly, the set was very cleverly designed, well constructed and practical to use. The origami-like folding and hinged side flats were used for at least three different scenes; the piano turned 180 degrees to become a double bed; Café Renee has stencilled glass in the window, the bar shelf actually accommodated real bottles and glasses and a lovely touch was the pasting on the wall of adverts for French products sold during WW2. This attention to detail, which included a working electric wall light on the flat stage left, operated by a switch in the middle of a cracking plaster wall by the bar, was highly commendable, all the more so since the set was designed and constructed by the backstage team ie not hired. The set was well lit and the cinema effects of the flashing lights also came across very well. Continuing the authenticity and attention to detail were the costumes, the uniforms, the hats and props. All looked to be appropriate for the play and nothing seemed incongruous in any way. The production was blessed with a superb Rene, played by James Oakley. His accent was good without being OTT and his rapport with the audience was immediate. He was confident, unflustered and never close to losing his character despite the temptations as outrageously funny things happened all around him. The interactions with his wife, Edith, played by Joanne Smith and his two waitress/lovers, Yvette (Sarah-Grace Neal) and Mimi (Nicki Hatton) were hilarious. These characters were all well cast, the young and vivacious Yvette providing a striking contrast with the more pugnacious (and shorter!) Mimi and the more mature Edith; Edith who was blissfully unaware of her lack of singing talent and her husband’s peccadilloes elsewhere. Herr Flick (Jared Heigham) and Helga (Kim Phillips) were a successful combination that made a hit with every scene and all of the German (and Italian) officers managed to capture the essence of their roles within the play, understated in the case of the Colonel (George Traer-Clark) or OTT in the case of Bertorelli (Tony Christie). Officer Crabtree (Jonathan Salmon) deserves special mention for not only learning his lines but learning the mangled English that was his lot; that must be especially difficult. The supporting roles of Resistance Girls, Leclerc, peasants and airmen were all strong. This was the complete package and despite one or two minor mishaps TAP’s Allo Allo was a hugely entertaining production with very high production values. TAP has set a high hurdle for future productions but with hard work and effort they can do it; the talent and enthusiasm is definitely in place. Congratulations to all involved.
Reviewer – Stewart Adkins
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