Boeing Boeing
by Marc Canoletti
Synopsis
Set in a stylish Paris flat this fast moving comedy will lift the spirits and make you laugh. When the provincial Robert drops in on his old school friend he gets a taste of the high life. Urbane Bernard manages his love life by juggling three air hostess fiancees with the help of his long suffering housekeeper Bertha. Robert, Bernard and Bertha are caught up in a whirlwind of circumstances which rapidly becomes out of control.
Cast & Crew
Cast
Gloria – Rhian Lally
Bernard – David Fanthorpe
Bertha – Dena Watts
Robert – Peter Calver
Gabriella – Catherine Wyncoll
Gretchen – Ann Lovell
Crew
Director – Tricia Whyte
Review
This ‘Boeing Boeing’ didn’t take a dive!!!
Parisian Bernard (David Fanthorpe) has cleverly designed a plot using the airline schedules to keep three affairs with flight stewardesses. His life starts to descend into shambles on the arrival of his friend, Robert (Peter Calver) and changes to the flight schedule’s, David gave a very enigmatic and charming performance. Peter was a delight to watch. The naturalness of his nervous antics, made it even more funnier.
Onto the ladies, the three Stewardesses Gloria (Rhian Lally) Gretchen (Ann Lovell) Gabriella (Catherine Wyncoll) gave great performances too. Not only did these three ladies look stunning, they had the intelligence to handle good comic timing, their accents were convincing, and their performances definitely were. However, top of the tree for me was Bertha (Dena Watts) Her deadpan delivery as the downtrodden domestic maid, was poetry in motion. Her timing of movement and putdowns showed, and her facial nuances were incredibly funny.
Set Design (Martin Beatty) was superb and very solid, nice to have doors in a farce that sound when slammed. And very to the sixties in design. Props/set dressing/costumes/hair/were all to a high standard.
I saw the original ‘Boeing Boeing’ in the west end in the 60s and also the recent revival and Tricia Whyte your direction equals both of these, I think I enjoyed yours better. You worked your cast to a very high standard and they did you proud with their knowledge of comic timing which can only come from a very competent Director.
I’m so glad that Jon Fox gave me the chance to see Oxted Players perform and perform they did…. well done.
Gordon Harris NODA SE District 5