‘Allo ‘Allo

I recently had the opportunity to travel a little outside my usual reviewing circuit, to see Esperance Theatre Guild’s warm, well-presented production of ‘Allo ‘Allo, well known from the classic TV series.

The theatre venue is an experience itself. Beautifully appointed inside, with up-to-date facilities, The Bijou Theatre, is the oldest purpose-built theatre still operating in Western Australia and the third oldest nationally. It is picturesque and attractive and filled with friendly and attentive front of house staff and an eager audience.

Director Mak Bailye’s nicely constructed, well decorated set, is reminiscent of the television locale, while costumes, by Stanley Halls, Cait Edwards and Ros McQueen appear historically accurate and true-to-character - very impressive especially considering the percentage of military uniforms required. Lighting Design (under Head of Lighting Stanley Halls) is practical and effective.

This play requires a strong performance from central character René, and the production is well-served by veteran performer Derek Clarke, who anchors the show with precision and expert timing. He works well with (and against) Mary McCulloch, who nicely embodies the role of René’s wife Edith.

Male actors are always hard to find - and in this production that means that a number of the actors were either playing well above their age range or playing across gender. For the most part, this was successful, and they did very well.

Military personnel included youngest cast member Fien Loones, ageing up to play Flick very nicely (although a single violin lesson and a full-sized violin would have helped their performance to be more convincing). Samantha Tait was a picture-perfect Helga with lovely facial expression. Oliver Shore was cleverly camp as Lieutenant Gruber. Still in his teens, Brett Reeve inhabited the role of overdecorated Italian Alberto with aplomb, while Russell Baxter was good fun as the Colonel. Stanley Halls had military bearing as Schmelling.

Anabelle Paxton-Cooper was confident and sexy as Mimi, while Renae Poot made an effective stage debut as her friend and rival Yvette.

Lots of lovely laugh moments from the Resistance members, with Cait Edwards as Michelle inhabiting the role superbly, Scott Suttar as Crabtree murdering language with great skill and Katie Somerville unrecognisable from her headshot, flipping genders to successfully play LeClerc.

A six-member ensemble, including smiling British airmen David Synnot and Barry Wroth, added colour and atmosphere, serving the production well.

Good fun to watch, I enjoyed being part pf this lovely theatre community, even if just for one night.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographers: Amy Clarke and Cait Edwards