Presented by St Jude’s Players
Reviewed 11 Aug 2016
Marc Camoletti’s farce is firmly fixed in the 60’s. A key part of the plot hinges on the change over to the faster jets that sped up travel time and altered airline timetables. A pertinent point for the lead who juggles his affairs with three airline hostesses.
As Bernard, John Koch is the smooth man of the world, until his world starts coming apart at the seams. As his long-suffering housekeeper, Bertha, Lindy LeCornu holds the story together. Her comic timing is, as always, superb and she is aided and abetted by Tim Taylor as Bernard’s country visitor. Between them LeCornu and Taylor garner the laughs while saving Bernard’s bacon.
The airhostesses are played with character and definition. Charlotte Batty is, Gloria, the brash American from AWA, who knows what she wants. Carla Hardie is the expressive Italian, Gabriella, from Air Italia, volatile and passionate while Jessica McGaffin plays Gretchen from Lufthasa, the strong unbending German who wants no nonsense, but finds it anyway. They contrast beautifully with each other and form believable characters in an unbelievable situation.
The comedy is good, and as it is played in the era it works well and the production does well: a small lift in pace will come as the show settles in. As always the St Jude’s set is great and has all the many required doors (it is a farce) working beautifully. Les Zetlien has crafted a good show which was enjoyed by the audience, who laughed often. Well worth a trip out to Brighton Rd to have a fun evening.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: St Jude’s Hall 444 Brighton Road
Season:11 – 20 Aug 2016
Duration: 2hr 30mins
Tickets: Adult $20, Conc $16, Child $7
Bookings: www.stjudesplayers.asn.au or 8296 2628
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