Allo Allo
DATE 22nd October 2022
SOCIETY Charlemont Dramatic Society
VENUE West Bromwich Community Hall, Gayton Road
TYPE OF PRODUCTION Play
DIRECTOR Sylvia Hill
STAGE MANAGER AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Craig Hill
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Michael Steventon
LIGHTS Sara Hill
SOUND Dan RichardsReport
Author: Dave Brown
Thank you very much for the kind invitation to see 'Allo 'Allo. This production was by Charlemont Dramatic Society (CADS) who completely blew me away with their one act plays earlier in the year. Receiving a warm welcome from David Payne (Front of House Coordinator) and Director Sylvia Hill added to an almost immediate feeling of relaxation, which soon reminded me of how supportive and nurturing CADS are. The support CADS received from the local community was great with a sold-out show tonight.
Also, I was really pleased to hear that CADS had recruited new members since I last saw them in March 2022, with many acting tonight.
'Allo 'Allo is set in war-torn France. The action happens in a small but seemingly popular place called Café Rene where the proprietor (called Rene) with his long-suffering wife Edith are trying to run a business. Rene is having an affair with both Yvette and Mimi with moments of physical comedy at its greatest. Rene is also hiding two British Airmen in his café and has stashed a stolen priceless portrait of The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies in a sausage!
This play is an ambitious one and with all famous sitcoms (like 'Allo 'Allo) there will always be expectations from certain members of the audience when performing well known characters. Therefore, confidence in the right casting choices could help cement the overall show. Characterisation, including accents, mannerisms and personality traits will help bring to life an instantly recognisable character.
I saw another play recently from another company which was based on a sitcom (another David Croft and Jimmy Perry classic) and similar feelings on this production came about. I feel as long as you are successful in portraying a believable character no matter how crazy the situation, investing in the story (or situation) comes with the skill of the director and actor. Most characters were most definitely in very capable hands of some talented actors who understood the situation they were in. Fortunately, the copious and witty writing was also there to be taken full advantage of. The script is full of jokes, one liners, innuendos and risks and Sylvia Hill (Director) has the experience to know when to take those risks and push a little bit further.
Some of the jokes could have been further enhanced with more awareness of delivery and pace. Overall, there was incredible team work on stage and some well-loved characters of the TV show were portrayed with excellent skill. For example, Captain Alberto Bertorelli (Richard Corrado) was as extravagant as the TV series and of course Chad Dent who played Rene, successfully brought the show together. Both had excellent accents and utilised the comedy in the script well.
Also, another potential challenge was the size of the play in the venue of a small community hall. But the venue did not hinder the production. The set was constructed really well and the stage management and backstage crew (and actors) handled the scene changes effortlessly which resulted in little interruption. The set was of Café Rene and when the action moved on elsewhere the lights, sound and props helped create this. There was some creative use of props for example, the scene where Rene and Edith were in bed; Actually, they were still in the café on chairs, dressed in nightclothes with a sheet over them.
The lights and sound were also effective in keeping some pace, but overall they successfully created the illusion of a different setting, to show not only a café, but a cellar, a cinema and Herr Flick’s home all within the same backdrop. The scene in the cinema showed a brilliant use of lights which portrayed a projector screen, combined with authentic sound which transformed the set: these moments comfortably let you leave Café Rene behind for a moment or two.
My favourite moments in the production were when Rene interacted with the audience. The rapport brought in a wonderful crossing of barriers akin to the TV show. This was done excellently by Chad Dent who played Rene. Chad delivered some of the best all-time favourite lines, such as “You stupid woman!” which got a huge laugh. Chad was perfect for the role of Rene. Excellently cast.
Rene’s wife Edith was played by the very talented Amy Whistance, who comfortably sang out of tune. Amy put her mark on the character and fully immersed herself in this role.
Emile Tunnacliffe, Niamh Smith and Tammy Steventon who played Yvette, Mimi and Michelle were wonderful supporting characters, including the peasants Eoghann Millard and Maddie Corrado. Great work.
Eoghann also played one of the British Airmen and a German Solider. Harry Rillet also played a British Airman, a German Solider and was voice of a stuffed parrot (the secret wireless communication between France and London!). This was a great scene where Lieutenant Gruber thought Rene was flirting with him but it was misunderstood messages from the voice of the parrot.
David Hill who played Colonel Kurt Von Strohm with his “Viglet” played the character with the right sense of awareness which made his delivery of his lines funnier and his relationship on stage with Richard Corrado as Captain Bertorelli strong. They were simply a great duo.
General Von Schmelling (Ryan Corry) was excellent in his strong performance. He managed to navigate successfully around the stage with one eye covered by an eyepatch and he also had great reflexes! Crabtree (Richard Mayes) a British spy posing as a French policeman had his moments; this was not an easy part at all but Richard was able to keep his character consistent and delivered his lines well, as written. Richard complimented his scenes with complete attention and the humour followed with the situations he found himself in. A classic scene with Rene in the cellar with Gruber walking in at the wrong moment!
Herr Otto Flick (Anthony Mathias) and Helga Geerhart (Poppy James) were also a great pair on stage. Poppy stripped to her stockings and suspenders to seduce Herr Flick in one scene, then in another scene, Herr Flick (The Master of Disguise) dressed up as a female cinema usher and did extremely well walking in high heels.
The stars of the show were Daniel Farmer who played Gruber and Meshak Simpson who played Leclerc. Daniel portrayed an over-the-top camp German soldier who had feelings for Rene. I had such a genuine interest in these scenes with Gruber and Rene because I was particularly keen on watching the reactions of both actors on stage, with some of the best lines in the play. It is truly a gift of a part and Daniel completely did it justice. Wonderful work. A lot of fun.
Finally, Meshak was just ultimate energy every time he entered onto the stage. He was hilarious as Leclerc, a true master of disguise and again had some cracking lines delivered brilliantly. A truly excellent job. Sometimes when the pace wavered a little bit, Meshak arrived and brought in such an exuberance it lifted the comedy right off the stage.
Congratulations to you all on a wonderfully entertaining evening. CADS will be back with their Spring production, which will be on 26th - 29th April 2023. I am eagerly awaiting their announcement of what it will be. But I do know it will have the same spirit, care and attention which the members of CADS are so good at.
SOCIETY Charlemont Dramatic Society
VENUE West Bromwich Community Hall, Gayton Road
TYPE OF PRODUCTION Play
DIRECTOR Sylvia Hill
STAGE MANAGER AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Craig Hill
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Michael Steventon
LIGHTS Sara Hill
SOUND Dan RichardsReport
Author: Dave Brown
Thank you very much for the kind invitation to see 'Allo 'Allo. This production was by Charlemont Dramatic Society (CADS) who completely blew me away with their one act plays earlier in the year. Receiving a warm welcome from David Payne (Front of House Coordinator) and Director Sylvia Hill added to an almost immediate feeling of relaxation, which soon reminded me of how supportive and nurturing CADS are. The support CADS received from the local community was great with a sold-out show tonight.
Also, I was really pleased to hear that CADS had recruited new members since I last saw them in March 2022, with many acting tonight.
'Allo 'Allo is set in war-torn France. The action happens in a small but seemingly popular place called Café Rene where the proprietor (called Rene) with his long-suffering wife Edith are trying to run a business. Rene is having an affair with both Yvette and Mimi with moments of physical comedy at its greatest. Rene is also hiding two British Airmen in his café and has stashed a stolen priceless portrait of The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies in a sausage!
This play is an ambitious one and with all famous sitcoms (like 'Allo 'Allo) there will always be expectations from certain members of the audience when performing well known characters. Therefore, confidence in the right casting choices could help cement the overall show. Characterisation, including accents, mannerisms and personality traits will help bring to life an instantly recognisable character.
I saw another play recently from another company which was based on a sitcom (another David Croft and Jimmy Perry classic) and similar feelings on this production came about. I feel as long as you are successful in portraying a believable character no matter how crazy the situation, investing in the story (or situation) comes with the skill of the director and actor. Most characters were most definitely in very capable hands of some talented actors who understood the situation they were in. Fortunately, the copious and witty writing was also there to be taken full advantage of. The script is full of jokes, one liners, innuendos and risks and Sylvia Hill (Director) has the experience to know when to take those risks and push a little bit further.
Some of the jokes could have been further enhanced with more awareness of delivery and pace. Overall, there was incredible team work on stage and some well-loved characters of the TV show were portrayed with excellent skill. For example, Captain Alberto Bertorelli (Richard Corrado) was as extravagant as the TV series and of course Chad Dent who played Rene, successfully brought the show together. Both had excellent accents and utilised the comedy in the script well.
Also, another potential challenge was the size of the play in the venue of a small community hall. But the venue did not hinder the production. The set was constructed really well and the stage management and backstage crew (and actors) handled the scene changes effortlessly which resulted in little interruption. The set was of Café Rene and when the action moved on elsewhere the lights, sound and props helped create this. There was some creative use of props for example, the scene where Rene and Edith were in bed; Actually, they were still in the café on chairs, dressed in nightclothes with a sheet over them.
The lights and sound were also effective in keeping some pace, but overall they successfully created the illusion of a different setting, to show not only a café, but a cellar, a cinema and Herr Flick’s home all within the same backdrop. The scene in the cinema showed a brilliant use of lights which portrayed a projector screen, combined with authentic sound which transformed the set: these moments comfortably let you leave Café Rene behind for a moment or two.
My favourite moments in the production were when Rene interacted with the audience. The rapport brought in a wonderful crossing of barriers akin to the TV show. This was done excellently by Chad Dent who played Rene. Chad delivered some of the best all-time favourite lines, such as “You stupid woman!” which got a huge laugh. Chad was perfect for the role of Rene. Excellently cast.
Rene’s wife Edith was played by the very talented Amy Whistance, who comfortably sang out of tune. Amy put her mark on the character and fully immersed herself in this role.
Emile Tunnacliffe, Niamh Smith and Tammy Steventon who played Yvette, Mimi and Michelle were wonderful supporting characters, including the peasants Eoghann Millard and Maddie Corrado. Great work.
Eoghann also played one of the British Airmen and a German Solider. Harry Rillet also played a British Airman, a German Solider and was voice of a stuffed parrot (the secret wireless communication between France and London!). This was a great scene where Lieutenant Gruber thought Rene was flirting with him but it was misunderstood messages from the voice of the parrot.
David Hill who played Colonel Kurt Von Strohm with his “Viglet” played the character with the right sense of awareness which made his delivery of his lines funnier and his relationship on stage with Richard Corrado as Captain Bertorelli strong. They were simply a great duo.
General Von Schmelling (Ryan Corry) was excellent in his strong performance. He managed to navigate successfully around the stage with one eye covered by an eyepatch and he also had great reflexes! Crabtree (Richard Mayes) a British spy posing as a French policeman had his moments; this was not an easy part at all but Richard was able to keep his character consistent and delivered his lines well, as written. Richard complimented his scenes with complete attention and the humour followed with the situations he found himself in. A classic scene with Rene in the cellar with Gruber walking in at the wrong moment!
Herr Otto Flick (Anthony Mathias) and Helga Geerhart (Poppy James) were also a great pair on stage. Poppy stripped to her stockings and suspenders to seduce Herr Flick in one scene, then in another scene, Herr Flick (The Master of Disguise) dressed up as a female cinema usher and did extremely well walking in high heels.
The stars of the show were Daniel Farmer who played Gruber and Meshak Simpson who played Leclerc. Daniel portrayed an over-the-top camp German soldier who had feelings for Rene. I had such a genuine interest in these scenes with Gruber and Rene because I was particularly keen on watching the reactions of both actors on stage, with some of the best lines in the play. It is truly a gift of a part and Daniel completely did it justice. Wonderful work. A lot of fun.
Finally, Meshak was just ultimate energy every time he entered onto the stage. He was hilarious as Leclerc, a true master of disguise and again had some cracking lines delivered brilliantly. A truly excellent job. Sometimes when the pace wavered a little bit, Meshak arrived and brought in such an exuberance it lifted the comedy right off the stage.
Congratulations to you all on a wonderfully entertaining evening. CADS will be back with their Spring production, which will be on 26th - 29th April 2023. I am eagerly awaiting their announcement of what it will be. But I do know it will have the same spirit, care and attention which the members of CADS are so good at.
Last tango in Little Grimley & Joining the Club
Author: Dave Brown
I had a wonderful evening watching the very talented members of Charlemont Dramatic Society (CADS) perform. The evening was filled with a genuine warmth and community spirit and it was a true pleasure to be part of the audience to watch some first-rate acting with a well-chosen and well written double bill.
The writer of this double bill is a comic playwright called David Tristram, who was brought up in the Black Country (Quarry Bank) and went to school in Dudley. Amongst his many comedic plays and books, he also directed the film about local “celebrity” Doreen Tipton. “It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it!”
Act One was a play called Last Tango in Little Grimley. Directed by David Hill with sound and lights by Craig Hill and Sara Hill. This was about a local amateur drama society with only 4 members left in it. After a committee meeting, a decision to go down in history and pay off their debts led to a vote to advertise a play that will sell tickets, and what is the one word that sells tickets? “Sex!”
Falsely advertised to get the audience in with the real plan to “surprise them with a good farce” seemed to be innocent enough until drastic measures were called for when the character of Margaret (Sylvia Hill) felt she had no choice to rescue the play, resulting in a few marriage proposals afterwards.
The committee meeting at the start of the play, instantly reminded me of the many meetings and rehearsals through the years of amateur dramatic companies that I have attended, with the nuances of personality which I also thought were very relatable in parts. It brought back some fond memories and smiles.
It was wonderfully written, acted and honest. The set design was simple and there was no major distraction, which I enjoyed as the pure focus was on each member of the cast and how they worked together. The venue of the community hall actually was a perfect setting for this play and helped the mood. However, a testament to the acting ability of the 4 cast members who drove the play at a nice pace, with experienced comedy timing and delivery, but also a natural ability which showed excellent team work.
This was a very focused performance which I believed held the attention of the audience well. Richard Mayes who played the character Gordon was perfectly cast, he delivered a dry and candid approach which worked on so many levels. Sylvia Hill played the character of Margaret; she had a nice stage presence but she also gave so much to her surroundings and others. Tammy Stevenson who played the character of Joyce had a nice innocence to her and again had a natural ability with some nice reactions. Ryan Corey played the character of Bernard with an occasional grimace and a confident portrayal.
My thoughts kept coming back to the character of Bernard and I asked myself if Bernard wasn’t enjoying the process, then why was he a member of the drama group in the first place? The answer I think is simple. What all characters had in common was a love for something, a community coming together and helping each other out, which is not so far from the truth.
Act Two was a play called Joining the Club. Directed by Chad Dent with sound and lights by Craig Hill and Sara Hill. Joining the Club tells the story of couple Jenny (Amy Whistance) and Tom (Richard Corrado). Jenny is successful in her job and Tom is not happy in his. The suggestion of a couple who had prioties at one point in their life but may have fallen into the routine of working with little else. Tom hasn’t been happy in his job for a while and one day he finally has enough courage (or he snaps) to resign from his job in a spontaneous outburst which involves insulting his boss. Tom is convinced his colleagues are getting special treatment and promotions because they are in the “baby club”. Then Tom comes home to the news that Jenny is pregnant and Jenny wants to give up work to be a Mom which initially fills Tom with anxiety. Jenny completing the pregnancy test at the start of the play was genuinely tense, again a testament to the wonderful acting of Amy Whistance, Tom’s shock with “suddenly” being a father and then the worry of how he may struggle to contribute in providing for the baby was played by Richard with intensity but a genuine concern. Jenny’s switch from a focus on her job to being a Mom was a complete natural instinct and totally believable.
Tom felt he had little choice and called back his boss and was close to painfully begging for his job back, but then Jenny grabbed the phone and burnt that bridge once and for all. The love shone through at that moment and the unity of both Jenny and Tom with a strong devotion to making it work as a Mom and Dad was a perfect ending.
Amy and Richard worked so well together and reacted well to so many different emotions. There were some very fine acting moments. The best moments involved the hard-hitting dialogue alongside the moments where it was compelling to watch for all the wrong reasons. Again, a testament to the acting ability.
The cast and crew, including sound and lights, props, stage management and set construction mustn’t be forgotten. They also made a proud and welcoming team of a community who obviously love doing what they do.
I was very privileged to have observed this feeling of community tonight and there were some real class moments of acting enjoyed.
Thank you for your hospitality, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and can’t wait until your next show.
I had a wonderful evening watching the very talented members of Charlemont Dramatic Society (CADS) perform. The evening was filled with a genuine warmth and community spirit and it was a true pleasure to be part of the audience to watch some first-rate acting with a well-chosen and well written double bill.
The writer of this double bill is a comic playwright called David Tristram, who was brought up in the Black Country (Quarry Bank) and went to school in Dudley. Amongst his many comedic plays and books, he also directed the film about local “celebrity” Doreen Tipton. “It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it!”
Act One was a play called Last Tango in Little Grimley. Directed by David Hill with sound and lights by Craig Hill and Sara Hill. This was about a local amateur drama society with only 4 members left in it. After a committee meeting, a decision to go down in history and pay off their debts led to a vote to advertise a play that will sell tickets, and what is the one word that sells tickets? “Sex!”
Falsely advertised to get the audience in with the real plan to “surprise them with a good farce” seemed to be innocent enough until drastic measures were called for when the character of Margaret (Sylvia Hill) felt she had no choice to rescue the play, resulting in a few marriage proposals afterwards.
The committee meeting at the start of the play, instantly reminded me of the many meetings and rehearsals through the years of amateur dramatic companies that I have attended, with the nuances of personality which I also thought were very relatable in parts. It brought back some fond memories and smiles.
It was wonderfully written, acted and honest. The set design was simple and there was no major distraction, which I enjoyed as the pure focus was on each member of the cast and how they worked together. The venue of the community hall actually was a perfect setting for this play and helped the mood. However, a testament to the acting ability of the 4 cast members who drove the play at a nice pace, with experienced comedy timing and delivery, but also a natural ability which showed excellent team work.
This was a very focused performance which I believed held the attention of the audience well. Richard Mayes who played the character Gordon was perfectly cast, he delivered a dry and candid approach which worked on so many levels. Sylvia Hill played the character of Margaret; she had a nice stage presence but she also gave so much to her surroundings and others. Tammy Stevenson who played the character of Joyce had a nice innocence to her and again had a natural ability with some nice reactions. Ryan Corey played the character of Bernard with an occasional grimace and a confident portrayal.
My thoughts kept coming back to the character of Bernard and I asked myself if Bernard wasn’t enjoying the process, then why was he a member of the drama group in the first place? The answer I think is simple. What all characters had in common was a love for something, a community coming together and helping each other out, which is not so far from the truth.
Act Two was a play called Joining the Club. Directed by Chad Dent with sound and lights by Craig Hill and Sara Hill. Joining the Club tells the story of couple Jenny (Amy Whistance) and Tom (Richard Corrado). Jenny is successful in her job and Tom is not happy in his. The suggestion of a couple who had prioties at one point in their life but may have fallen into the routine of working with little else. Tom hasn’t been happy in his job for a while and one day he finally has enough courage (or he snaps) to resign from his job in a spontaneous outburst which involves insulting his boss. Tom is convinced his colleagues are getting special treatment and promotions because they are in the “baby club”. Then Tom comes home to the news that Jenny is pregnant and Jenny wants to give up work to be a Mom which initially fills Tom with anxiety. Jenny completing the pregnancy test at the start of the play was genuinely tense, again a testament to the wonderful acting of Amy Whistance, Tom’s shock with “suddenly” being a father and then the worry of how he may struggle to contribute in providing for the baby was played by Richard with intensity but a genuine concern. Jenny’s switch from a focus on her job to being a Mom was a complete natural instinct and totally believable.
Tom felt he had little choice and called back his boss and was close to painfully begging for his job back, but then Jenny grabbed the phone and burnt that bridge once and for all. The love shone through at that moment and the unity of both Jenny and Tom with a strong devotion to making it work as a Mom and Dad was a perfect ending.
Amy and Richard worked so well together and reacted well to so many different emotions. There were some very fine acting moments. The best moments involved the hard-hitting dialogue alongside the moments where it was compelling to watch for all the wrong reasons. Again, a testament to the acting ability.
The cast and crew, including sound and lights, props, stage management and set construction mustn’t be forgotten. They also made a proud and welcoming team of a community who obviously love doing what they do.
I was very privileged to have observed this feeling of community tonight and there were some real class moments of acting enjoyed.
Thank you for your hospitality, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and can’t wait until your next show.
Celebrity
Author: Dennis Price
A new play Celebrity by Paul Mathews, The plot centres around Max Kettle a writer who has writers block as well as trying to cope with a new baby and struggling to meet publisher's deadlines. His wife Amber is harassed with the celebrity clients demands on her PR agency. The arrival of Marx's long lost ex-con father leads to more complications.
The action takes place in the flat of Max and Amber Kettle in Kensington. Amy Whistance as Amber and Max Darknell as Max were well cast in their roles and worked well together. Joanne Gardiner played the role of Freddy Smith the neighbour who turns up at the wrong moment. Lucy Styles played Max's sister Sarah who could control a crying baby with a George Clooney films her facial expressions were a joy to watch. Sylvia Hill played a sexy cougar, she is always a joy to watch and experience in delivery is a model for all actors. All the remaining roles were well played. I must mention the set, props and costmes, Congratulaions to the set builders on another fine set,
A new play Celebrity by Paul Mathews, The plot centres around Max Kettle a writer who has writers block as well as trying to cope with a new baby and struggling to meet publisher's deadlines. His wife Amber is harassed with the celebrity clients demands on her PR agency. The arrival of Marx's long lost ex-con father leads to more complications.
The action takes place in the flat of Max and Amber Kettle in Kensington. Amy Whistance as Amber and Max Darknell as Max were well cast in their roles and worked well together. Joanne Gardiner played the role of Freddy Smith the neighbour who turns up at the wrong moment. Lucy Styles played Max's sister Sarah who could control a crying baby with a George Clooney films her facial expressions were a joy to watch. Sylvia Hill played a sexy cougar, she is always a joy to watch and experience in delivery is a model for all actors. All the remaining roles were well played. I must mention the set, props and costmes, Congratulaions to the set builders on another fine set,
Salt of the Earth
Author: Dennis Price
This play was a rich slice of Yorkshire life by John Godber, covering forty years in the lives of two sisters Annie and May Parker.
We meet ' Annie' Lucy Styles , 'May' Danielle Millward', 'Roy' Max Darknell and 'Harry' Chad Dent and follow them through the years from 1947 to 1988. Roy is killed working the pits and Annie has to continue a lonely life without him. These four characters were all played well with Max also taking on the role of Paul. Strong support came from Jack Grainger as Tosh, Amy Whinstance as Kay and Tammy Stevenson as Cherry.
Congratulations to Craig Hill on the set and the sound.
Thank you CADS for an enjoyable evening
This play was a rich slice of Yorkshire life by John Godber, covering forty years in the lives of two sisters Annie and May Parker.
We meet ' Annie' Lucy Styles , 'May' Danielle Millward', 'Roy' Max Darknell and 'Harry' Chad Dent and follow them through the years from 1947 to 1988. Roy is killed working the pits and Annie has to continue a lonely life without him. These four characters were all played well with Max also taking on the role of Paul. Strong support came from Jack Grainger as Tosh, Amy Whinstance as Kay and Tammy Stevenson as Cherry.
Congratulations to Craig Hill on the set and the sound.
Thank you CADS for an enjoyable evening
