Allo Allo, Bursledon Players, Bursledon Village Hall (From Daily Echo)

Allo Allo, Bursledon Players, Bursledon Village Hall

10:11am Monday 28th November 2011 in Curtain Call By Jim Rumsey

THE plot centres around a priceless portrait, stolen by the Nazis, and hidden in a sausage in Café Rene.

The production is full of puns, punchlines, farce elements and some rudery.

A brisk pace is needed for full effect and the company rose to the occasion. An ingenious set with firstrate Lighting (Peter Taylor) and sound (Reuben Humphreys) was complemented by many of the audience wearing berets and striped garments in a café ambience.

Yvette (Julia Piper) and Mimi (Melanie Smith) were both lively and risqué, whilst Michelle (Julie Bowring) plotted with aplomb. Each of the German contingent was amusing.

Herr Flick (Simon Goodison) moved between madness and sanity and his relationship with Helga (Katrina Humphreys) was a highlight.

Rene (Mike Vaughan) was first-rate in his important role, keeping his wife Yvette (a convincing Julia Piper) at arm’s length.

Richard Calver directed to full effect and even managed hilariously to mangle the English language in his role as Officer Crabtree.