Humour abounds
Biggles, the young fictitious hero of 98 daring flying adventures of World Wars I and II, was created by Captain W. E. Johns. These popular books were read and enjoyed by every action-loving schoolboy of the 20th century.
The brash and adventurous hero – Biggles – has now been brought back to life, well partially, resembling a character straight out of The Boy’s Own Annual. It is the latest production by the Hawera Repertory Society. The similarity between the original books and this dramatic event ends when the curtain pulls across.
Billed as a ripping two-act comedy, this brief and adventurous piece of what was left of the British Empire, is loaded to excess with pithy, funny and outrageous humour.
The chums, Biggles and Algy, are confronted by their most perplexing challenge yet – a woman. It just isn’t the done thing for pilots to have a woman in their midst, and questions have to be asked.
Guaranteed to offend! That is what the publicity tells us, but no, how could you take offence at Algy’s comforting little teddy bear, or Major Bigglesworth’s comments on women, racism and British protocol. And eating Algy’s pet bunny for breakfast – where is the offence in that?
As Captain Algernon Lacey, Donald Campbell admirably displays the stiff upper lip of an active and buffoonish moustache-wearing wartime pilot. His dear friend (and I use the term loosely) Major James Bigglesworth, played with suitable arrogance by Pat Whyte, was commonly called Biggles.
When Flight Lieutenant Anne Comfort, played in suave style by Donnella Weir, breaks into the male bastion of the officers quarters, she stands up for women’s rights – and makes every effort to get what rights she deserves. Flight Sergeant Bekonfield is played by Katrina Fraser and she too wishes to pursue matrimonial matters.
The action moves from ‘Old Blighty’ to the palace of Baroness Strubliger, played by Samantha Turner. The fellow with a sword, Mustapha Fagori’llchoke was subtly or should I say greasily, played by Ben Thomas. Biggles Flies Undone is written by Mike Isle, and directed by Charles Pittams. The season opens on July 21 and runs to July 30 at Repertory House in Collins St.
Reviewer