Live-wire comedy has audiences going like a ‘Boeing Boeing’
Side-splitting moments and witty interludes set the stage for the Port Elizabeth Musical and Dramatic Society’s latest production, Boeing Boeing.
Set in Paris in the 1960s, the show, which is on at The Little Theatre in Central, is a cheerful and lively production that takes the audience along for the ride, with a cheeky and particularly entertaining narrative.
Written by Marc Camoletti and translated into English by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans, this rendition of Boeing Boeing follows the shenanigans of English architect and bachelor extraordinaire Bernard as he struggles to maintain his love relationships with three fiancées.
Bernard, played by Gareth Bain, starts off with a wellplanned and executed roster of the arrival of his Italian, German and American fiancées — all beautiful airline hostesses who have frequent layovers in Paris.
Inevitably, though, his life gets thrown upside down when his “one up, one down and one pending” schedule is unexpectedly changed.
With all three love interests now at his Parisian apartment and an additional surprise visit from longtime friend Robert, Bernard has to juggle his day between the lot.
Directed by Lesley Barnard, Boeing Boeing, is a feast of talent and entertainment.
Barnard excels in the director’s chair and the show is extremely well-paced.
Bain, who is no stranger to the stage but has been quiet for some time, makes a welcome return.
His love interests — Gloria, the American, played by Jade Raepsaet, Gabriella, the Italian, played by Emily Strydom and Gretchen, the German, played by Gemma Barnard — are equally brilliant in their roles.
Gemma Barnard, armed with her fierce German accent and attitude, is perfectly paired with Bennie Gerber, in his role as Robert.
They steal the show as they traverse the ups and downs of finding love while trying to hide their intentions.
A stellar performance by Laura Fullbrook as Bernard’s French housekeeper, Bertha, rounds off the cast who do not falter throughout the production.
Littered with innuendos, both intentional and unintentional, and boasting a brilliantly designed set, this three-act show bursts with energy and talent and should not be missed.
Boeing Boeing, which has an age restriction of PG13, runs until June 3 at The Little Theatre.
Tickets are available on Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay.