Boeing Boeing
- Posted on June 29, 2007 1:39 PM
- 0 comments
Boeing Boeing - Comedy Theatre
Now booking until 20th October
Review by Katie Spain
The best nights at the theatre happen when you least expect them too. I've been meaning to see Boeing Boeing for months but it never... quite... happened; until now.
As fate would have it, I've drawn a lucky straw - waiting so long to see ...... play means that I am able to see Elena Rogers in her new role. If you don't know her by name, you'll know her by voice - she played Evita at the Adelphi up until a few weeks ago. I saw her on opening night and was blown away by the force of her lung span. The woman is little but boy she can sing!
Her latest role doesn't involve singing... it's a comedy drama which relies purely on a fast-paced story line and a steady flow of laughs. Luckily, it delivers.
Somehow we've managed to score tickets at the very front. Let's hope I get this close to when Orlando Bloom hits the stage for In Celebration. If he faints under the harsh lights he'll need a hand. Speaking of 'front row admiration', I'm sitting next to my boyfriend whose face is plastered in awe. It might have something to do with the uninterrupted view he has... straight up the leading ladies' skirts. All in good fun.
Boeing Boeing is an unlikely but strangely believable story about a womanising Englishman (Adrian Dunbar) living in Paris. Bernard's impressive flat is almost as big as his ego and his love life is nothing short of hectic. His three air-hostess fiancées keep him busy - after all, keeping them a secret is a matter of serious timetable keeping. He is assisted by his unwilling but very reliable housekeeper (Rhia Perlman).
Things get interesting when Bernard's old school friend Robert (Neil Stuke) comes to visit; timetables cross and the three fiancés come terrifyingly close to meeting. It's like Russian roulette of the heart and Robert soon discovers he quite likes it.
Stand out performances by the three gorgeous flight attendants steal the show (and a fair share of masculine hearts). Amy Nuttall plays the fiery haired, leggy American, Elena Rogers charms as a bossy Italian and Doon Mackichan absolutely delights as the towering German with a love of Sauerkraut and men. I haven't come across such a memorable stage character in an extremely long time.
The play is fast paced and exhilarating. Outstanding performances by all cast members ensures a laugh a minute evening of matchmaking mayhem. The storyline doesn't miss a beat and the delightfully playful stereotypes amuse rather than offend. The set doesn't change once, costumes aren't swapped and there's no fancy effects involved. Boeing Boeing doesn't need them... the cracking plot and quick witted one-liners prove why this play was one of the most successful comedies of its time. This time around, Director Matthew Warchus has done himself proud.
I don't say this often but I would gladly see this play again. Do yourself a favour and take a break from the busy streets of London. Boeing Boeing takes all that we love about travel and good service but leaves the long delays and check-ins behind.
Prepare yourself for lift off; it's one hell of a ride.
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