UK Theatre Network

Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 6^th April 2009.

I haven’t laughed so much for a long time, this production was hilariously funny and the rest of the audience thought so too. 

The play was set in a Paris flat which was the home of Bernard, a successful architect who was engaged to three women he had no intention of   marrying. The women were all Air Hostesses who worked for different airlines. American Gloria was with TWA, Italian Gabriella with Al Italia and German Gretchen flew with Lufthansa. Their varied schedules meant their paths had never crossed and Bernard’s housekeeper catered for their different tastes. Bernard thought his situation was watertight, until his long lost country cousin Robert came to stay. Soon flights were delayed and schedules were disrupted, which led to people being in the flat at the wrong time, with hilarious consequences.

The set looked very professional; it was based around Bernard’s living room, with several doors opening off it. No set changes were necessary as the action involved characters going in and out of different rooms or the main entrance to the flat. Lighting was used to good effect. There was a good sound effect when two characters left the flat but could still be heard talking as if from outside.

Gloria was played by Sarah Jayne Dunn and she executed the part of a blonde American air hostess well and her accent was very believable. She also managed to capture the irritating whiny drawl associated with such a character.

Bernard was taken by Martin Marquez who also gave a good performance and was totally plausible in the role. He was also quite amusing when his life got chaotic.

Bertha was played by Susie Blake and I loved her performance, which was outstanding. She was incredibly funny as the somewhat dour housekeeper. She was one of my favourite characters.

The role of Robert was taken by John Marquez who also played the part really well and I found him very amusing also. I don’t know why he had a Welsh accent, but it added to the humour.

Gabriella was played by Thaila Zucchi and she did an excellent job as the feisty Italian, also very funny, excellent accent and totally plausible in the role.

Then there was Gretchen brilliantly played by Josephine Butler who was hilariously funny as this character. Forget feisty, she was scary, certainly not someone to be trifled with and she was my favourite. Once again a really excellent accent and totally plausible in the role.  An absolutely outstanding performance.

I thought all the cast performed well and the timing was excellent. Everyone involved had clearly put a lot of effort into this show.

The costumes were very good with the Air Hostess uniforms reflecting their different airlines, whilst remaining plausible attire. The men were suitably dressed to reflect their lifestyle and the housekeeper’s clothes were also appropriate.

The performance ended with some upbeat music and a light show effect produced from shining coloured lights onto a mirror ball.

I thought this was an excellent show and one not to be missed. It was so funny it was mood changing, lifting the spirits.

Boeing Boeing plays Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 11^th April 2009. The tour then continues playing Theatre Royal Brighton from Monday 13^th to Saturday 18^th April 2009. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0870 060 6652 (bkg fee)

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.boeingboeing.co.uk

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 6^th April 2009 on behalf of Catherine Brian.