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Set in the swinging ‘60s, Boeing Boeing revolves around the antics of an American playboy, Bernard, living in Paris and his complicated relationship with three women, all airhostesses..
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the Maitland Repertory Theatre to see their production of the very funny play, Boeing Boeing.
This is a play written in 1962 by Marc Camoletti.
Set in the swinging ‘60s, the story revolves around the antics of an American playboy, Bernard, living in Paris and his complicated relationship with three women, all airhostesses.
The setting is Bernard’s flat at Orly, near Paris airport.
Bernard, played by Philip Parker, lives with his rather difficult maid, Berthe (Sharon Allen).
Bernard enjoys being engaged to three hostesses: American Gloria (Rebecca Stranger), Australian Gabriella (April Heath) and German Gretchen, a forceful lady played by Heidi Bush.
Bernard is convinced he has the magic formula for happiness.
Being engaged to three, apparently the perfect number, enables him to enjoy love without the commitment of ever getting married.
Maintaining three fiances requires a great deal of organisation and impeccable timing. Bernard has chosen women from different airlines on
different schedules, but with their names all starting with the same letter, to avoid mix-ups.
He uses airline timetables to keep track of incoming and outgoing flights.
He is begrudgingly assisted by Berthe, who takes care of the details, constantly forced to change the menu and decor to suit the arrival of his latest lover.
Bernard’s world begins to unravel around him when an old friend, Robert (Andrew Hall), arrives to stay.
Bad timing and bad weather allows the schedules to get out of control.
Gloria heads off to catch her TWA flight across the Atlantic.
Just as she leaves, in comes Gabriella who is keen to spend some time with her fiance.
Then Gretchen arrives early and the TWA flight with Gloria on board is forced to return to Paris due to a storm.
The scene is set for disaster and the ensuing action is fast, furious and hilarious.
For me Berthe stole the show – a great character.
Sharon Allen was terrific.
Her accent, gestures, and good timing made her a stand-out.
Hall played a very convincing Robert.
At various stages you could not help but feel sorry for the bumbling, shy American.
Parker is a confident actor and was suited to the role of Bernard.
The character is full of confidence at the beginning, but worn out by the end, and Parker did him justice.
The three airhostesses were great.
Gretchen was my favourite – not a woman to be messed with.
Stranger was a playful hostess with a great accent.
Heath played sultry Gabriella just right.
Overall, I really enjoyed the play.
I thought it was funny, well acted and had good timing.
The setting was terrific.
We are lucky in Maitland to have such good live theatre.
I encourage anyone who enjoys
seeing local talent to get along and support the theatre and have a laugh.
Boeing Boeing is at Maitland Repertory Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm until March 1 and on this Sunday at 2pm.
For bookings phone 4931 2800 or go to Maitland Visitor’s Centre.
