NTT productions, a regional theatre company based in the Hawkesbury and Penrith area, recently brought their production of ‘Allo, Allo!’ to North Sydney’s Independent Theatre. ‘Allo, Allo!’ is the theatrical adaptation of the popular TV comedy series and the play was written by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft.

The theatrical version of ‘Allo, ‘Allo!’ follows the adventures of Rene, the hapless café owner in war-torn occupied France, as he and his wife, Edith, struggle to keep for themselves a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis and kept in a sausage in their cellar. Yes, a sausage!

Rene is also hiding two British airmen and is endeavoring, with the help of the Resistance, to repatriate them. However, communications with London through a wireless disguised as a cockatoo add to the many embarrassments he endures in the company of his patrons.

Matters come to a head with the news that the Fuhrer is to visit the town, and the café becomes filled with tricksters intending to impersonate Hitler before the event. Rene needs all the wit he can muster to save his café and his life!

There is of-course a long tradition in the theatre, as in television and cinema, of writers putting comic spins on war-time experiences, and ‘Allo, Állo!’ sits very comfortably within this genre.

There was only one possible way to take this production, and that was purely played for fun, and the actors hammed it up as much as possible. After all, the acronym NTT in NTT productions stands for Nonsensical Thespian Troupe!

The production was directed by Carol Dicker who also directed NTT’s successful production of ‘I love you, you’re perfect, no change’.

Mathew Barry played café owner, Renee. Nadine Jordan was his wife, Edith, and the leads were supported by a large supporting cast.

I look forward to the Nonsensical Thespian Troupe next comic venture!