Triumph for actors with French comedy

I thought this might be a difficult one to review - we are so used to seeing the familiar actors on our TV screens.

But, as always, OTTC came up with the goods. They are a company never to shirk a challenge. Did they succeed? I think they did.

Director Ashley Heath tried very hard to give the play his interpretation of the characters. Rene, played by Julian Smith, seemed to try very hard not to be like the TV character, but his look and mannerisms were very much like him. A difficult part, well played.

Wendy Vickery was superb as Edith - her French accent and musical numbers were spot on. Excellent. I have to make a special mention of Wendy Skane, who played Resistance fighter Michelle. This performance for me was complete, never wavering and a perfect characterisation.

All the old favourite characters were there, including the British airmen. They didn't have a lot to do, but when they did, it brought the house down.

Every member of this cast performed well. They did a great job and the audience loved it.

For me, the star was Captain Alberto Bertorelli, played by Mark Harris. The cinema scene with Helga, Amanda Bodilly, was very well executed and incredibly funny.

They pace was a little slow at this performance - it could have had something to do with the difficult scene changes. However, the use of the revolving central piece of scenery was a great idea.

All in all, this was a another triumph for OTTC, who never fail to surprise and delight with their acting ability and choice of plays.

To all those involved in this production, well done.

To those of who have never seen an OTTC play, look out for the next one.

Ros Hollands
Swindon Evening Advertiser
Saturday, 15 December 2001