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Based on the misadventures of the wartime French cafe owner, Rene, from the hugely popular TV show of the same name. Rene is hiding a stolen painting, the portrait of 'The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies' by Van Klomp, for Colonel Von Strohm of the German occupying forces, and a forged copy for Herr Flick of the Gestapo. Both paintings are hidden inside knockwurst sausages hung in Rene's cellar. Rene's wife Edith, has taken the sausage containing the real painting to keep for themselves after the war. When Von Strohm aks for his sausage they give him Herr Flick's containing the forgery, but then Herr Flick arrives to collect his sausage and suddenly Rene finds himself one very valuable sausage short. Things only become more complicated when news arrives that Hitler is about to visit the town and the resistance, led by the beautiful Michelle, plan to capture him by planting a double in his place. Add to the mix two British airmen that Rene is hiding in his cellar, a British agent disguised as a policemen who speaks scandalous French, Rene's affairs with both his waitresses, oh, and a travelling Parrot and Cockatoo Salesman and you all the ingredients of a classic farce. Can Rene keep his sausage, his secret, his head, his sanity? All will be revealed.
A very funny and well acted comedy. All the favourites and all the catchphrases from the TV series were there; "You stupid woman!" (Rene), "I shall say thees only warnce" (Michelle of the Resistance), "Orhhhh RENE" (Yvette) etc. As well the comedy we were treated to a cabaret of Madame Edith's singing, complete with breadstick ear-plugs, some fine accordian playing, and a first class demonstration of the Can Can from two energetic young dancers.
The set was again of a high standard representing the interior of Cafe Rene, complete with bar and tables. A seperate area to stage left doubled as the Cafe cellar and Herr Flicks office whilst a folding wall to stage right created a backdrop for Von Strohms office. A wheeled partion was also brought on to provide a backdrop for the cinema scene and Rene and Edith's bedroom. The costumes likewise were excellent throughout.
Rene was played to great effect by Phil Holbrough who had the accent and mannerisms exactly right, although his stature was much closer to John Cleese than Gordon Kaye. Nadine Walker gave a good account as Edith, although she didn't quite capture the air of innocent gullibility of the original. Honourable mentions though to Phil Jordan as Herr Flick, Jadine Smith as a delightful Michelle of the resistance, Paul Dargan as Gruber, and of course who could forget those dancers!
A very funny replay of the classic TV series.