‘Allo ‘Allo stage version comes to The Lowry for Christmas

Oct 24 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

CHRISTMAS comedy comes to The Lowry at Salford Quays this year when a stage version of the hit TV series ‘Allo ‘Allo arrives for the festive period.

The live version, which runs from December 16-January 10, has been specially written for the stage by the show’s creators Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft.

Calibre Productions, the producers behind the hugely successful Dad’s Army – The Lost Episodes, return to present a new stage adaptation of another hit British TV sitcom, brimming with all of the joyous mayhem and hilarious innuendos to be expected from the series.

Set in occupied France during World War Two, the hapless French café owner René and his wife Edith struggle to hide a priceless portrait – The Fallen Madonna ‘with ze Big Boobies’ – stolen by the Nazis and hidden in a sausage in their cellar.

Adding to René’s woes, the French Resistance force him to aid their persistent attempts to return two bumbling British airmen to England whilst simultaneously trying to keep his long-running affairs with his two waitresses from his wife.

Created for the BBC by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, ‘Allo ‘Allo! aired for 10 years from 1982 and comprised of 85 episodes, which were filmed in a courtyard at Lynford Hall in Norfolk.

Alongside the television series, the show gave rise to an equally successful stage show which performed three London runs at the Palladium as well as international tours.

The show’s premise was not to make fun of the war, but to spoof war-based film and TV dramas; in particular, a BBC1 drama about the resistance movement, Secret Army.

This new adaptation provides a unique and rare opportunity to experience once again the comedy, gags and fast-paced cultural clichés that established ‘Allo ‘Allo! as one of Britain’s most popular sitcoms.

For booking information, ring 0870 787 5793 or visit www.thelowry.com.