Boeing Boeing at Guild Theatre
This delicious French farce swings joyously to the Latin beat of the early 1960s. Meet Bernard, a young, savvy Parisian playboy who has the world on a string. He is engaged simultaneously to three gorgeous airline hostesses, each completely unaware of each other thanks to accommodating flight schedules and his exasperated butler Maurice. The play will run from October 27 to November 25 at The Guild Theatre.
Bernard’s triple timing is timed to perfection and he couldn’t be happier in his bachelor’s paradise. Enter Robert, an old friend from the provinces who is treated to full disclosure of Bernard’s lothario lifestyle. Robert is agog at the set up until things start to go wrong, including flight cancellations and a new faster Boeing Caravelle jet throwing Bernard’s timing into turmoil.
Director Susan Stapleton was drawn to this play when she became aware that Tony award-winning actor Mark Rylance won Best Actor for Boeing Boeing in 2008. That production also won a Tony for best play revival. The fact that Boeing Boeing is the most often performed French play anywhere in the world is also intriguing. Susan says “I think you will understand when you see all the elements of a farce so beautifully and satisfyingly brought out by the writer. The enticing set up of a pompous, manipulative lothario who is completely secure at the centre of his own universe is quite outrageous. We can’t help but desire his downfall, but how will this happen and who will come out on top?”
Nathan Farrow playing Bernard, grew up at the Guild Theatre and has been onstage there (and many other theatres) since he was 11. He enjoys the character’s transition from quick-witted, smooth man-about-town to someone totally out of their depth. Nathan has also directed “An Inspector Calls” at the Guild and was last onstage as Dr Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace. Nathan really enjoys the process of polishing comedy and is looking forward to performing this decidedly French farce.
Partnering up with Bernard is Robert played by Daniel Cawthorne who was last onstage at The Guild in “It’s My Party (And I’ll Die If I Want To)”. Daniel says he couldn’t resist trying out for the role of Robert because of the physicality and jittery energy as well as his cluelessness and happy-go-lucky nature amongst the rising mayhem. Akshay Bharde who plays the long-suffering butler Maurice, is celebrating his first role onstage since moving to Australia. Akshay is very excited at the opportunity to play this outspoken character that contributes so much to the fun. Rosemary Ghazi is making her debut on the Guild stage but is no stranger to the stage, playing the vivacious Gabriella an Air Alitalia hostess. Catilin Gleeson is very excited to be back onstage in Boeing Boeing, after her debut in “It’s My Party, (And I’ll Die If I Want To)” in 2016. Caitlin is looking forward to playing a very outgoing and direct TWA American airline hostess. Caitlin appreciates the opportunity to step into the shoes of a very different character and completely lose herself.
Donna Randall, playing the passionately formidable German air hostess Gretchen is very experienced on the Sydney theatre scene. She won Best Actress in her heat of Crash Test Drama in 2016 and was runner-up best actress in week 1 of Short and Sweet 2017.
Audiences can expect a splash into the 60s with a dynamic and colourful set, retro music and split-second timing of opening/closing doors – no farce is complete without them.
WHAT: Boeing Boeing
WHEN: October 27 to November 25, 2017
WHERE: Guild Theatre, Rockdale NSW
For More Information & To Book Online CLICK HERE.