Boeing Boeing | MADS

Boeing Boeing (Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society)

Directed by Cameron Chandler

MADS Little Theatre, Macclesfield – 26 Sep 14

“Beautifully organised” – this is how protagonist Bernard describes his management of his three air hostess girlfriends. Yes, that is three at once, but it must be said that this is also a more than fitting description for this hilarious production by the Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society (more affectionately known as MADS). For a play that incorporates three fiancées, four nationalities and seven doors the scope for chaos is huge, but the MADS cast and crew successfully tamed the potential havoc of Marc Camoletti’s farce into a performance of cleverly choreographed comedy and entertainment.

The production’s creative level of humour was immediately established with an opening reminiscent of air safety announcements, in which a single air hostess (played by Claire Taylor) and calm female voiceover guided the audience through the theatre’s ‘safety regulations’ (“to start the flow of wine, pull the glass towards you”). The comedy continued to build up throughout the first act, subtle yet engaging with moments of situational humour rather than forced punchlines. This worked fantastically when, in a shift of intensity, the comedy suddenly exploded into full force with Robert (Bernard’s visiting friend, played by Peter Munro) losing patience with the complications of Bernard’s (Robert Copeland) love life.

However, it was the excellent portrayal of the characters that truly added to the quality of this production. The trio of air hostess fiancées – Gloria, Gabriella and Gretchen (played by Gemma Wilson, Elizabeth Bloor and Suzanne Copeland respectively) – were flawless in both their international accents and innocent ignorance of the situation around them. Bernard’s maid Bertha (Ailsa Oakley) created a fabulous contrast with an array of cranky idiosyncrasies, played to perfection so that even simply walking on stage raised laughter from the audience. Bernard and Robert formed a superb comic duo, attempting to ‘manage’ the many arrivals and departures of the girls, and it was amusing to see how Bernard’s gradual decline into exhausted disorientation contrasted with Robert’s transformation from awkward bemusement to flirtatious confidence (all accompanied by hilarious facial expressions, of course).

For what was essentially a pretty unbelievable situation – and taking into consideration that there were more doors in the one scene set than there were cast members – this play was overflowing with activity, panache and good humour. The lasting impression of this production, other than a great night of theatrical entertainment, was undoubtedly the time and effort that went into ‘choreographing’ the complex timing of entrances and exits, and for this alone it should be applauded.

Memorable Musical Moments

Despite the huge range of musical theatre shows that captivate audiences day in and day out, every fan will have a few key moments from the stage that they particularly remember above all the others. The five numbers below are the best and greatest from my own musical experience, for after watching/hearing them for the first time, each has stayed with me and remained an undeniably firm favourite.

Please feel free to comment with any of your memorable musical moments.

 

Falling Slowly – Once

I first heard this song when watching the film version of Once, and the almost documentary-style of the film really highlighted the beautiful simplicity of the song. In contrast the stage version incorporates the full cast, adding further layers of intensity to the music. The build-up throughout is subtle and yet powerful at the same time, and although it is made up of just three central melodies it is the sort of song that can be listened to again and again.

The Jellicle Ball Dance – Cats

This number has been a long-time favourite for me, as it is pure dance rather than a combination of dance and song (often a rarity in musicals). The energy and sheer drive of the dancing alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fabulous music makes this number difficult to forget, and the high kicks and leaps remind me of the modern/jazz style of dance I learnt at dance school.

Anthem – Chess

Whilst ‘Anthem’ is a wonderfully moving song whenever and however it is performed, this particular version by Kerry Ellis and Brian May is the one that really got me hooked. A great aspect is that you don’t necessarily need to know Chess in order to love this song – I for one have never seen it and still think that this song can stand on its own.

Electricity – Billy Elliot

I think anyone who loves that feeling you get when you dance can relate to this number. The switch between the unpretentious song and the upbeat dance section is a great contrast, and I love the fusion of classical ballet and modern style dance. And in the end, a whole number dedicated to the feeling of dancing … yes please!

Circle of Life – The Lion King

As much as I love so many shows and musicals, the opening of The Lion King is the only number to have moved me to the point of tears. Ironic really, when it is not upsetting or depressing, but I have the word of many others who have experienced this as well! The sheer brilliance and genius of the production is summed up into this one number and, in my opinion, cannot be beaten or forgotten.