Review: Towering performances- Bang Bang at Peterborough New Theatre

It wasn’t entirely unexpected, given the man who penned the stage adaptation of the late 19th century French farce was one John Cleese - his debut work.

But it didn’t just have a smattering of Cleese - who found fame with Monty Python and cemented his place in British sitcom folklore with Fawlty Towers - it was layered on.

And it didn’t take a genius to see the influence of the 1970s Torquay hotelier in the characters and performances - maybe it just took the genius of Cleese to bring it all together perfectly.

There was of course the staple farce ingredients - a ridiculous set of coincidences, men with their trousers down, people hiding in wardrobes and it was all brilliantly done - and hugely appreciated by the audience.

And the laughs and chuckles continued from the opening scene with some rude visual comedy to the last - slapstick, one liners, innuendo, you name it - and all beautifully delivered.

Even the set change drew plenty of laughter, with Wendi Peters, as the down on her luck countess ( a nice little cameo that deserved more stage time), singing of her downfall with a lion tamer while everything was moved around - by the cast!

The three main protagonists all excelled. Tessa Peake-Jones was terrific as the reluctantly vengeful Leontine, a respectable society lady,hoodwinked by her philandering husband, Duchotel, who is always off, er, shooting.

Tony Gardner’s scene-stealing performance had Basil Fawlty’s DNA running through it - the pauses, looks, mannerisms and great comic timing.

There was more than a hint of Basil - and the blustering Major - in Richard Earl’s portrayal of the lustful Dr Moricet. Another comedy masterclass.

If you loved Fawlty Towers you will love this. If you have never seen Fawlty Towers the same applies.

And they were well supported . I did like Andy Secombe as the somewhat continually confused Cassagne with a strange accent (Manuel?) and Vicki Davids’ little sarcastic interuptions as Babette were wonderful.

You can see Bang Bang at New Theatre until Saturday.