Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen

While Altrincham Garrick's production of Dads' Army really gave you a flavour of the original, 'Allo 'Allo' merely tickles the taste buds.

There are some magical comedy moments to enjoy but for me, there's a lack of pace in places. In saying that though, there's every reason to assume the tempo will increase as the run progresses.

Now I know Rene the randy cafe owner is the main character, but the performance of the evening comes from Barry Spencer as the incurably vain Captain Alberto Bertorelli. His impersonation of a ranting and rabid Adolf Hitler is worth the ticket money on its own.

Graham Simmonds as Rene demonstrates his gift for both verbal and visual comedy, ably assisted on one occasion by an inflatable Adolf. That scene is so funny you could easily crack a rib or two and there's an enjoyable chemistry between Graham and Angela Wetherill who plays his long suffering wIfe Edith, a woman who is desperate for the spark to return to her passion free marriage.

Steve Bradshaw has designed an attractive set that serves as everything from a cafe interior to Rene and Edith's bedroom. It allows the production to flit from scene to scene with admirable smoothness.

If you're a fan of the original TV series or a lover of old school comedy garnished with a little sauce, you'll love this.

Star Rating ★★★