John Dorney stars as Bernard in London Classic Theatre’s new UK tour of Marc Camoletti’s BOEING BOEING.
Michael Cabot directs Nathalie Barclay (Gabriella), Jo Castleton (Bertha), Isabel Della-Porta (Gloria), Jessica Dennis (Gretchen), John Dorney (Bernard) and Paul Sandys (Robert) in a translation by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans.
Tour and ticket details can be found here.
You’re starring in Boeing Boeing, how would you describe the play to someone who has never seen it?
It’s the story of a man who’s developed what he thinks is the perfect way of life – polygamy! He’s got himself engaged to three different air hostesses and scheduled things so that they never meet and are all in regular rotation. Of course, nothing is really perfect, and when there are a couple of spanners thrown in the works, his mathematical designs fall apart with increasingly chaotic consequences.
The play has been successful for over 50 years, why do you think audiences want to keep coming back to it?
Because it’s fast and funny and a little bit cheeky. Farces are pretty much pure comedy, the jokes never let up, the laughs come at a relentless pace – plus it’s always a delight seeing a bit of schadenfreude come to pass.
Tell us a little more about your character, Bernard, what do you love most about him and have you had to think about the role differently for the modern world?
Bernard could come over as a total bounder, but what I love about him is that he genuinely adores all the women in his life, and wants to keep them all happy. Or at least that’s what he tells himself.
His increasing realisation that this might not be quite what’s going is probably the main thing we’ve looked at in terms of thinking about it for the modern world. It’s pretty much been a collaborative effort across the entire cast. By looking for the truth, we’ve found a few edges that will give the whole piece a new bite.
How has it been working with director, Michael Cabot, and what do you think you’ve learnt from the experience?
I’m lucky enough to have worked for with Michael Cabot and London Classic Theatre six times now, so it’s always a joy coming back to the rehearsal room. You don’t have to worry about developing a relationship with the director as there’s already a shorthand there.
This time was different though as it’s the first time we’ve rehearsed together through Covid, which caused all manner of complications when various cast members got it – and even Michael himself. So what I’ve learnt is really about dealing with adversity and the strong supportive ethic that got us through it. The cast and crew have really given it their all and I’m so happy to be part of such a magnificent team.
Boeing Boeing is touring, what excites you as an actor about taking a show to multiple locations?
I love how touring gives me the opportunity to see all manner of places across the country that I might otherwise never have visited – and in a number of cases absolutely fallen in love with them.
It’s also great just taking theatre out on the road. The business can get a shade London-centric, so it’s fabulous seeing how much love there is for plays out there. It really reminds me why I do it!
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Boeing Boeing?
It really is a fantastic night out – the audiences have all had a really good time, the curtain call is greeted with whoops and cheers like I’ve never experienced. So what I’d say is stop thinking about it – and just do it!
