John Cleese will collaborate with the Mercury Theatre Colchester to bring his brand new adaption of Georges Feydeau’s hysterical farce, Bang Bang, to the stage this Spring.
Leontine, a respectable lady of high society is in danger of being hoodwinked by her husband Duchotel. When Duchotel goes hunting, his prey is not four-legged animals!Back home his lifelong friend Dr Moricette comes calling – and he’s on the hunt too. Will Leontine get caught in his sights, or instead set a trap of her own? Saucy secrets unravel as the devilish Duchotel finds himself snared in a door-slamming, trouser-dropping, lover-hiding, balcony-climbing night of chaos set in the stylish apartments of Paris.
Bang Bang will be directed by veteran of theatre, television and radio, Nicky Henson.
John Cleese said:
“I couldn’t be more delighted with the cast we’ve put together for ‘Bang Bang’. We’ve had two read-throughs, both of them riots. My old pal Nicky Henson is directing, to mark our 51st year of friendship. A great farceur, he played the lead in the West End cast of Noises Off, the most successful farce of the past 30 years and also played the young man, Mr Johnson, in the Fawlty Towers episode about the two psychiatrists. ”
Playing lothario Duchotel is Oliver Cotton and Caroline Langrishe will star as Leontine. Peter Bourke will play the part of Cassagne with Sarah Crowden as Cassagne’s wife, Dr. Moricet will be played by Richard Earl and Jess Murphy will play Babette.
Robert Neumark Jones plays the dapper but hapless young lover Gontran. He makes his regional theatre debut in Bang Bang, recently graduating from Drama Centre London at Central St Martins, and Simon Hepworth plays Police Inspector Bridois.
