CHESTER THEATRE SAYS 'ALLO 'ALLO TO NEW SEASON WITH STAGING OF CLASSIC BBC COMEDY

A Chester city centre theatre is set to launch its new season of plays with a stage adaptation of a much loved classic BBC comedy.

Chester Little Theatre will stage the classic BBC wartime comedy 'Allo 'Allo" from Saturday 13^th - Saturday 20th September at 7.30pm. The play will be directed for Chester Little Theatre by Lisa Miller. 

Written by the show's original writers Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft specially for the stage, the play follows the wartime exploits of cafe owner René Artois who is caught between secret resistance missions, unwelcome Nazi guests, and a series of outrageous misunderstandings. Throw in to the mix his tone deaf wife Edith, the amorous advances of his two waitresses Yvette and Mimi, a whole host of memorable characters and catchphrases, absurd disguises, double entendres and lightning-quick wit, 'Allo 'Allo still remains a much loved classic British comedy more than 40 years after it first hit TV screens.   

Created in 1982 by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft as a parody of BBC wartime drama "Secret Army", 'Allo 'Allo ran for nine series between September 1984 until its conclusion in 14 December 1992. The success of the TV series gave rise to a hugely successful touring stage-show featuring most of the original TV cast. This ran from 1986 to 1992, and included three London stage runs as well as international tours. A favourite amongst non-professional and community theatre groups, the stage version of 'Allo 'Allo is widely performed throughout the UK.

Speaking about bringing this much-loved comedy to the stage at Chester Little Theatre, the show's director Lisa Miller said:

"‘Allo ‘Allo is such an iconic show – instantly recognisable for its larger-than-life characters, running gags, and wonderfully absurd storylines. Directing such a large ensemble has been a real pleasure. With 26 people involved on stage and behind the scenes, the production has thrived on the creativity, commitment, and sheer good humour of the team."

Lisa added:

"I wanted to stage this play not only because it is so well loved, but also because the characters are irresistibly endearing. It’s a joyously madcap script, full of challenges with its props and comic timing, and every role offers its own unique brand of humour, It’s no wonder nearly every local company has staged it. – and now it’s finally our turn! I hope our audiences enjoy watching ‘Allo ‘Allo as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to life."

Following on from 'Allo 'Allo, visiting theatre company Against The Grain return to the Salisbury Studio at Chester Little Theatre with a production of "Haunting Julia" by Alan Ayckbourn from Wednesday 8^th - Saturday 11^th October at 7.30pm. There will also be a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday 11^th October. 

Directed for Against the Grain by Marian Newman, the play tells the story of Joe who twelve years after the death of his musical child prodigy daughter Julia, has turned the student house in which she spent her last eighteen months into a museum. Joe invites her ex boyfriend, Andy, and a psychic, Ken, to her student bedroom in an attempt to find answers as to how and why Julia died. Does Andy know more than he is telling and is Ken all he claims to be? And is it only Julia herself who can reach out to Joe? 'Haunting Julia' is described by the show's producers as "A hair-raising, spooky tale for a chilly October evening."

Other highlights in Chester Little Theatre's new season include:

"Cluedo" by Sandy Rustin, directed by Lexie Fox-Hutchings from 8^th -11^th November, "One For The Road" by Willy Russell, directed by Margaret Bennett from 17^th - 24^th January, "Art Heist" and "Lights Over Tesco Car Park, two one act plays by Jack Bradfield and Poltergeist Theatre, directed by Nallo Rollo from 11th-14th February, "One Man, Two Guvnors" by Richard Bean, directed by Andy Fox-Hutchings from 14^th -21^st March, "Primrose Wood, a new play written and directed by Robert Meadows from 15^th -18^th April, "Heaven Sent" by Sebastien Thiery, directed by Jessica Toyne from 9th -16th May, "Kayfabe", a new play written and directed by K.C. Finn from 3^rd - 6^th June. The 2025/26 season concludes with a production of the ever popular "Calendar Girls" by Tim Firth, directed by Jonathan Johnston from 4^th -11^th July.

Full details of 'Allo 'Allo, "Haunting Julia" and all upcoming shows at Chester Little Theatre can be found at: 

www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.