This production is at the New Theatre and is directed by Alice Livingstone. I saw the preview and it was amazing. The thought and detail that has gone into the production, makes it a very well polished show. The audience is entertained just as the British troops would have been, this is before the actual show starts. Then, you meet the entertainment corps of the British army posted to Malaya. Private Steven Flowers arrives; he is quick to tell the rest of the group that he is not a Bum Boy as he is informed that some of the men are. There isn't much of a story, a bit of a love story between Flowers and Syliva and a rogue Sergeant-Major Reg Drummond. It does touch on the issues of the acceptance of homosexuality and multicultural marriage by society in the 70's. But generally it is just a bit of fun, full of singing, dancing and bad jokes. It is one of those shows where you feel you really are being entertained without putting in the effort to enjoy it, you can just sit back and be swept away.
The New Theatre quite often amazes me with their sets. The stage was transformed into a stage! Yes that may sound a bit strange but normally the New Theatre has a performance space which makes it very flexible. Towards the back of the stage was the shower block, which it is so well executed that you don't realise that is what it is until the men strip off and take a shower. The play does contain nudity, cause language and smoking! Looking at the photo's has also reminded me of how good the costuming and props were, again they were brilliant, very well thought out and very detailed. The music is live with Piano/Keyboards John Short
Drums Gina Schien.
Privates on Parade is part of the Mardi Gras festival and plays until 8 March, go and see it you won't be disappointed.
Photograph © Bob Seary
