It takes two to tango
Every actor loves a challenge, and so does every dancer. No matter how much experience they might have, there’s always something new around the corner.
When the classic British comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo hits the Forge Theatre stage in Bairnsdale next month, actor Fraser Gibson and dancer/choreographer Teresa Ferreira will both be entering new territory: Fraser as a tango-dancing Gestapo officer, Teresa as his very brave choreographer, as well as playing a major role on-stage as Yvette, the lusty waitress.
And no, ‘Allo ‘Allo is not a musical. This offering from Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company is a typically-British farce based on the hugely successful BBC-TV series, set in wartime France, that swept the world in the 1980s and ‘90s. But that didn’t deter the show’s creators, Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, from throwing in some incongruous and just plain silly cabaret numbers – and, of course, Fraser’s tango.
Playing the wannabe-villainous Gestapo officer, Herr Flick, Fraser admits the role wasn’t his first choice when he auditioned, but it’s turned out to be a great fit for him.
“I’m really enjoying it”, said Fraser. “It allows me to be silly but also strait-laced and stern, which has been a challenge, but great fun as well”.
Silly doesn’t begin to describe it. Herr Flick not only reveals himself as a repressed and somewhat kinky soul, but also as a so-so violinist, and an hilarious tango dancer. Fraser admits to being a singer, but not a dancer. Fortunately he has Teresa on hand, to help him tread the fine line between comical and painful.
Teresa, meanwhile, is delighted to be taking on the role of Yvette. While Fraser has been treading the boards for 22 years, Teresa made her theatrical debut earlier this year in The Rocky Horror Show, but she has always enjoyed gymnastics, dancing, and embracing every opportunity to be creative. These days she teaches adult burlesque-style dancing – and the occasional dancing villain!
“I love working on ‘Allo ‘Allo for the in-jokes and innuendo, which very much line up with my burlesque dancing background”, Teresa said. “It's very much the delivery of the line or a movement accompanying the line that gives it meaning. This show has a lot of obvious laughs, but also many less obvious ones. The balance is so much fun to work with”.
“Fraser might be a non-dancer, but he’s very committed to portraying the best Herr Flick possible”, she said. “Working with him is similar to teaching burlesque, working through uncertainty and discomfort, while also exploring how to convey the story through dance - and doing so on your own terms”.
Fraser first performed in Production Line’s The Music Man in 2005, at the ripe old age of nine, then two years later landed the title role in Oliver which cemented his status with the company through a string of musicals – but ‘Allo ‘Allo is his first non-musical performance.
‘My passion is singing”, Fraser said, “but being familiar with the original ‘Allo ‘Allo TV series I just couldn’t say no. It’s going to be great fun bringing it to Bairnsdale audiences”.
The fun starts on October 15th at the Forge Theatre, and continues through a total of five performances – with tickets already selling well and promising a very successful season.
Ticket Prices
Full: $45
Concession: $40 (Seniors/Pensioners)
Child (14 years & under) / Student: $25
Family (2 adults & 2 children): $130
More information is available via
'Allo 'Allo web page
