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Jo Castleton promises night full of laughs as Boeing Boeing heads to Cambridge Arts Theatre




Boeing Boeing is coming to Cambridge Arts Theatre from July 12-16.

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.

Jo Castleton answered some questions about it.

Jo Castleton in Boeing Boeing. Picture: Sheila Burnett
Jo Castleton in Boeing Boeing. Picture: Sheila Burnett

What should we expect from Boeing Boeing?

Boeing Boeing is a fast-paced comedy set in Paris in the swinging sixties. Architect, Bernard has - what he thinks - is a fool proof system so he can juggle his three air hostess fiancés. However, with his friend arriving from the country and flight timetables changing Bernard’s system starts to collapse, and chaos ensues. It will be a fun night full of laughs and hopefully the audience will enjoy watching the madness unfold as Bernard tries to keep this pretence going. This brilliant farce is fast and funny and a great evening out!

What drew you to Bertha?

Bertha is Bernard’s housekeeper and cook, she is a great character, an ordinary person caught up in an extraordinary situation. She is no pushover; she has real gumption which is so enticing. I love playing a strong woman. It is also fun performing this headstrong character that must find her way through total chaos. It’s a brilliant challenge to do a farce, such a team effort is needed for this style of theatre, which I really enjoy. It is fast and furious, and I am really looking forward to performing it.

How are rehearsals going?

Rehearsals have been great fun, we have spent time talking through everyone’s relationship to each other, making them truthful and recognisable, because that’s what will make the audience laugh. The set design is also brilliant; we had a great time working out the logistics of the seven doors, which everyone comes in and out of at a rapid rate of knots, this should be great fun to see live!

Boeing Boeing. Picture: Sheila Burnett
Boeing Boeing. Picture: Sheila Burnett

What are you most excited for when Boeing Boeing starts touring?

It will be amazing to be back on stage in front of a live audience after so long, and to be doing a play that is so feel-good and funny. It is exciting to be part of a shared theatrical experience again, I am really looking forward to feeling the chemistry between audience and performer once again. Touring is great as well as I love getting to know new cities on my days off.

What is unique about this adaptation?

This production celebrates the women, none of them are presented as pushovers, they are smart, strong women and definitely have the last laugh at the en! It is an appropriate but exciting modern twist on a classic. We also have the most amazing set, its so detailed and really transports you back to the sixties.

What would you like audiences to take from Boeing Boeing?

To come away having really had a good laugh, to have enjoyed the madness and mayhem and feel like they have escaped for the night.

Book tickets at cambridgeartstheatre.com/.



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