07/08/2026
The Review is in - will Cafe Rene get a Michelin star?
Thanks to Susan Partington for this:
It might have been below freezing in Gisborne, but it was warm and cozy in Rene’s cafe on the opening night of ‘Allo ‘Allo 2: The Camembert Caper at Unity Theatre. The full house was welcomed by the l***y cafe owner, Rene, played by Mike Jones with charm and superb comedic timing, and instantly transported the audience to France in World War II (or a TV spoof version of it anyway). Rene is a bon vivant who clearly enjoys his wine, women and song (unless his wife is singing, that is!)
Fans of the long-running British TV show will recognize all their favourite characters - the French resistance, the German soldiers and Gestapo, the English airmen, the cantankerous mother-in-law. The large cast ranges from Gisborne stage veterans and regulars to a newcomer acting in her first play. From the slapstick physical comedy to the cheeky innuendo, the play had the audience laughing throughout. It truly felt like being transported into the world of a sit-com.
Julie McPhail chose this play and was directing it until she sadly passed away last month. Her loss was a blow to the entire local theatre community, but especially the cast who was working so closely with her at the time. As everyone in theatre knows, the show must go on, and the best way to honour Julie was to continue rehearsing and bringing her vision to life. Paula Hatten stepped in to direct, and I think Julie would be proud of the finished result. As anyone who worked with Julie knows, when she was on stage, she acted with total commitment to her character and the scene. She was fully present in every moment, and her legacy shines on in every character in ‘Allo ‘Allo. No matter how silly, the actors commit to every gag, from the b***y wordplay to a truly chaotic can-can.
Good directing is often invisible. When it’s done well, the audience succumbs to the world and the story, unaware of all the work behind the scenes to move the actors and the set from scene to scene. It’s a testament to Julie’s talent that the show flowed smoothly with such a large cast and so many locations. The last scene of the play is particularly poignant for the cast because Julie passed away before the blocking was set and Paula directed it faithfully using Julie’s notes. The dedication of everyone on stage to create Julie’s vision is evident. It’s fitting that this hilarious farce should be Julie’s last play because she was always the funniest person on stage, the kindest person backstage and a truly creative force behind the scenes.
The play runs through August 15 at Unity Theatre and is completely sold out. I hope you are one of the lucky early birds who scored tickets to see ‘Allo ‘Allo 2 - the sidesplitting swan song of the late, great Julie McPhail.
– By Susan Partington
