Following a highly successful season of & Juliet, which saw a consistently packed house at The Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company is already turning its attention to its October play, based on the much-loved TV comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo.
Set in occupied France during World War II, ‘Allo ‘Allo centres on café owner René Artois, who reluctantly finds himself caught between the French Resistance, the German army and a series of increasingly complicated schemes, all while trying to keep his own chaotic situation under control. Around him is a cast of eccentric and fast-moving characters, including his long-suffering wife Edith, two mistresses, a secret admirer, bumbling German officers, and British airmen hiding in the back.
The play thrives on confusion, disguise and miscommunication, with multiple storylines unfolding at once. From hidden paintings and mistaken identities to elaborate escape plans, it’s classic British humour that relies on strong timing and a clear sense of control within the chaos.
Leading the production is first-time director Susan Hawton, a long-time member of Production Line who has performed in numerous musicals and plays since first joining the company for Hello Dolly in 2009. Audiences may remember her most notably as the manipulative Mrs Peacock in Clue, or more recently as outspoken Mack in the company’s 2025 production of Heartbreak Choir.
“We’re very conscious of keeping ‘Allo ‘Allo’s familiar spirit and humour that audiences remember and love from the original television series, but also finding ways to bring a fresh perspective to it on stage in 2026”, Susan said.
Supporting Susan is experienced performer and director Tony Porter, whose career spans many years in television journalism and part time acting, including roles in well known Australian series such as Neighbours, Blue Heelers and Stingers. Since relocating to Bairnsdale, Tony has become a familiar presence on the Production Line stage, with standout roles including Lumière in Beauty and the Beast, Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady and Billy Flynn in Chicago, as well as directing The Wedding Singer in 2018.
Tony is particularly excited about the possibility of welcoming new faces into the Production Line fold.
“Given that it’s such a large ensemble with opportunities for roles both big and small, it’s the perfect opportunity for any newcomers to experience all that is wonderful about community theatre,” he said.
An information night will be held at The Hub in Bairnsdale on Wednesday June 10, offering those interested a chance to learn more about the production, rehearsal process and the range of roles available. Auditions will follow on Sunday, June 21.
With the momentum of & Juliet still fresh, the company is looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new members to what promises to be a lively and character-driven production. For those interested in being involved behind the scenes, the company is seeking someone with administration and organisational skills to fulfil the role of Production Manager for the duration of the ‘Allo ‘Allo rehearsal period and performance dates in October.
Further information about the role of production manager, the information night and auditions is available via Production Line Theatre Company’s Facebook and website pages.
