Bang Bang! – a new farce from comedy legend John Cleese (based on Monsieur Chasse! by Georges Feydeau) – is set to open at the Northcott next spring.
Exeter Northcott Theatre and Dermot McLaughlin Productions are co-producing the show – described as a delicious combination of French Farce and Fawlty Towers.
Bang Bang! is directed by Northcott Artistic Director & Chief Executive Daniel Buckroyd and opens at the Northcott on 6th February before touring until May.
The cast includes Only Fools and Horses star Tessa Peake-Jones, Tony Gardner, of comedy duo Struck off and Die, and Coronation Street’s Wendi Peters.
The production tells the story of Leontine, a respectable society lady, who discovers that she’s been hoodwinked by her husband, Duchotel, who’s always pretending to go hunting but really chasing after other ‘prey’.
She vows to take revenge on the philanderer but, while Duchotel’s away, his lifelong friend comes calling and he’s on the hunt too.
Audiences discover whether Leontine gets caught in his sights or instead sets a trap of her own.
Secrets unravel as the devilish Duchotel finds himself snared in a door-slamming, trouser-dropping, balcony-climbing night of chaos set amidst the stylish apartments of Paris.
Daniel Buckroyd, Artistic Director & Chief Executive at Exeter Northcott Theatre, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with this fantastic team to launch this first UK tour of Bang Bang! here at the Northcott Theatre; partly because it’s such a funny script and we’ve assembled such a great cast, but also because regional producing venues are the life-blood of UK theatre – developing talent, growing audiences, providing the beating heart of a vibrant creative regional city like Exeter – so we’re proud to be flying the flag for theatre ‘Made in Devon’ across the country.”
John Cleese added: “I am delighted to be working with Exeter Nothcott Theatre and Dermot Mclaughlin to bring Bang Bang! to stages across the country with such a talented cast.
“Farce is my greatest love – Fawlty Towers consisted of 12 farces – and I think UK audiences will love this hilarious classic.”
Tessa Peake-Jones became a household name with her role as Raquel in the iconic comedy Only Fools and Horses. Her extensive stage work encompasses the National Theatre and RSC, recent credits include The Winslow Boy and Shirley Valentine.
Tony Gardner first made his name in comedy as part of the award-winning comedy duo Struck off and Die. Since then he has appeared on TV in roles ranging from My Parents are Aliens to Last Tango in Halifax and on stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s classic Bedroom Farce.
Wendi Peters is most widely known for her role as Cilla Battersby in Coronation Street and is currently appearing in the West End smash-hit musical Big.
Tickets are on sale to members until 26th October when they will go on general sale.
Dermot McLaughlin Productions, in association with Farces Galore Ltd presents the Exeter Northcott Production of Bang Bang!.
The show is directed by Daniel Buckroyd with design from David Shields and lighting from David W Kidd.
Book tickets and see more information here
