Boeing-Boeing

Boeing-Boeing is a 1960 farce written by French playwright Marc Camoletti (1923-2003) [1].

The original text

The English language adaptation, translated by Beverley Cross, was first staged in London at the Apollo Theatre opening 20 February 1962 directed by Jack Minster with Patrick Cargill as Bernard. Transferred to the Duchess Theatre in 1965, running for a total of seven years. In 1991, the play was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most performed French play throughout the world.

Translations and adaptations

Adapted and translated into English by Beverley Cross (1931-1998)[2].

Translated into Afrikaans by Pieter-Paul Fourie (1947-). This Afrikaans version became a huge success in South Africa for PACT and other Performing Arts Councils over the years.

Performance history in South Africa

1962: First production of the English version in South Africa was directed by Minna Schneier for the Reps in 1962, starring Shirley Firth, Alexander Thompson, Rosemary Whitfield.

1969: The English translation was staged by the International Theatre Company in the Labia Theatre in Cape Town, directed by Hymie Juter, with Victor Lima (Bernard), Helen Barnett (Janet), Beth van Oordt (Bertha), Cyril Gold (Robert), Susan Blake (Jacqueline) and Val de Klerk (Judith).

1972: Rex Garner directed Ken Smith, Diane Appleby and Erica Rogers in this play for the Academy Theatre.

1977/78: Presented by KRUIK Toneel in Afrikaans (translation by Pieter-Paul Fourie) at the Nico Malan Theatre in October 1977 and on tour in the Cape Province, 1978. Directed by Pieter Fourie, decor by Martin Crous, costumes and stage management by Jenny du Plessis, lighting by Malcolm Hurrell. The cast: Johan Botha (Bernard), Liz Dick (Janet), Trudie Taljaard (Berta), Sandra Ferreira (Jacqueline), Mees Xteen (Robert) (replaced by Johan Esterhuizen from 10 October), Tarina Kleyn (Judith).