Production Photography: Paul Blakemore
John Cleese makes his stage writing debut with a hilarious new adaptation of this classic comedy – a delicious blend of French farce and Fawlty Towers based on Monsieur Chasse! by Georges Feydeau.
(Mr John Cleese does not appear in this production – he wanted to, but we wouldn’t let him.)
When Leontine, a respectable society lady, 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. Will Leontine get caught in his sights, or instead set 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.
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 the 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.
Reviews
★★★★ “The rough edges of the original have been worn smooth and this new cast already feels like part of a well-oiled machine… sophisticated mayhem.”
The Stage
“All of the nine strong cast work hard under director Daniel Buckroyd to mine the laughs.”
Devon Live
Venue
Exeter Northcott Theatre & UK Tour
Director
Daniel Buckroyd
Associate Director
Alex Jackson
Lighting Designer
David Kidd
Composer
John Chambers
Designer
David Shields
Costume Supervisor
Aly Fielden
Cast
Tessa Peake-Jones, Tony Gardner, Wendi Peters, Richard Earl, Daniel Burke, Vicki Davids, Simon Desborough, Michael Deville, Andy Secombe
