Allo Allo, By Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Bolton Little Theatre, Runs May 11 to 19

AS this was the first time I was to be in the audience of a Bolton Little Theatre production, I asked around to find out what I should expect. I was told I would not be disappointed, and I certainly was not.

Allo Allo presents an hilarious day in the life of French caf owner, Rene Artois, played by Glen Mortimer, during the Second World War.

Following the popular television series, the theatre did justice to Lloyd and Croft's stage play, from their mock French accents to the interior design of Caf Rene.

The cast's characterisation was outstanding, with excellent performances from Dave Pollard as Lieutenant Gruber and the wonderful partnership of Helga and Herr Flick, played by Debbie Kelly and Steve Stubbs. Jean Smith also hit the high notes as Rene's wife, Madame Edith.

Julie Crowder and Cheryl Hardisty are well cast in the parts of Rene's ever-faithful waitresses, Mimi and Yvette, while Meredith Collinson's Michelle slips in and out of the caf with the infamous line "I shall say zis only vonce."

The team's comic timing made sure the often risqu jokes were spot on especially during a scene in the cellar of Rene's caf as he and Gendarme Crabtree, played by Andrew Close, attempt to blow up an inflatable Hitler doll only to be disturbed by a red faced Lieutenant Gruber.

But the scene in which Gruber misunderstands Rene's responses from a secret radio disguised as a parrot produced some of the loudest laughs during the night.

By Alison Barton