Book & Lyrics: Peter Nichols
Music: Denis King
Director: Ian Brown
Reviewer: Helen Chapman
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Privates on Parade is inspired by writer, Peter Nichols’, own real life experiences in which he escaped guard duties to become part of the combined service entertainment unit, and the characters are influenced on real-life people and places. This play tells a tale of well brought up, posh and intelligent, Sergeant Steven Flowers, played by David Ricardo-Pearce, who sets out from school to join the army in South East Asia. He finds himself in an army ‘song and dance’ entertainment unit, where the soldiers are involved in dressing up in drag to lift soldiers’ spirits and somehow stop the communists. The wide range of personalities and characters that come into Steve’s path, differ very much from those of his friends and family back home in quiet Surrey, and provide an array of comical moments for the audience. Through a series of events Steve finds himself promoted up the ranks, with new responsibilities. 
This and the colourful array of characters provide entertainment and many comedy moments for all. The character Terri Dennis, the acting Captain, provided an exceptional performance, and without doubt provided the most laughs. His very eccentric character and homosexual nature created an environment very unfamiliar and unknown to Sergeant Steven Flowers. There are many serious themes explored by this play, from death to sexuality and unplanned pregnancy, but it cleverly still emerges as a comedy. The idea of romance is explored through Steve’s involvement with the only girl on the unit, despite being attached to a girl back home, and thus follow some complicated consequences.
The musical ability of the cast is evident as entertaining and well rehearsed singing and dancing numbers combine with talented and varied acting styles. The play benefits from a somewhat unremarkable stage set, the simplicity of which adds to the performance as full focus remains on the characters and their dialogue. This play although with slightly bizarre moments, provides an enjoyable experience and appreciation and marvel of the talent of acting and musical gifting of all the actors, although perhaps not a show for the kids!
This and the colourful array of characters provide entertainment and many comedy moments for all. The character Terri Dennis, the acting Captain, provided an exceptional performance, and without doubt provided the most laughs. His very eccentric character and homosexual nature created an environment very unfamiliar and unknown to Sergeant Steven Flowers. There are many serious themes explored by this play, from death to sexuality and unplanned pregnancy, but it cleverly still emerges as a comedy. The idea of romance is explored through Steve’s involvement with the only girl on the unit, despite being attached to a girl back home, and thus follow some complicated consequences.
The musical ability of the cast is evident as entertaining and well rehearsed singing and dancing numbers combine with talented and varied acting styles. The play benefits from a somewhat unremarkable stage set, the simplicity of which adds to the performance as full focus remains on the characters and their dialogue. This play although with slightly bizarre moments, provides an enjoyable experience and appreciation and marvel of the talent of acting and musical gifting of all the actors, although perhaps not a show for the kids!
Photo: Keith Pattison
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