WOKINGHAM Theatre’s latest light hearted French farce promises to ring bells, open doors, and may even sell you a new piece of furniture.
Ding Dong, by Marc Camoletti and Tudor Gates, is set in early 1990s Paris.
Like every good farce, it involves a ludicrous story, infidelity, cover-ups and mistaken identity as characters weave webs around each other at breakneck speed.
Wealthy Bernard discovers that his wife is having an affair with Robert, and invites the man and his spouse to an awkward dinner, with comic complications galore.
There are countless comings and goings, spit takes (the act of spitting out a drink when hearing something surprising), blackmail, and plenty of ringing doorbells.
Hence, the title.
“I have long been a fan of the author Marc Camoletti,” said director Fiona Rogers.
“I was thrilled to get the opportunity to direct Ding Dong.
“Bedroom farce is a challenging genre to get right.
“It requires a very fast pace, and specific physical comedy skills.
“There are lots of slapstick moments, doors slammed in faces, and larger than life characters, all of which require perfect timing.”
The play is set in Bernard’s very plush Paris apartment.
“Bernard and his wife are a very successful, wealthy couple, so the set had to demonstrate opulence,” continued Ms Rogers.
“We needed a sofa, but we couldn’t just bring any old piece of theatre furniture out of the theatre storeroom.
“This one needed to look amazing, and had to be robust enough for the action that would take place on it.”
The company bought a new sofa specially for the production.
“We intend to sell it at a reduced price after the show,” said Ms Rogers.
“The price tag’s still on it, and it will only have two or three weeks of wear, so if anyone wants to buy it afterwards, just let us know.
“Directing Ding Dong has been a joy.
“I have been very fortunate to work with a very talented cast.”
Ms Rogers says that while the story may at first appear quite misogynistic in a 1970’s way, she has enjoyed being able to hand over much of the power to the women in this production.
“They know exactly what they are doing, and it is they who are leading the action, ” she said.
Audiences can expect an evening of laughs, and possibly the purchase of a new piece of living room furniture.
Ding Dong runs at Wokingham Theatre from Thursday, June 8 until Saturday, June 17, with the exception of Sunday.
Performances are at 7.45pm every night, with tickets available for £15.
The production contains scenes of an adult nature.
For tickets and information call the box office on: 0118 978 5363 or visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
