Media Gallery
Production Photographs
Rehearsal Photographs
Seating Plan
Suitable for age 14+
Privates On Parade contains very strong language and some male nudity.
Approximate running time 2hrs and 45 Mins (including one interval)
- Director: Ian Brown
- Designer: Mark Bailey
Special Dates
- After Dark : Thu 30 October
- Spotlight : Wed 5 November
- BSL Interpreted Performance : Wed 5 November
- Theatre Day : Thu 6 November
- Audio Described Performance : Thu 6 November
- Captioned Performance : Sat 8 November
Audio
- Listen to this page
- Listen to the introduction to the Audio Described performance of Privates On Parade
Three Course Dinner Available: Find out more
Useful Links
Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company and West Yorkshire Playhouse present
Privates On Parade
Thu 23 Oct 2008 – Sat 8 Nov 2008
Main House
Music by Denis King
By Peter Nichols
Malaya 1948 and the British Army is fighting communism. One of its secret weapons is the bawdy humour and musical revue of the Song and Dance Unit South East Asia – better known as SADUSEA.
Join Captain Terri Dennis as he attempts to create a sparkling show, despite being landed with a bunch of wet behind the ears recruits who can’t tell a tap step from a tea cup.
Under the increasingly deranged eye of a Sergeant Major convinced that Christianity can overcome Communism, can new boy Steven Flowers keep his nerve, and lose his virginity, before the final curtain?
Based on playwright Nichols’ own experiences entertaining the troops during his national service with Kenneth Williams and Stanley Baxter, Privates On Parade is a portrait of a forgotten struggle and an affectionate musical tribute to the British Army entertainment corps. Expect strong language, song, dance and comedy.
| Date | Time | Date information |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 23rd Oct 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Fri 24th Oct 2008 | 19:00 | |
| Sat 25th Oct 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Mon 27th Oct 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Tue 28th Oct 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Wed 29th Oct 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Thu 30th Oct 2008 | 19:30 | After Dark |
| Fri 31st Oct 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Sat 1st Nov 2008 | 14:00 | |
| Sat 1st Nov 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Mon 3rd Nov 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Tue 4th Nov 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Wed 5th Nov 2008 | 19:30 | BSL Interpreted Performance, Spotlight |
| Thu 6th Nov 2008 | 14:00 | Theatre Day |
| Thu 6th Nov 2008 | 19:30 | Audio Described Performance |
| Fri 7th Nov 2008 | 19:30 | |
| Sat 8th Nov 2008 | 19:30 | Captioned Performance |
“Ian Brown’s production of Privates On Parade is a theatrical triumph”
Yorkshire Post
“The brilliance of this work lies in the fact that it is presented as pure entertainment laced with comedy and spirit”
Yorkshire Post
“Every cast member gives a performance that is pure gold.”
Yorkshire Post
“The many pastiche songs, all very much part of the story, are performed with vigour and terrific glee…A spirited revival. Privates On Parade should never be allowed to gather dust.”
The Stage
“Privates On Parade, now just over 30 years old, proves as entertaining and relevant as ever…Ian Brown’s sympathetic production refuses to overplay the grotesque and brings out the warmth and humanity of the play admirably.”
Whatsonstage.com
Read the full review
“What a joy, what an absolute joy – Privates On Parade is a complete hoot from start to finish”
Yorkshire Evening Post
“…takes an already brilliant play to a whole new level. In short, they nail it”
Yorkshire Evening Post
“In many ways, this is a flawless account of Peter Nichols’ autobiographical comedy about a hopeless services cabaret corps sweating it out in Singapore during the Malayan emergency. The acting is first rate”
The Daily Telegraph
- : Joseph Alessi
- Eric: Jared Ashe
- Kevin: Joe Fredericks
- Reg: Jeffrey Harmer
- Sylvia: Maria Lawson
- Giles Flack: Alan McMahon
- Lee: Johnny Ong
- Len: Thomas Padden
- Cheng: Peter Peralta
- Steve Flowers: David Ricardo Pearce
- Charles: Matthew Woodyatt
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Comments
Steph from The REP
Hi Keith *Privates On Parade* is a co-production between The REP and West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. The show is in Leeds from 15 September to 11 October. I hope you are able to catch the show, it looks set to be great fun! Regards Steph
Colin from Pontefract, Yorkshire
We went to see Privates on Parade on the last day at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. So pleased to have experienced it - it's fantastic! Sheer exuberance and very funny. I urge anyone to go and see it.
Greg from Stratford
Brilliant show, couldn't stop laughing, but also brings out the sadness extremely well. Worth the ticket price!
Matthew David Breen from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
Went to see Privates on Parade last night - had front row seats and I was transfixed from start to finish. The diversity and musical ability of the performers is entertaining and there are moments of the production which are both heart-warming and moving...You must see this show... I've booked again for next Tuesday!
Chrisi from Erdington, Birmingham
We saw this last night and were both extremely glad we booked! It (and the actors) were brilliant. It was funny and sad and the only thing lacking from the performance was a full audience - what a shame more people weren't there to share the experience! Thank you.
Wally from Hagley
Saw the show last night! What a great production, thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the show. Brilliant cast and a great night out, highly recommended
keith topping from lytham ,lancs
where else please is the play on tour if we miss birmingham.