Theatre review: From Rushmere With Love

Basil Abbott give us his view on the Eastern Angles Theatre Company's new production - From Rushmere with Love:

At the end of the recent 007 film, we were assured that James Bond would return.

True to his word, he has re-incarnated at the Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich, until January 8.

He is now called Boond, has a boss called M&M, a secretary called Miss Spendapenny, an armourer called QR and a pal called Felix Stowe.

Bond spoofs proliferated in the 1960s, but the franchise is still going strong, so why not have fun with it? Even the music is cleverly pastiched, by Chris Warner.

In the films, Bond is the modern knight errant in exotic locations. Drop him into Cromer Carnival and he becomes comic.

The fatal females, chases, gambling, weaponry, stirring and shaking, jokes about Russians – all provide humorous action.

Local references, like a turkey baron called Matthew Bernard, and topical quips about Peppa Pig and the Johnson baby, all add to the mix.

Ivan Cutting directs a chameleon cast – Herb Cuanalo, Lottie Davies, Sam Ebner-Landy and Alice Robinson – who lift the spirits of these Covid-weary days.

For more information about the show and on the Eastern Angles, go to easternangles.co.uk.