Prepare to seize the day with Heroes
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A daring plan to seize the day and escape from lonely lives makes for an amusing and touching night of theatre in Heroes, an Olivier Award-winning comedy of camaraderie.
The audience is introduced to Gustave, Henri and Philippe, three First World War veterans who spend their days on a quiet terrace of their military nursing home, meeting every morning to reflect on the peculiar circumstances in their equally peculiar surroundings.
They pass their time grumbling about the staff, dreaming about young women and arguing over whether a statue of a dog is alive. Nothing changes much for these men, until the day Gustave hatches a daring plan to make a break for freedom – taking the dog with them.
Philippe, prone to passing out at odd moments, holds a paranoid belief that the tiny, demanding nun that runs the home is out to kill him. Gustave suggests they escape to Indochina, despite his extreme agoraphobia, while Henri is paying more attention to a young, beautiful schoolteacher than the proposed plan.
Will Philippe’s paranoia lead to the coincidental death he’s predicted? Can Gustave get past the front gate? And will Henri realise his dreams of dating young women are just that – dreams?
Max Gillies, Dennis Olsen and Robert Alexander star in this tender comedy that sparkles with Tom Stoppard’s trademark wit and wordplay. Stoppard translated the play from its original French incarnation, Le Vent de Peupliers (The Wind in the Poplars), with the approval and assistance of its author, Gérald Sibleyras.
Director Jon Halpin says, “Heroes is a delightful, gentle comedy that only the hardest of hearts won't love.”
The Queensland Theatre Company and GPAC present Heroes for four shows only from 6-8 May. Book now online, or phone the Box Office on 5225 1200.