Do you remember the popular TV series with the infamous character Ms Bucket, who

preferred it to be

pronounced “Ms Bouquet”? Well if she made you laugh with her strange antics and wacky family, you’re in for a treat. Keeping

Up Appearances is to be performed by

Mellow Drama at the Manoel Theatre. Director

Steve Casaletto talks to Erika Brincat

Why have Mellow Drama chosen to produce this particular UK TV comedy?

We love a good comedy and are proud to be the first theatre company outside of the UK, to get the rights to produce the well-loved Keeping up Appearances. It is one of those programmes that is so deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness that it seems difficult to believe it aired for only five years, between 1990 and 1995, and a total of 44 episodes. The programme was ranked 12th in a survey of Britain’s 100 Best Sit-Coms and has been transmitted all around the world and still enjoys frequent repeat showings.

When we heard that this wonderful series had been transformed into a play we immediately had to have it! However I must admit that I was a wee bit apprehensive when I read the script for the first time, as sometimes these adaptations can be quite a let-down. I am very happy to say that this is not only very well written, but extremely faithful to the original, helped of course by the fact it is written by Roy Clark the original writer of all the TV episodes.

Seeing the TV programme has been adapted for theatre, what is the plot like?

Emmet is preparing a murder/mystery play to be staged at the church hall, relieved that Hyancinth is otherwise occupied with the art club. But when Hyacinth, in passing, overhears Emmet casting the part of a Lady of the nobility she immediately elects herself for the part - only to find it is a dual role with that of a lowly cook, she is horrified, but pushes on. Hyacinth then proceeds to bring her own inimitable brand of snobbish chaos to the proceedings whilst attempting to make a good impression on Mrs. Debden and orchestrate the apprehension of an errant ‘daddy’.

This stage production recreates the popular TV sitcom in an all new story surrounding our favourite social climber, Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced boo-kay!). Hyacinth is joined in this story by all the regulars - neighbours Liz and Emmett, frumpy sister Daisy, slovenly brother-in-law Onslow, and man-eater sister Rose. Even ‘Daddy’ makes an appearance, gas-mask and all.

Why do you think this will be a crowd-pleaser?

Keeping Up Appearances is a good English laugh, as it jogs along at an easy pace, and no-one, all bar Herman Gerring gets offended by it. This completely new script, written by Roy Clarke, is bound to be a hit with all comedy lovers, especially those with a fondness for British comedy. Anyone who has ever watched the original TV Series and enjoyed all of the fantastic characters who make up this show, will definitely love this production.

Who are the cast members and what roles do they play?

I must first say that I was extremely lucky to find a group of talented individuals who really are as close as you could get to the original actors on the TV Series. Our production is starring Marylou Coppini as Hyacinth Bucket, James Calvert as Onslow, Louiselle Vassallo as Liz, Isabelle Warington as Rose, Vanessa Attard as Daisy and Jean Pierre Agius as Emmett. It also has excellent performances by Marc Cabourdin, Jo Caruana and Martin Azzopardi.

Is it a fun experience for all those involved? Have you watched lots of re-runs of the show?

We all do theatre because it is a passion. Rehearsals can be hard work and we have been at this since the middle of January and (at the time of the interview) still have three weeks to go. The process of putting together something like this is not inconsiderable but we manage to have some fun along the way. The script is so funny, that we do end up laughing as we work which does help to get us through the long winter evenings.

I have watched all of the shows that I could, including a number of Christmas Specials. When you are doing something which is so well known you really do need to have done your homework. Though to be honest the episodes are all so funny it was hardly a chore.

In her efforts to keep up with the Joneses – why do you think Ms Bucket is such a funny character?

I think the main reason Hyacinth and indeed all the characters in this show are so funny, is that we can all identify them with people we know. It’s real life, just more so and we laugh all the harder because we can actually see people doing these things.

Could it be we see aspects of her in other people?

Although the characters are all very English, and caricatures of English stereotypes, I do think that we as Maltese can really identify with Mrs Bucket and her family. I think the fact that Malta is so small actually means that we actually all know someone who reminds us of every single one of the cast members.

How long have you been directing plays for Mellow Drama and what is your favourite genre and why?

I have been directing for about 15 years. From Pantos to Farces to One-Act Plays. However I have to say that although I have been involved in almost all of Mellow Drama’s productions one way or another, I had never actually directed any before. I’ve definitely made up for it this theatrical season though as this is the second Manoel Theatre production I have directed for Mellow Drama.

My favourite genre is comedy, which is why I am part of Mellow Drama. Comedy is what we know and love. I do really enjoy other genres such as Pantos and musicals which are also close to my heart. But undoubtedly comedy is my passion both as an actor and a director.

Keeping Up Appearances will be performed from 2 - 6 March, with two shows on Sunday. To book online visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

For Mellow Drama’s future productions visit www.mellowdrama.com.mt