Privates on Parade
Malaysia, 1947. Some fought. Some danced.
A comedic wartime ensemble piece that uses song, dance, and theatrical camp to explore desire and identity amid the absurdity of military bureaucracy and colonial conflict.
It is 1947, the year of the communist rebellion in Malaya and the British army's SADUSEA (Song And Dance Unit South East Asia) are called to the Malayan Jungle to entertain the troops. The eccentric, bible-bashing Major Giles Flack (John Cleese) is in command of the unit. Flack is accompanied by an ageing, theatrical drama queen, Terri Dennis (Denis Quilley) who hopes to entertain the troops with his flamboyant impressions, but the bored troops find other ways to enjoy themselves.
Essence
Ensemble
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