Director and writer, Steven Stead, has once again brought together a cast that is equal parts magic and professionalism. (Review by Shannon Kenny)
A fun-filled family pantomime by Kickstart.
The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre was LIT!
From the bustling foyer to the auditorium seats, the excitement was palpable. I just love that an outing to the theatre gives young and old permission to let their hair down or - as was the case on opening night - tuck that hair into a bejewelled turban or pirate hat, brandish a sword and shout “Argh” at the top of your voice. The joys!
This year’s panto is Kickstart’s off-piste take on the tales of Scheherazade. Designer, Greg King, has created a breathtaking set, the perfect backdrop for our beloved characters' questing and frolicking; Shanthi Naidoo’s sumptuous costumes; fabulously arranged vocals and sound design by Evan Roberts and Colin Peddie, respectively; gorgeous choreography by Evashnee Pillay; and Tina Le Roux’s exquisite lighting design.
This magical romp whisks us from Baghdad to the Port of Al-Havanotha, where our crew of heroes, villains and hapless sidekicks set sail on the infamous pirate vessel, the Salty Sultana, to the distant Island of Oonoze on a quest to retrieve the Black Pearl of Power from The Temple of Disting. Yes, there is slapstick galore; puns aplenty; chase scenes and local references that had the pensioners and pre-schoolers alike giggling and guffawing their way through the show.
Director and writer, Steven Stead, has once again brought together a cast that is equal parts magic and professionalism. Each performer expertly fills their role with the kind of joy and energy that draws an audience in and keeps them on-side with great on-stage chemistry and comic timing.
When an audience gives you a pre-emptive standing ovation, I think you’re pretty much assured you’ve done more than just a good job.
Belinda Henwood - as the deliciously wicked Morgiana the Magnificent, sultana of Baghdad - at once terrified and delighted the little people in the audience with every pernicious threat and “mwahahahaha” that punctuated her entrances and exits. Those evil laughs deserve a stand-alone credit in the programme.
Blessing Xaba, our irrepressible Genie of the Sea, is pure sass and magical solutions in sleek slippers, bringing cheers and sighs of relief that all would be well when our heroes find themselves in sticky situations.
Ameena Labeeba, played by Marion Loudon, is the funkiest chaperone in Arabia - whose exuberance and willingness to take every opportunity to sing or bust a move is a delight.
Bryan Hiles is the sarcastic widow and cheesemaker Dame Donna Kebab, always ready with a quick jibe or double entendre. Dame Donna’s Milkshake (Kelis) and My Humps (Black Eyed Peas) mash-up featuring Dimple the dromedary is just fabulous!
Her sons are the hapless and loveable Silly Billy Souvlaki (Kyran Brady Taylor) - who snagged the favourite character spot in my informal poll of pre-teen audience members - and valiant hero and romantic lead, Sinbad the Sailor (Rory Booth). Booth not only had the audience in thrall to his performance but sparked some debate about whether "the ink on his arms was proper or just henna, specially done for the show."
The sweet, adventurous Marina played by Roshanda Lewis is both Sinbad’s love interest and the daughter of pirate king, Long John Slither. One absolutely believes her in her sparkling rendition of My Heart Will Go On.
Lyle Buxton is the blustery, scowling pirate king Slither, and captain to bumbling bosun, Mustapha Kitkat played by Mthokozisi Zulu. Their sea-shanty rap is hilarious, energetic fun.
Grace McIlroy, Sarah Tyrell, Tshadiso Kabulu and Priyen Naidoo - as the chorus of citizens, pirates and temple acolytes amongst others - skilfully supported the cast in every scene.
Some other artfully-reimagined musical numbers include How Far I’ll Go (from Moana), beautifully performed as a duet by Marina and Sinbad and Taylor Swift’s Look What You Made Me Do as a voodoo anthem.
And who would have thought that a disco ball would crack a mention as a stand-out tech feature? One young theatre-goer was excited to see "an actual real live disco-ball" in action - they’d never seen one IRL, only in movies. It’s the little things or in this case, the big, round, sparkly, glitzy things.
Man-eating serpents and a gargantuan winged Roc (not a typo - IYKYK - go see the show) added to the hi-jinks and enchantment.
Bring the entire family to see Sinbad - you might even be as lucky as me to catch a sweetie from Dame Donna. You’ll definitely be able to join in the audience sing-off and soak up the magic.
There is nothing tame about panto - it’s meant to be big, bold, glitzy, raucous, sing-along, clap-along, boo-the-villain, cheer-the-hero rambunctious - and Sinbad The Sailor delivers in all its kaleidoscopic exuberance.
PS: There are sweeties (cash only at the kiosk) tea, cake and vino (cards welcome) and a Street-Lit bookstore for the bookworms.
Thank-you to Kickstart and the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre team for another great night out! – Shannon Kenny
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