MAIS QUE NADA!

(Johnny Casquinha)

The beautiful men and women of Mais Que Nada Show Band once again bring audiences the delightful and movement inspiring sounds of Portugal, Cuba, Brazil, Spain and Africa all rolled up into one power-packed show at Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo, Durban.

For the first time in many years the original band line-up, plus a new face or two, will perform at The Rhumbelow from July 5 to 7, 2019.

Band members include Johnny Casquinha (lead vocals / guitar); Nicole Couto-Leite (backing vocals / piano); John Skuy (vocals / bass guitar); Johan van der Merwe (percussion); Richard Ellis (backing vocals / percussion); Tony Fisher (backing vocals / violin / mandolin) and Graham Ellis (vocals / guitar)

Performances take place on Friday and Saturday at 20h00 and on Sunday at 14h00. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.

Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners, students with a valid student card, R75 under 13s and tables of eight or more). Family Pack Pricing (R300 for two adults and two children free)

Take along food picnic baskets. Braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Durban is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo.

Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net (also for group booking discounts of 20 or more) or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com

BLOOPERS

(Aaron McIlroy & Lisa Bobbert. Pic by Jason Bird)

What could possibly go wrong, when your favourite screwball couple - Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert - bring one of their funniest shows to their favourite haunt? MacBob Productions presents Bloopers for a limited run at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban soon!

Ever wondered why you laugh when “bad” things happen to other people? Is it just a coping mechanism? Maybe it’s a sign of a terrible childhood! Or just a relief response that it didn’t happen to you!

Well, don’t just settle for second best, watching online, when you can go out and be part of the action! Join married masters of mirth Aaron and Lisa in their smash hit, upper cut, roundhouse kick comedy, Bloopers at The Sneddon! These legends of self-deprecation boldly go where no intelligent person should, as they rugby tackle subjects such as Cultural Appropriation. Landfills. Land grabs. Hand Grabs. Cannabis Oil and the ridiculous things we humans get up to … all to a rocking musical back beat! 

After years and years of scoring spectacular drop kicks in the comedy stakes, these two inexhaustibly funny peeps just keep raising the bar!!! Need proof? Come to Bloopers, you’ll know all about it!!

Bloopers plays The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from July 16 to 28, 2019. Shows times are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 19h30 and Sundays at 15h00. Duration is approximately 90 minutes including interval. Tickets R165 (R150 pp for bock bookings of 10 or more). Book now to avoid disappointment! Call Computicket on 0861 915 8000, or log onto www.computicket.com.

LOGAN LUCKY

(Daniel Craig)

M-Net Movies Smile, DStv Channel 105, will screen the comedy crime drama Logan Lucky on Friday, June 28, 2019, at 19h00.

Directed in 2017 by Steven Soderbergh, the film stars Channing Tatum, Adam Driver and Daniel Craig.

Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh directs a cast of Hollywood heavy hitters in this comedic crime caper. Two brothers attempt to pull off a daring heist during a NASCAR race.

West Virginia family man Jimmy Logan teams up with his one-armed brother Clyde and sister Mellie to steal money from the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Jimmy also recruits demolition expert Joe Bang to help them break into the track's underground system. Complications arise when a mix-up forces the crew to pull off the heist during a popular NASCAR race, while also trying to dodge a relentless FBI agent.

Rating: 13L

OCEAN'S EIGHT

M-Net Movies Premiere, DStv Channel 104 will screen Ocean's Eight on June 29 at 20h00.

Directed by Gary Ross in 2018, the comedy crime features Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway

An all-female ensemble slays this cult crime franchise. Newly released from prison, Debbie Ocean gathers a skilled crew to perform a daring heist, at the iconic Met Gala.

Five years, eight months, 12 days and counting -- that's how long Debbie Ocean has been devising the biggest heist of her life. She knows what it's going to take - a team of the best people in the field, starting with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller. Together, they recruit a crew of specialists, including jeweller Amita, street-con Constance, suburban mom Tammy, hacker Nine Ball, and fashion designer Rose. Their target -- a necklace that's worth more than $150 million.

Rating: 13L

RE-TELLING OF THE STORY OF KING SHAKA KASENZANGAKHONA

Bomb Productions, together with MultiChoice Group’s Mzansi Magic, announced last year that they would be embarking on a grand re-telling of the story of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona.

Bomb is already at work. Scouts are scouring the country in search of iconic locations and the team has begun to recreate the world in which Shaka lived and reigned.

“We are excited about making an epic and exhilarating drama that is respectful of the real history. Research is key. Telling a story of such complexity does not just happen overnight,” says Teboho Mahlatsi, executive producer and co-creator at Bomb Productions.

“We will depict the great kingdoms of the AmaThethwa, the AmaNdwandwe, AmaQwabe, AmaHlubi and AmaZulu amongst others, and on this epic canvas, we will see the heroic rise of Shaka. We are telling an African story about a great African empire.”

“Starting this journey is history in the making and whilst research and consultation with stakeholders will continue, we are looking forward to unearthing and showcasing the deep pool of talent that lies within South Africa. This is a proudly South African series which we intend to take to the world,” Yolisa Phahle CEO for General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group said.

The first stage of the casting is nearing and teams will soon travel around the country auditioning abashaya indlamu (traditional dancers),  izimbongi and izinyosi (praise singers) and amaqhawe enduku (stick fighters). “We are looking for real deep skills, no pretenders,” cautions Mahlatsi.

Casting for actors will get underway later in the year and again the search will be nationwide.

“Previous film experience is not necessary. We are looking to unearth new talent who will perform alongside our great, experienced actors,” says Bomb producer, Angus Gibson. “The search for Shaka will be at the heart of the casting – we will be looking for him as a baby, at 7, 12 and 18 years – as well as the man. Then there is Nandi, Mkabayi, Dingiswayo, Zwide, Ntombase and many other riveting characters whom we see at different stages of their lives.”

According to Nkateko Mabaso, M-Net CEO, “At M-Net we’ve been telling local stories for over 30 years and this is a continuation of our commitment to our industry. This is not a colonial telling, this story will be told from our perspective.”

“South Africa’s history is being re-examined. Old distortions are being questioned and new truths are emerging,” says Jacob Ntshangase, one of the writers. ”To tell the story of Shaka in this moment is a huge responsibility and a great honour.”