(Pic by Val Adamson: Anthony Stonier and Rowan Bartlett as the back with Thomie Holtzhausen, Rikki Hastings, Junaid Cassimjee and Daisy Spencer)Outrageous adult comedy, froth and nonsense that has stood the test of time, well presented in new venue. (Review by Caroline Smart)
The adult pantomime started its days in Durban in 1996 in the now-defunct Playhouse Cellar with Sinderella. Written by Patrick Hyland, it ran for close on six months. Sue Clarence Promotions later took over the genre and, over the years, it has moved around various venues – some successful, some less so. However, I believe that its current home, The Jubilee Hall, is extremely well-suited for supper theatre. It is my hope that this venue will continue to be a part of the Durban entertainment scene long after Sinderella has completed its run. Durban practitioners are desperately short of venues, and Jubilee Hall has the capacity to fill a much-needed gap.
The Jubilee Hall is situated in the building that houses OSCA, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Opera School and Choral Academy just below the main campus (see directions below). Used for recitals and concerts, it offers a proper stage as well as good lighting and sound systems.
Sinderella … Comes Again!, to give it its full title (now you know why it’s categorised as “adult pantomime”!) is a reprisal of the very first production 14 years ago. Anthony Stonier, who has been in every single adult pantomime, has since moved from performer to director. Apart from directing Sinderella, he is also the show’s musical director and gives his usual inimitable performance as one of the Ugly Sisters, the ultra-slim and haughty Candida. As set and costume designer, he has presented an attractive visual aspect with glamorous lighting strips and shimmering curtains as well as an impressive range of hilariously far-fetched and outrageous costumes.
Rowan Bartlett, who has notched up a considerable number of adult pantos, continues to grow as a performer and gives us an endearing Buttons –one of his major achievements being to sing Unforgettable with a mouthful of half-chewed apple – core, pips and all! Thomie Holtzhausen is a delight as the other Ugly Sister, the outlandish Gonorrhoea, and he gets to wear some deliciously bizarre outfits! Junaid Cassimjee is the Prince – enter with royal wave! – and all kudos to him for holding his own with the nonsense he has to deal with from the Ugly Sisters. Newcomers Rikki Hastings is charming as the blonde airhead, all exaggerated sighs and pouts and definitely one glass slipper short of a shoe shop.
In her first adult pantomime, Daisy Spencer makes her mark right from the beginning in a delightful portrayal of the gin-loving free-spirited Fairy Godmother. Also having choreographed the production, this new venture for this talented actress allows her to showcase her considerable comedy talents.
Tina le Roux has designed the lighting with Tim Pullen and Brandon Bunyan in charge of sound design. So the technical aspects are in safe hands.
Somewhere in all the froth and nonsense of this genre that has stood the test of time is the story of Cinderella but the major focus is on the capacity of six people to entertain audiences for a fun evening, putting them in fits of laughter and encouraging them to enter good-heartedly into audience participation and singalongs. Talking of songs, there are some well-sung numbers along the way but most of them get sidelined by the antics of the Fairy Godmother as she gets progressively involved with her bottle of gin while lounging on an elegant bed at the side of the stage.
Sinderella … Comes Again! runs over the festive season run until December 31. The Jubilee Hall is air-conditioned (take a wrap or a jacket, it can get cool) and offers ample safe parking in an area that is secure with a boom-gate and it’s an easy short walk to the venue. All booking is through Computicket. There are low price performances on all Tuesdays and Saturdays (18h30 for 20h00) with matinees on Sunday at 12h30 for 14h00.
Tables seat eight and patrons may bring their own meal. Those who book a whole table or more, can pre-book a custom-made gourmet picnic through Ailsa Windsor from Going Places. Prices range from R120 a head upwards. There is a full bar – patrons who bring their own will be subject to corkage. Enquiries such as block bookings and picnic orders through Ailsa on 083 250 2690 or 031 309 1841.
On December 10, there is a special one-off Ladies Night performance hosted by Damon Beard and his Ladies Night entertainers. Tickets (for the combined package of both shows) costs R150 for both shows. – Caroline Smart
Directions: The venue is situated at the UKZN’s Opera School and Choral Academy in Lamont Road which runs parallel to and below the main campus. Travelling south along South Ridge Road (and passing the main gates of the university on your right), you are now in Lamont Road. Continue past the student res blocks on your left. The moment you round the corner and see the overhead pedestrian bridge, take the slip road to your left down through the boom gate and into the parking area. Then walk through the boom gate back up the hill and take the pathway to your left towards the venue which is well-lit with fairy lights. Or visit http://www.pubmat.co.za/jubilee hall map.htm for a map.
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