MARVELLOUS MIXTURES

Neil Coppen adapts Roald Dahl’s work into a riotous and entertaining romp. (Review by Maurice Kort)

Award-winning playwright and director Neil Coppen has adapted Roald Dahl’s very popular children’s book George’s Marvellous Medicine to present the very entertaining Marvellous Mixtures which he has also directed and designed. Anyone knowing the stories of Roald Dahl will know to expect something very different and this show for children of all ages is no exception.

Set in Pampoenpip Plaas, a farm in the Karoo, we are introduced to two very vociferous chickens, Squawk (Daisy Spencer) and Rumples (Bryan Hiles), who would really prefer people to become vegetarians "broccoli is so much nicer than a chicken leg".

The sun rises on the farm, nicely depicted by means of shadow puppets, which appear appropriately throughout the play. When the two chickens are not clucking about expounding their philosophies and telling their story, Daisy Spencer and Bryan Hiles also change into the farmer, Pampoenpip and his wife, Hilary (Daisy Spencer and Bryan Hiles, respectively – yes, you read it right, a delightful and novel touch).

They go off to town leaving the farm to their son Matthew (Bryan Hiles again) with strict instructions to look after his very grumpy, crotchety, foul-tempered, smelly grandmother - very aptly named Ouma Lemoenlippe (Daisy Spencer) - and make sure she gets her medicine at 1 o' clock. Matthew is convinced that he can manufacture a medicine that can improve his grandmother's disposition - with the help of the children in the audience. Enter the "marvellous mixtures" of the title.

With only minimal costumes, but very effective chicken head-dresses, which also double as puppets of Squawk and Rumples on occasion and novel feather dusters as their wings, Daisy Spencer and Brian Hiles depict the chickens very effectively by their movements and voices. They then change into their other characters, Brian Hiles, a gem as the farmer's wife and a very convincing mischievous Matthew. Daisy Spencer has a romp as the farmer but really shines as Ouma Lemoenlippe, making the most of the cantankerous old lady.

Everything does not go according to plan and matters go from bad to worse. With the help of puppets, of all sizes, the madcap adventure continues. Neil Coppen has written a punishing script and the two actors are on the go all the time rushing about changing rapidly from one character to another. They do full justice to the characters and appeared to be enjoying the romp as much as the audience, adults and children alike. With a running time of about 55 minutes, it keeps the audience enthralled.

Watch out for the Rainbow Chicken throw-away line, one of many great gags, rather appropriate since the Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to Rainbow Chicken who supports the venue and the National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality which support productions.

Presented by TheatreBIZ, the fun for all ages Marvellous Mixtures runs at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson's Wharf until April 11 at 11h00 (check for times and dates). Tickets R40 (R15 extra for a post-show boat ride around the harbour). Bookings through Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or email tsibisi@mweb.co.za or online at www.strictlytickets.co.za / 073 725 7381 or at www.catalinatheatre.co.za or at www.goingplacesSA.co.za – Maurice Kort