(Pic: Krystle Temmerman, Londiwe Dhlomo and Natalie Dennis with Bandile Hlophe)Report by Billy Suter on new supper theatre venue. (Courtesy of The Mercury)
Durban acquires a new 350-seater supper theatre this month when The House of Theatre, featuring a Tuscan-style decor theme, opens on the top level of Amanzimtoti’s Galleria Mall with a colourful new show titled Carnival Time! The venue, which features a slightly raised stage and three levels of seating at tables, has been created by Hendrik Kay and Henry Koch.
The plan is to offer musical tribute shows every Thursday to Saturday, with Carnival Time! scheduled for performances at 19h30 from October 28 to December 11. The intention for early in the new year is to provide various entertainment on other days of the week, including a monthly ladies’ night. Regular standup comedy slots, open-mic nights and appearances by live bands are also being lined up, says theatre manager Krystle Temmerman.
Directed by Charon Williams-Ros, and co-devised by her and Rory Booth, Carnival Time! will showcase the talents of a young cast, many of whom are familiar from recent productions at Durban’s Upper Deck Restaurant at uShaka Marine World. The show features Temmerman among its vocalists. She is a standout as Bloody Anne in uShaka’s current hit production, Buccaneers at the Upper Deck, which has had its season extended to October 16.
Joining her in Carnival Time! will be other Upper Deck favourites Rory Booth, Brendon Mendez and Bandile Hlophe (who is also the Theatre Manager), as well as dancers Natalie Dennis and Shelley Bothma. Backing will be by the popular Solid Gold Band. Musical direction for Carnival Time! will be by band leader and pianist Shemual Mahabeer, and choreography by Londiwe Dhlomo.
The show hangs a variety of hit songs on the loose premise of two characters, Bobby and Virgil, discovering a gateway to the world while fishing at a beach in Amanzimtoti.
“Eager to catch up with some of the friends they made during the World Cup, they teleport themselves to different parts of the world and experience some of the excitement of international holiday season festivities,” says Temmerman. Among the varied songs featured in the show are Waka-Waka, It’s Oh So Quiet, Rhythm of the Night, Kung Fu Fighting, I Shot the Sheriff, Ahab the Arab, Conga and Love Today.
Ticket prices R100 a head and patrons are encouraged to bring their own eats, although must make use of the bar on the premises. In the new year, varied snack platters will be introduced for sale at the venue. “Other shows being considered for the venue will run for four weeks, allowing audiences variety throughout the year,” says Temmerman.
For bookings or further information contact bookings@houseoftheatre.co.za or krystle@houseoftheatre.co.za - Billy Suter
Directions to Galleria Mall: As you approach Amanzimtoti from Durban, you will see the mall on your right and a turn off. Take the turn off and turn right at the stop street. Follow the road and you will see signage taking you to Galleria. Go to the top parking entrance, there will be signage and a massive House of Theatre sign lit up.
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