(Shaun Parrot, Dominique Marot, Marion Loudon, Lloyd De Gier and Anthony Ellis)The latest show at Stirling Theatre in Durban North sets out to provide a mix of rock ‘n roll party favourites saluting all things festive. It’s certainly party time big-time in a programme that had the audience in whoops of delight on the night I went, particularly when we reached the World Cup hit Waka Waka.
There are no less than 33 songs on the list that span more than four decades so there’s not much time to build a narrative around that but I would have preferred something a little more structured than offbeat banter that aims to link the numbers. Also the sound level wasn’t good: the dreaded imbalance that seems so difficult to overcome – that of instruments overpowering vocals so you lose the lyrics. The level itself could come down by about 15% without losing any performance energy.
That said, Holiday Fever will undoubtedly be an audience favourite for this time of the year. There’s something for everyone – from 99 Red Balloons, Funky Town or La Bamba in the first half to Mony Mony, I Got You Babe or Great Balls of Fire in the second.
Marion Loudon, looking stunning in a range of really attractive outfits, and Dominique Marot handling the vocals with the latter appearing in suitable hats appropriate to the numbers. He was particularly amusing in 500 Miles.
Marion and Dominique have a very strong back-up group. There’s the tall, amiable Lloyd De Gier on bass and the engaging Shaun Parrot on guitar. With his cheeky infectious grin, Anthony Ellis provides much fun and nonsense seated behind his drum set while charming Chloe Clark on keyboards also provides back-up vocals and gets to do a couple of numbers on their own.
I would have liked a bit more of variety in the style of music – alright, we are talking “holiday fever” but even on holiday, one gets to relax and get out of party mode. As Dominique rightly said: “You need love songs”. The quietest number was Need You Now which was a welcome change of mood and pace initially but then it bounced up to a higher volume and stayed there.
This is a good cast and their musicianship is excellent – I think they need to do justice to their production and structure it a bit more effectively. But, for now … hey – it’s party time!
Shows take place on the following weekends: December 10 and 12; December 18 to 19, and December 21 to 24. Show times are 20h00 on Fridays and Saturdays (19h00 Sundays). Tickets R80 pp. Bookings on 076 786 1127 or email bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za (Regret no Credit Card Facilities
The Stirling Theatre is situated in the Italian Club along Fairway near the Beachwood Golf Course. Take your own picnic or snacks but the venue offers The Italian Club’s optional a la carte menu for patrons wishing to eat, and a fully stocked bar at affordable club prices. There is plenty of secure parking.) – Caroline Smart
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