Look fearsome, dress in something piratical and get into full-on party mode for show at uShaka! (Review by Caroline Smart)Last year, the Upperdeck supper theatre venue at uShaka Marine World presented the vigorous party piece, Buccaneers and it was such a success that the organisers have decided to present an equally swashbuckling sequel.
Apart from Durban musos, the laidback Andy Turrell and the lively Paul Cassells (well-known from Dockyard Theatre days) as well as former Durbanites, Trevor Harper on keyboard and actress/singer Donnagh Roberts, the rest of the company is from Johannesburg.
Christopher Dudgeon, who Durban audiences will remember from his high school years in many of Northcliff High School’s excellent musicals – particularly as Mary Sunshine in Chicago and as Curly in Oklahoma! - heads the cast as Captain Morgan Freeman. He is supported by his equally strapping male counterparts, Thokozani Nzima as Fleck and Byron-Lee Olivato as Flea. Together they make a ferocious pirate threesome on this pirate vessel on which no female is allowed – this invites intimidating glances at the ladies in the audience!
Playing the female hostages on board are Melissa Allison as a charming Delilah Winterbottom and Donnagh Roberts who is alternately hearty and butch as Scurvy Samuels while elegant and charming as his alter ego. An impressive performance came from circus professional Tyra Nielsen as Olga Rub-Yer-Schnoz-In-It. She is a delight to watch, whether she’s playing with fire, wrapping herself round an aerial hoop, walking on broken glass, or just delivering a cheeky lyric. Dean Mellor’s lighting gives her added gloss in some of her sultry routines.
Completing the band line-up is Francois Steyn on drums, guitars, banjo and harmonicas.
There's an array of excellent costumes - the inimitable Trevor Harper is decked out in a wondrous pink outfit - and the girls sport some stunning boots in the finale.
One of the most amusing moments happened when the rest of the pirate crew decided to mutiny en masse. For “crew” read “restaurant staff”. It was a delight to watch someone who had just been your waiter, grab a cudgel and set about mock fighting, singing the number all the while! Some of them are not bad at all. As the show progresses and they start spreading their “performing wings”, the last few weeks of the run should be interesting!
This is a very interactive show and the fun begins at 18h30 to get the audience in the mood half an hour or so beforehand. The song line-up is eclectic – ranging from Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi and Celine Dion to Bob Marley, Monty Python, Chris de Burgh, Queen and Guns ‘n Roses. Queen’s I Want to Break Free was a highlight for me.
Some of the action takes place opposite the stage in an empty space in front of the restaurant area which is where the aerial hoop is hung. This does mean you need to be prepared to do a lot of swivelling in your seat.
Buccaneers is written and directed by Neels Clasen who created previous productions seen at Upperdeck, which include The Best Party Show…Ever!, The Party Police and Ocean Warriors Mascot Show. Musical direction is by Heidi Edeling with choreography by Eloise Clasen and Shelley Adriaanzen.
Buccaneers runs until May 8 from Thursdays to Saturdays at 18h30 with a matinee show on Sundays at 14h00. Tickets R179 (R150 Sundays) includes a buffet dinner and the show. Bookings through Computicket or call 031 328 8108. More information on www.ushakamarineworld.co.za – Caroline Smart
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