(Barry Thomson, Darren Marais, Mali Sewell and Fabien Mitchell. In front: Dawn Selby, Jerryn Foseras and Cali Thomson)A new genre of supper theatre that perhaps will become very popular in Durban and the rest of the country. (Review by Rosanne Hurly)
Billed as 'an unforgettable experience' this production takes audiences down memory lane to places long forgotten.
The show is directed by charismatic personality Barry Thomson, who is also on vocals and guitar. Joining him on stage are keyboard artists, Dawn Selby and Cali Thomson (even if Cali wasn't actually playing live in the 80's). Mali Sewell is on drums and Fabien Mitchell on bass guitar. Newcomers to the Heritage stage are Jerryn Foseras and Darren Marais.
Music invariably takes us down 'memory lanes'. However, the intent of this show is to ensure this and to bring a smile to the lips of members of the audience as they remember where they were in those days. Most fascinating was that audience members, including me, could not resist getting up onto the dance floor for a bogey. This was truly remarkable. Usually, I will only be persuaded to dance after many glasses of wine and / or the song Funky Town. Strange, since this number was not performed during the show.
While many argue that the 80's did not really produce as much musical genius as say the 60's, or 70's, this was undeniably the era of disco, of synthesized music, and ultra violet lights! Those of us in our 40's and 50's smiled quietly and drifted down memory lane to jols at The Med, Your Fathers Moustache and The Warehouse, etc. Thoughts of student friends, loves and hurts - emotions long forgotten.
Cars by the very 'different' Gary Numan captured our attention. Some of my other favourites included: Hungry like the Wolf by Duran Duran, Don't you want me by Human League, Safety Dance by Men Without Hats, Let's Dance by David Bowie and especially 99 Red Balloons by Nena. You're in the army now by Bolland and Bolland was warmly received by the audience.
Combining the talents of Durban guitar icon Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby, Cali Thomson and Mali Sewell, it is wonderful to greet the two new talents, Jerryn Foseras and Darren Marais. Both performers were completely at ease, flirting and mingling with the audience on the floor. Even if they were only born in the late 80's, the two were able to embrace the music of this show with passion and enthusiasm.
I loved the dance floor. This was such a clever idea. Although the show ended fairly late for us 'middle aged' 80's rockers, the stage allowed us to interact with the performers. This was 'Dinner and Dance' theatre, a new genre of supper theatre, and perhaps one that will become very popular in Durban, and the rest of the country.
Alive and Kicking runs at The Heritage Theatre until June 10. Tickets for all shows are R195 pp from Wednesday to Saturdays and R165 pp on Tuesday evenings and Sunday lunch. The price includes a two course meal. To book contact the Heritage Theatre on 031 765 4197 or book online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za – Rosanne Hurly
Posts
