Three highly creative comedy minds under
Greig Coetzee’s excellent direction are pulling in the audiences. (Review by
Caroline Smart)
Under Greig Coetzee’s excellent direction,
three of KZN’s most creative comedy minds - Aaron McIlroy, Ben Voss and John
van der Ruit - have put together a hugely entertaining production which is
pulling in the audiences at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
I was unable to attend the opening night
but colleague Keith Millar reviewed the show for artSMart (http://news.artsmart.co.za/2013/03/the-rise-of-insanity-league_30.html)
and he has covered virtually everything that I would have mentioned. However, I
will focus a bit more on the technical side.
It’s always interesting to attend a show on
an ordinary night – ie one with “real” public (ie paying) as opposed to opening
nights which are invariably for media or by invitation only. These are the
people who support theatre and to see a two-thirds capacity for a Tuesday night
means that the word is spreading around town fast that this show has definitely
got audience appeal.
Mike Broderick – who also designed the
lighting – has created an expansive set with a vast backcloth of swirling
clouds, an image which is reflected in the floorcloth. There are two large
hanging cubes, one of which carries a television screen which provides some
hilarious links and inserts. Stacey Taylor-Broderick’s costumes are a delight, especially
that of the lion who has a penchant for Afrikaans music and sushi! Jackie
Cunniffe’s sound design – and it has many technical levels - is top-notch.
The
Rise of the Insanity League has turned the standard
use of cellphone announcement into a league of its own. Featuring the
distinctive voice of Frank Graham, this deserves an award in its own right!
Ben Voss and John van de Ruit are
well-known for their Mamba comedy series
and this production revisits the kind of clever, satirical sketches that made
them so popular. Add Aaron McIlroy’s hyperactive energy and it’s an overall
recipe for success. The three actors work well together, the dialogue is slick
and there are some brilliant scenes.
Biggest surprise for me is John van de Ruit’s
singing ability. I don’t remember ever seeing him sing in a production before so
I can’t believe how he has been hiding this talent! It’s good to see him back
on the stage again after his absence to get his hugely popular Spud movies out. It’s also nice to see
Ben Voss back in male clothing – a break from his alter-ego Beauty Ramapelepele.
The
Rise of the Insanity League runs at the Elizabeth
Sneddon Theatre until April 28 and will return to KZN to appear at the Hilton
Arts Festival from September 13 to 15. KZN booking is at Computicket outlets or
on 0861 915 8000 or www.computicket.com
For block bookings and fundraisers
nationwide, contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places on 083 250 2690 or email: editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com – Caroline Smart
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