(Grant
Bell & John Didlick)
A night out of fine entertainment and fine
dining. (Review by Keith Millar)
Obviously the main reason for trekking from
Durban up to the Heritage Supper Theatre in Hillcrest is for the marvellous
shows they put on.
However, the quality of the meals they have
been presenting lately makes this an attraction in its own right. Under the
capable and enthusiastic guidance of Food and Beverage Manager, David Boyter,
their kitchen has been producing some gems which are a superb complement to the
activities on the stage.
The Heritage has for some time been well-known
for their Lamb Shank (still available as a Chef’s Special at an extra cost). But
now they have produced a dish which I think rivals the lamb shank in quality. The
Braised Pork Neck Steak I enjoyed last night was quite one of the best meals I
have had in some time. Prepared with rum and cracked pepper and served on baby
potato, mushroom and garlic sauté and topped with a raspberry aioli, it was
melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with flavours.
My wife was equally complimentary about her
Crumbed Chicken Fillets with a creamy cheddar sauce which she found succulent
and tasty and nicely cheesy. Other mains on the menu included Homemade
Tagliatelle and Poached Sea Catch. For Starters we enjoyed the Peri Peri
Calamari and the Heritage Tart which included pepper dews, spinach and feta. Along
with an excellent bottle of Leopards Leap Chenin Blanc this was a very
satisfying meal.
The current show, Partner Swopping, features the well-known cabaret group the Gee
Jays, but with one “G” missing. Gary McKenzie is taking a break and it is left
to Grant Bell and John Didlick to provide all the usual shenanigans, risqué humour
and excellent music which has made this group so popular over many years. In
fact, without McKenzie to reign in their antics these two have a field day and keep
the audience in stitches throughout the show.
That is not to say that the music is not
superb. Both are very good singers and they perform everything from a few big
band standards, a little country music, a bit of Neil Diamond and even some
good old rock and roll. Expect to hear classics such as Heartache Tonight, Let There Be Love, Mack The Knife, Let Your Love
Flow, I Am I Said, Desiree, Proud Mary, Blue Suede Shoes, Runaway and Green Door along with many other singalong
hits.
Highlights to look out for as far as comedy
is concerned is Didlick’s very funny impersonation of Archbishop Desmond Tutu
and the fun Elvis Presley segment.
As for the title of the show - Partner Swopping – well, according to
Bell and Didlick they have swopped Gary McKenzie for three stunning dancers.
Introduced as Lee, Sherry and Kerry, these three are not only skilled and
talented, but very easy on the eye, as they provide panache, glamour and a
touch of cheekiness to the show.
All in all, Partner Swopping offers a night out of fine entertainment and fine
dining. It runs at the Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest until May 12. Ticket
prices (which include a two course meal) are R195 pp Wednesday to Saturday and
R165 pp for Tuesday evenings and Sunday lunch time. Show only price is R120 pp.
Doors open at 19h00 for supper and the show starts at 20h30.Bookings through 031
765 4197 or online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za
– Keith Millar
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