(Nhlakanipho Manqele, Bryan Hiles & Clare
Mortimer)
Delicious
fun for young ones and adults alike. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Multi-award winning actress Claire Mortimer
has created and directed a delightful festive season entertainment for
youngsters titled Criss Cross Christmas
which is currently running at The Zone, at Suncoast.
Mortimer also appears in the production as Carole,
a glitzy fairy with blue takkies who is far too concerned with where she can go
shopping - or what presents people are going to give her - than be bothered
with what Christmas is all about.
The irrepressible Bryan Hiles plays the
equally grasping Noel. He’s a reindeer (with a very effective headpiece) whose
life revolves around his stomach. His sole focus is on what delicious things he
can eat at Christmas time.
The only one who feels that there is
something lacking is the more subdued Holly. Played by Nhlakanipho Manqele,
he’s an elf without “elf esteem”. While he feels strongly that something is
wrong with their approach to Christmas, he can’t identify it. Too busy cavorting
about in their materialistic way, the other two try to cheer him up but in
vain. Perhaps he has “tinsel-itis” or is “glitterphobic?”
It’s an endearing story with a strong and
sincere message without being schmaltzy. The cast engage well with their
audiences. There is much fun with wordplay and Mortimer has written some very
humorous lines aimed mainly at the adults. These were enjoyed to the full by
those of us more mature members of the audience!
There is a clever building of a Christmas
tree – extremely simple but very effective – and the youngsters are eager to
get stuck in and help!
The only problem I had was with Holly’s
character. When we first meet him, he is coy with a babyish accent. Then, when
he discovers a book with a beautiful story representing the true spirit of
Christmas, he suddenly speaks in a normal voice without changing costume or
being placed in any dramatic lighting spot. This comes across as illogical.
Holly should stay the same throughout. He has a serious side while the other
two characters are the ditsy ones!
However, that’s academic. In the end - as the
proverb goes - “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”. The response from
the youngsters and their joyous interaction with the production is what counts.
If the performance I attended is anything to go by, this delicious fun for
young ones and adults alike is a winner!
Lighting design is by Tina Le Roux with
sound design by Megan Levy.
Presented by Sue Clarence Promotions and Clare Mortimer in association
with Suncoast Casino, Hotel and Entertainment, Criss Cross Christmas
runs until December 24 each morning at 11h00 at The Zone at Suncoast. Tickets
R50 booked through Computicket, at the door or contact Ailsa on 083 250 2690. –
Caroline Smart
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