‘TIS THE SEASON

Rhumbelow produces another winner with this cheerful and happy festive party. (Review by Keith Millar)

Tis The Season - to be Jolly!  And the place to do it is at the Rhumbelow Theatre where Durban’s leading rock group The Reals, joined on this occasion by the vivacious Marion Loudon, are presenting a Christmas party full of fun, joy and good music.

You won’t hear any Christmas Carols but you will want to sing along to the selection of great Christmas tunes such as Santa Baby, Rocking Around The Christmas Tree, All I want For Christmas Is You, Santa Claus Is coming To Town, Winter Wonderland and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

However, it is not all Christmas music and there are plenty of other numbers to get your hands clapping, your feet stomping and dancing in the aisles. There is Bryan Adams’  Eighteen Till I die, Elvis’ Devil In Disguise and That’s All Right, Smash Mouth’s All Star, The Monkees’ I’m A Believer, Pink’s Raise Your Glass and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama to name but a few.

Humour is not forgotten as the band sends-up a medley of Christmas songs including Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa while wearing ridiculous Christmas hats. Then in one of the highlights of the evening they sing a hilarious song expounding the evils of Facebook to the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Reals, as always, give an accomplished performance. The line-up includes Musical Director Dawn Selby on keyboards, Jason Andrews on bass, Mali Sewell on drums and the talented Barry Thompson on guitar. They are joined for this show by the glamorous Marion Loudon who gives a skilful performance on vocals.

Thompson is the front man for the band and he chats to the audience in his usual urbane manner. He is joined in this task by Loudon who turns on her 1000 watt charm and has everyone transfixed in no time.

The Rhumbelow Supper Theatre has produced another winner with this cheerful and happy festive party. The band has fun and the audience has fun - and if you don’t have the Christmas spirit when you arrive at the theatre you most certainly will have it, when you leave.

Tis The Season can be seen at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban on December 20 at 20h00, December 21 at 14h00 and 20h00 and on December 24 at 19h30.

Shows at the Rhumbelow in Pietermaritzburg will take place on December 22 at 14h00 and 18h30.

Tickets are R100 for both Durban and Pietermaritzburg shows. Booking is essential. Bring food picnic baskets (braais will be available for those who wish to cook some meat). There is limited secure parking available. There will be a cash bar (no alcohol may not be brought on to the premises)

Book at Computicket or phone Roland on 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636 or email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net – Keith Millar