(Clinton Philander in Rasta style)
Fun and entertaining show with lots of good
lines and ironic humour. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Clinton Philander has long been one of
Durban’s favourite performers. We then lost him to the Barnyard circuit and
only saw him occasionally. Fans will be delighted to know that he’s now back in
town and determined to go it alone.
In a show written and directed by Verne
Rowin Munsamy, this “fun-size” or “sample pack” (as he calls himself), takes on
the role of a secret agent working for MI8. His mission? To rescue the Chalice
of Youth before the dreaded Dr B Secret gets it.
Working as his bodyguards and guides are
three lovely young ladies –blonde and ditsy Lisa Heathman; tall and elegant Nadine
Oberholzer and diminutive powerhouse Amanda Kunene. The movement has been
choreographed by the dancers themselves, who appear in a numerous array of
revealing costumes. Their character names? Penny Pleasebottom, Felicity
Fullkupski and Jenny Jerkov ... you get the picture!
Special Agent Clint is working on clues and
directions from MI8 which are relayed to him through his three “angels”. For
some strange reason, MI8 is giving them the run-around, sending the search
around the world. They arrive at a destination, only to find that the elusive
chalice has since been moved to another country.
This global journey allows for a range of appropriate
songs for the location. Starting off in Holland (I’m too Sexy for my Shirt), they move Paris (Ma Cherie Amour); then to the Taj Mahal; Australia; Bangkok and
then to Cape Town where the Chalice of Youth is now said to be on top of Table Mountain.
Then it’s off to New York, further south to Jamaica and then to Brazil.
On the way, there’s a hilarious performance of Gangnam Style and much amusement when Our Man Clint – who proudly states that he is “18 with 30 years experience” - gets zonked in Jamaica. Philander
is at his best with songs that fit his lower register such as Elvis Presley’s Don’t be Cruel.
The show is fun and entertaining. Showing a
good flair for comedy, Munsamy’s script has lots of good lines and ironic
humour and Kunene is definitely a talent to watch.
The Catalina foyer area has been upgraded
with a newly-polished floor and an improved lighting system installed in the
theatre. However, the venue has serious sound problems. Last night’s
performance was a frustrating trial all-round for cast, technicians and
audience in terms of sound levels, backtracks jumping and amplifier distortion.
However, I am assured that these will be fixed on Monday, so next week’s
performances should be trouble-free.
Catalina Theatre is in the process of
renewing its liquor licence. While the bar only stocks cool drinks, anything
stronger is available from Zacks downstairs and, as always, drinks may be taken
into the theatre.
Our
Man Clint runs until August 3 (no shows Mondays and
Tuesdays) at The Catalina Theatre. Show times Wednesdays to Saturdays at 19h30
with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 14h00 Tickets R120 booked through
Computicket. For more information contact 031 837 5999 or email: info@catalinatheatre.com
– Caroline Smart
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