(Jason Andrews. Mali Sewell, Dawn Selby, Barry
Thompson & Marion Loudon)
The best rocking
Christmas party in town. (Review by Keith Millar)
The best rocking
Christmas party in town is happening at Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre. The show
features the city’s leading band, The Reals, and the ever-charming Marion Loudon.
When these gifted artists
appear on stage together, a little bit of musical magic usually happens and this
occasion is no different. The production is laid-back, uncomplicated, filled
with good humour and fun and, most importantly, features some excellent music.
The rather eclectic
song sheet includes items from past shows where The Reals and Marion Loudon
have shared the stage along with a good sprinkling of favourite Christmas
music.
Providing the
Christmas spirit are well-known songs such as Jingle Bell Rocks, Let It
Snow, Chris De Burgh’s A Spaceman
Came Travelling, Sleigh Ride, Rock and Roll Christmas and, just to add
some balance, John Lennon’s protest song, Happy
Christmas (The War Is Over).
Comedy was not
forgotten with the band singing a hilarious version of The 12 Days of Christmas. Also providing humour was Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, Queen’s
I’m going Slightly Mad, Eric Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
from the Monty Python movie, The Life of
Brian, and an impressive vocal harmony of Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry Be Happy.
The Reals are at
their best when pounding out superb rock music. They didn’t disappoint with
songs such as Jefferson Starship’s We
Built this City on Rock and Roll, Little Richards Rip It Up, Queen’s Tie Your
Mother Down and brilliant medleys of Santana and The Who’s best known hits.
From a show called Beyond the Noise written by Marion Loudon
we were treated to a few acoustic masterpieces such as Bonnie Rait’s Something to Talk About, Avicii’s Wake Me Up, and George Ezra’s Budapest. A highlight for me was
Loudon’s version of one of my all-time favourites, Queen’s Love of My Life.
As one has come to
expect, the performance by The Reals was something special. They are
exceptionally talented, from the solid engine room of Jason Andrews on bass,
and Mali Sewell on drums to the genius of Dawn Selby on keyboards and the
brilliance of Barry Thompson on guitar. Performing with them, the lovely Marion
Loudon was, as she always is, full charm and presence. She lights up the stage
whenever she appears and is the cherry on the top in this show.
Christmas is a time
for celebration, fun and enjoyment. You will get all that and more by attending
this excellent production.
Performances of Christmas Rocks will take place at
Rhumbelow Durban tomorrow (Sunday) December 21 at 14h00 and 120h00 and on December
24 at 19h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.
Tickets R120 (R100 pensioners and tables of eight or more). Take
along food picnic baskets. Braais will be available. There is limited secure
parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be
brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Durban is situated in Cunningham Avenue
off Bartle Road.
Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499
8636, email roland@stansell.za.net
or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net – Keith Millar
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