(Darren Maule)
Fans of the annual adult pantomime are in for a treat at
this year’s end of year offering, Aladdin
Grey Street, with the announcement of comedian, radio personality and MC,
Darren Maule, joining the cast.
A morning radio presenter by day, Maule will don a somewhat
different public persona, that of the Genie of the Lamp in this year’s grown-up
version of Aladdin Grey Street.
Maule is no stranger to the stage, having trained as a
professional actor, and has appeared in a host of productions in Gauteng.
However, this is the first time Durban audiences will get a chance to see him
on stage. Known for his witty banter on radio, he is also a well-known stand-up
comedian and will be putting this combined skill-set to good use in the
delivery of some fabulous double-edged one-liners from the adult panto script.
Says Maule, “It’s not Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams … it’s
more Serena Williams than Tennessee Williams and more Shakes Mashaba than
Shakespeare. And I really hope the Broadcasting Complaints Commission doesn’t
follow me to the Pantomime!”
Adult panto producer, Sue Clarence enthused: “This is our
17th year of staging a fun year-end adult panto, and it is with great delight
that Darren will be joining us with the nonsense and mischief that happens on
stage. His personality is absolutely perfect for this genre and we look forward
to him charming Durban.”
Joining Maule on stage will be perennial panto regular,
Anthony Stonier, who plays Widow Twanky, TQ Zondi (Aladdin); Rowan Bartlett (Princess
Jasmine); Mpilo ‘Straw’ Nzimande (Genie of the Ring); Katy Moore (Evil
Sultana); and Clinton Small (Watch-Mi-Wanky).
Written and directed by Darren King, Aladdin Grey Street promises to be a bumper offering of good old fashioned
belly laughs and a liberal dose of saucy naughty gags. Take Aladdin, a street
urchin, and move his story to Durban. Take his poor long-suffering mother, the
Widow Twanky, and put her laundry in Grey Street. Add one evil Sultana, one
lonely Princess, a Genie with Sangoma powers and a laundry assistant called
Watch-Mi-Wanky and you have a local production brimming with fun, nonsense and
topical jokes.
Aladdin Grey Street
runs from November 10 to December 30; running Tuesdays – Saturdays @
19h30; Saturdays @ 14h00; doors open 90 mins early for dining. The venue
this year is the Centenary Room, Greyville Racecourse (enter through Gate 15
and follow the signs).
There are a wide selection of dining options / corporate
packages available no matter how big or small your party. All food by Eat
Greek. No self-catering allowed, but dining is not compulsory. There is a
full bar service (no drinks can be brought onto the premises). Tickets range
from R130 to R170 – the same prices as in 2013 and 2014! Booking is at
Computicket.
Follow on @adultpanto / PG 16 / or contact Ailsa on 083 250
2690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com
for all details and personalised / party / charity bookings
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