Come along boys and girls – older rather
than younger – it’s time to have fun with adult panto nonsense again!
This year, the team has moved to a
different venue as its normal space at The Zone forms part of Suncoast’s restructuring
process. The 2015 production takes place at the Centenary Room in Greyville
Racecourse.
Written and directed by Darren King, who
comes up with some hilarious lines, Aladdin
Grey Street sees panto stalwarts Anthony Stonier, Thomie Holtzhausen, Rowan
Bartlett and Katy Moore pulling in the laughs – with anything that has a remote
relationship to a double entendre used
to the full! – accompanied by TQ Zondi and Mpilo ‘Straw’ Nzimande.
This year sees the addition of East Coast
Radio personality Darren Maule as the Genie of the Lamp. His comfortable style
of humour fits well with this zany bunch and if he’s missing from the curtain
call, it’s probably because his radio show starts around dawn!
Aladdin
Grey Street is set – well, you guessed right! – in an
area of town that’s not exactly upmarket. Widow Twanky (Anthony “The Legs” Stonier)
runs a laundry with the dodgy title of Blow Your Load Laundry. It’s run by
Watch-Mi-Wanky, Thomie Holtzhausen as a deliciously sleazy customer services
manager as well as a lot of other hilarious characters, particularly a chair
dancer!
Oozing into the picture to upset their
lives comes the Evil Sultana, a nice vigorous performance by Katy Moore – who
intends to take over the entire Grey Street and control everybody in it. Don’t
forget to boo and hiss her appearance in true pantomime style or she’ll give
you a tongue-lashing!
Evil Sultana wants to be rich and powerful and
rule the world. She has the opportunity to do this through her sweet-minded but
hairily-challenged niece, the Princess Jasmine. Performing with his face
covered with a veil so only his eyes can portray emotions, Rowan Bartlett is a
pure delight.
Totally in love with Princess Jasmine is Aladdin
played by TQ Zondi. One of the people who can aid him in the process of winning
her is the Genie of the Ring played by Mpilo ‘Straw’ Nzimande. I have watched
the growth of these two Pietermaritzburg-based actors with interest over the
years and they impress each time I see them. There are some hilarious scenes
with Princess Jasmine and Aladdin.
As always, in the midst of all the
nonsense, we get a chance to be reminded of Stonier’s musical ability and vocal
power with a strong solo number. His rendering of Who Can I Turn To? was powerfully presented with the relevant
pathos.
All credit to the management and technical
team which includes the award-winning sound designer Megan Levy, for
transferring to this new venue. Everything from the smallest piece of scenery
and curtaining decor to lighting and sound equipment had to be carried up to
the venue. A feat in itself.
Audience wise, it’s a comfortable space,
set in three tiers and menus include pizzas to Greek-styled cuisine.
Aladdin
Grey Street runs in the Centenary Room, Greyville
Racecourse until December 30 with performances from Tuesdays to Saturdays at
19h30 with extra shows on Saturdays at 14h00. The doors open 90 minutes early
for dining.
There is a wide selection of dining options
/ corporate packages and a full bar service. Tickets range from R130 to R170. Booking
is at Computicket. The show is rated PG 16
For all details and personalised party or
charity bookings contact Ailsa on 083 250 2690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com
– Caroline Smart
(DIRECTIONS TO
THE CENTENARY ROOM: Drive in Gate 15 on Mitchell Crescent and drive through the
golf course parking to the parking area next to the race track and park. Use
the pedestrian tunnel to go under the race course. Walk under the grandstand to
the lift, take the lift to the 3rd floor where you will arrive at the Centenary
Room. There will be directional signage as well as ushers to guide you)
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