(Ben Voss/Beauty Ramapelepele offers witty explanations
of the journey)
Playful and mischievous
night-time entertainment experience. (Review by Keith Millar)
Move Madame Zingara
out of doors, add a distinctly South African flavour, present it at night in a
world class botanical gardens, and you may come close to the playful and mischievous
entertainment experience that is Wickedly
Odd: The Night Garden.
This unique and
innovative event, which could be described as a gourmet dinner, a fantasy show,
a festive party and a nature experience all rolled into one, will take place at
Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens until December 6.
The whole package
is a glorious sensory overload with new wonders and surprises happening at
every turn.
On arrival at the
gardens, guests were treated to a welcoming glass of champagne. We were then
directed up the garden path by a group of prancing wood nymphs past a magical
Frangipani forest with multiple lights dancing to the music of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Then on to the
Sunken Gardens for snacks and drinks at a 1930’s garden party with music
provided from old 78 records played on an authentic wind-up gramophone.
Guests were then given the opportunity to
wander about and enjoy the gardens at night. There were 24 creatively-lit pockets
of botanical curiosity, such as for example Cannon Ball Trees, a Chinese Soap
Tree, Banyan Fig Trees and an extensive Bromeliad garden and.an indigenous
forest. Each area was especially chosen by the Curator of the gardens, Martin
Clement.
At each pocket, along with a written
explanation, there was a QR code which one could scan with a smartphone and
listen to a witty, tongue in cheek explanation given by actor Ben Voss, in the
voice of his character, Beauty Ramapelepele.
Along the way we met giant quirky puppet characters
such as Praying Mantises, a Hadeda Ibis, Crows, Flamingos and a Vulture.There were
also musicians, acrobats, dancers to discover as we moved about the gardens.
There were also hidden bars and secluded resting points.
Performing in the amphitheatre, accompanied by
a piano, was an impressive jazz singer, Amanda Kunene. This made for an
enjoyable stop-off to enjoy a drink and some good music.
After an hour and a half of enjoying the
gardens we were led to a huge Bedouin tent for diner. The food was beautifully
presented and would not have been out of place in a fancy hotel. The Tuna fish
starter and Fillet Steak main course chosen by my wife and I were excellently
prepared and very palatable.They went very well with a bottle of Protea Merlot.
Music during dinner, and for the dancing and
partying which followed, was provided by a group called Kickstand. They
are a very good, inventive guitar duo. It never ceases to amaze how many styles
of guitar playing there are, and Kickstand has certainly created its own unique
sound.
Wickedly Odd: The Night Garden is an enthralling,
exciting and very entertaining event. It is also a unique opportunity to get a
new and different perspective on Durban’s wonderful Botanic Gardens.
To enjoy the experience to the full, bring a
QR reader downloaded on your smart phone as well as a powerful torch. Dress
elegantly, but wear sensible shoes and bring umbrellas for rainy days. Dancing
is encouraged but the Gardens are near a residential area so from 22h00
onwards, volume will be kept to acceptable levels.
Recommended parking in Botanic Gardens
alongside Visitors Centre.
Public bookings are available on November 20
and 28 and December 5 at 17h30 for 18h00. Tables seat ten people - either book
ten pax / one table or individual seats at a table. Tickets R695 pp includes
unique venue experience; extraordinary entertainment; a five course menu and
champagne on arrival. Booking through Computicket outlets, telephonically at
0861 915 8000, or online at www.computicket.com – Keith Millar
This event has a strong corporate focus and offers a perfect year-end
function. There are different options available. Contact 031 313 3330 / rene@experiencethis.co.za / Facebook: Wickedly Odd – The Night Garden
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