(Barry Thompson; Mali Sewel, Dawn Selby, guest artist Shaun Dragt & Jason
Andrew)
Very enjoyable and entertaining tribute to
this iconic rock group. (Review by Keith Millar)
Back at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo by popular demand is Durban’s top
rock group, The Reals, with their sensational production, Tribute to Dire Straits.
Fans of Mark Knopfler and his band, Dire Straits, will be happy to know
that The Reals are on top form and their performance of this show is every bit
as exciting, fervent and accurate as it ever was.
The hugely successful British rock group Dire
Straits was formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar) and
his younger brother David Knopfler. Their sound was influenced by a variety of
musical styles including jazz, folk and blues.
The group sold in the region of 130 million
albums and a produced a string of memorable hit songs such as Money for
Nothing, Brothers in Arms, Sultans of Swing, Private
Investigations, Communiqué, Romeo and Juliet, Telegraph Road,
Tunnel of Love, Solid Rock, Down to the Waterline, Twisting By
The Pool, Walk of Life, So Far Away, Lady Writer and Calling Elvis.
The Reals play all these great hits in their
very enjoyable and entertaining tribute to this iconic rock group. A very talented
and experienced group of musicians, the Reals display great synergy and obvious
enjoyment in their performance.
Fronting the group is guitar genius Barry
Thompson. Responsible for most of the vocals, he recreates Mark Knopfler’s
distinctive singing style perfectly. It is, however, on the guitar - as one has
come to expect from Durban’s best rock guitarist -that he really shines. His
solo in Sultans of Swing alone is worth the price of entrance to the
show.
Musical director, leader and keyboard player
for The Reals is the incomparable Dawn Selby. Bass is provided by the rock solid
Jason Andrew, while guest artist Shaun Dragt is on rhythm
guitar.
Drummer Mali Sewell is nicknamed ‘The God of
Thunder’. On the night, he lived up to this name with a very impressive and
exciting display of drumming on an electronic kit.
The Rhumbelow Theatre is home of quality
musical shows in Durban. With Tribute to Dire Straits they undoubtedly
have another winner. It is a show which will appeal not only to the connoisseur
but to all who are looking for an entertaining night out.
Shows take place from April 8 to 10 and again
from April 15 to 17. Friday and Saturday performances at 20h00 with Sunday show
starting at 14h00. There will be an extra performance on April 17 at 18h30. The
venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. 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).
Tickets R140 (R120 pensioners and tables of
eight or more). Booking
is through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com
Rhumbelow Durban is situated at 42 Cunningham
Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo. – Keith Millar