(Tim
Plewman Pic by Suzy Bernstein)
Last
night’s opening of Defending The Caveman
showed Tim Plewman in his 1,712th performance of this hilarious one-man
show which should be seen by any married couple or those in a long-term
relationship!
Defending the Caveman looks at the origins of the male and female
sex from the days of the caveman and how the hunter (male) and gatherer (female)
understand (or more often that not, don’t understand!) each other. As a
line in the show says: ”Everything goes back to cave times, we’ve just found
modern ways to do it!”
It’s easy to see how
Plewman has garnered the reputation of presenting the longest-running and most
successful solo comedy in South African theatre history which has played to
over a million people so far.
The Broadway
production written by Rob Becker who lives in California still holds the record
of the longest-running non-musical solo comedy of all time. The script is exceptionally
funny while being highly insightful and observant of the ways, thinking and
dreams of both sexes.
Plewman originally
adapted Becker’s script for Southern Africa and the show was directed by Rex
Garner. The 2016 production sees it “updated, upgraded and totally up-loadable”
to match today’s social media world. His way of asking the audience to turn off
their cellphones for the show was highly amusing.
Gales of
laughter responded to the scenes where comparisons are made between a man’s
desire to less (or no) talk and a woman’s need to communicate – constantly! Apparently
a woman speaks 7,000 words a day and a man 2,000!
Much fun
was had with discussions about the sexual act and there were knowing reactions
as to who controls the TV remote. Another question that was received with
hilarity was whether women are – or are not – hindered by logic!
Performing
in Durban after ten years, Plewman has a highly impressive record of over 30
years of experience in all aspects of the performing arts in South Africa and
all his comedic talents come to the fore in this production.
It’s a
tour de force performance – from gentle asides to near manic intensity. He
laughs, he weeps, he jigs about, he gestures, he strides and he flops. He facial
gestures are extremely funny when he is playing a character lost for words!
Even if
you aren’t in a relationship, you will find the show hugely entertaining!
Defending
the Caveman runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until
September 17. Booking is through Computicket, or on 0861 915
8000, or online at www.computicket.com – Caroline Smart
(NB: At
the end of the show, Plewman assured the audience that the theatre, which is on the UKZN Howard College campus, is safe to visit as the mid-term
break has been brought forward. Also special security has been engaged for the
run.)
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