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Friday, January 26, 2018

MARRIAGE FOR DUMMIES



(Aaron McIlroy & Lisa Bobbert. Photo by Jason Bird)

Durban’s favourite comedy duo is set engage fans at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre when MacBob Productions’ latest smash hit comedy opens soon. Husband and wife team Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert star in Marriage for Dummies – a hilarious survival guide for anyone brave enough to take on life’s ultimate challenge. This runs at the popular UKZN theatre venue from February 21 to March 11.

“We all know that marriage is more than a relationship – it’s a WILD adventure,” say our comedic experts. “Navigating the ups and downs of married life takes planning, elbow grease and HELP!”

Before you decide to throw in the towel, take some advice as Aaron and Lisa share the secrets of marital bliss and help you come to gripe ... er grips with your partner’s annoying habits “because when it comes to marriage most of us are dumbies!”

Structured around the basic format of a Marriage Seminar, Aaron and Lisa lead the audience through the many trials and tribulations that affect all marriages. In the guise of whacky characters, they identify most of the “problems” marriages face.

Aptly styled the Six Steps of Separation, the key points identified include among others: Constant Fighting and Complaining;  Household Chores and DIY; and The Outlaws (i.e. not getting along with your partner’s family).

All the serious challenges are dealt with in a funny and light-hearted way. How the ‘problems’ are overcome is summarized into four basic albeit humorous ideas:

• Lower Your Expectations - This is a funny look at attitude, expectations, blame and taking responsibility.
• Investments and Returns - basically, what you put into a marriage you get out. Discovering your partners love language and the importance of affirming each other.
• Team Work - Which basically boils down to communication. You don’t have to think the same, as long as you think together.
• Love is a verb! - Love is a do-ing word - it is a decision and not just a feeling.

Marriage For Dummies is a show for everyone, married or single. Most of the ideas and theories have been inspired by marriage experts such as Mark Gungor (Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage) and Andy Stanley (Staying In Love).

“We believe that ‘comedy’ provides a unique frame work, acknowledging the complexities of marriage without getting into the blame game, thus, allowing our audience to internalise the lessons without feeling condemned” says McIlroy.

Cue Online’s reviewer, appraising the show during its debut run at the 2017 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, wrote: “This dynamic duo never disappoints. If you are in need of a good laugh and a relaxed evening out, this is the show to watch. A quirky mixture of comedy, dance, and music with interesting insight in how to make a marriage last. It will keep you well entertained.”

Marriage for Dummies previews on February 21 and opens on February 22 to run until March 11. Performances at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre are at 19h30 (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and 18h00 (Sundays). Tickets R150 booked through Computicket or on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com