(Pic
by Barry Meehan)
British
Invasion is a hard driving, high energy and quite
breath-taking rock show. (Review by Keith Millar)
Durban’s fantastic tribute band, The Reals,
will be ramping up the entertainment at the Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel
in Kloof over the next five weeks. They are presenting four shows (two new and
two “back by popular demand”) that should excite all lovers of rock music.
To kick off the season a brand new
production, British Invasion, hit the
stage last night, and, if this is what we are in for, it is going to be a
blast.
Based on a concept by guitarist Shaun
Dragt, who performs with The Reals for this production, British Invasion pays tribute to the British rock and pop groups
which had such a profound effect on the world of music, art and culture
internationally, in the 1960’s and later.
Leaders in this phenomenon were, of course,
The Beatles. But there were many others who were in the forefront of the
invasion. They included the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Who,
Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies and The Kinks. Then
later in the 80’s and 90’s along came Queen, Oasis, Verve, Blur and many more.
Interspersed with excellent audio visual material,
The Reals play examples from the music of all these groups as well as others.
They were on the top of their form, belting
out hit after hit, with massive energy, considerable skill and obvious delight.
They were led by their musical director and keyboard player, Dawn Selby, whose
rendition of The Beatles Helter Skelter
and Led Zeppelin’s Rock and Roll made
her the star of the show. It is way overdue, I think, for The Reals do a show
featuring her brilliant voice.
Guitar maestro Barry Thomson is his usual
irrepressible self while Shaun Dragt (guitar), Mali Sewell (drums) and Jason
Andrew (bass) played with style and vigour. All contribute to the vocals in
this show.
I particularly enjoyed the sound mix during
this production. Soundman Izan Greyling, who has recently returned to Durban,
produced a mix which was strong in bass and provided a perfect backbone for the
other musicians. Of course, Jason Andrew’s inspired playing had a lot to do
with this.as well.
Some of the songs to look out for in this
show include Twist and Shout and Helter Skelter from The Beatles, Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress by the
Hollies, All Day and All Of The Night
by the Kinks, We Gotta Get Out Of This
Place by The Animals, Start Me Up
and Brown Sugar by the Rolling
Stones, Comfortably Numb by Pink
Floyd, Wonderwall by Oasis, Bitter Sweet Symphony by Verve, London Calling by The Sex Pistols, Run To The Hills by Iron Maiden and Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen. A veritable
treasure chest of music, I am sure you will agree.
British
Invasion is a hard-driving, high energy and quite
breathtaking rock show. I recommend it highly to all lovers of rock music, and
particularly those who grew up during this time.
The show can be seen at Rhumbelow Theatre
at Tina’s Hotel, 14 Beryldene Rd, Kloof from August 3 to 12 (No shows Monday
and Tuesday). Shows are at 20h00 Wednesday to Saturday and at 14h00 on Sundays.
(The theatre venue opens 60 minutes before show for drinks)
Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners) and tables
seat 6. (No alcohol or food may be brought on to the premises). Tickets are
cash or EFT only. Secure parking is available. Booking is through Computicket
or contact Roland (also for large group booking discounts of 20 or more) on 082
499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit
http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene
Road in Kloof. - Keith Millar
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