(Godfrey Johnson & Nicholas McDiarmid. Pic
courtesy of Sharon Watters)
An eclectic mix which certainly kept their audience in stiches - and
thoroughly entertained. (Review by Keith Millar)
Godfrey Johnson from Cape
Town is a seasoned cabaret star and actor. He has appeared on the stages of the
Rhumbelow Theatres on many occasions.
Most recently, he was
seen in his intense and rather dark one hander, Vaslav, which explored the slide of ballet dancer, Nijinsky, into
insanity.
However, it is in the
field of music reviews, which often include a large dollop of comedy in the
form of parody songs and whacky lyrics, that he is better known.
Essentially, his latest
production Pianomania which is enjoying a brief season at the Rhumbelow
Theatre Durban is very much more of the same.
Only this time he has a
partner in crime in the person of pianist and entertainer Nicholas McDiarmid.
The two performers sit
at baby grand pianos (one black and one white) on the compact Rhumbelow stage
and, with the minimum of prattle, run through a gamut of items which includes
some creative piano playing, outright comedy and a few serious moments. An
eclectic mix which certainly kept their audience in stiches - and thoroughly
entertained.
(Nicholas McDiarmid & Godfrey Johnson. Pic courtesy of Sharon
Watters)
The show starts with a
parody of Gloria Gaynor’s I will Survive which included a mish-mash of
snippets of classical music. Keeping the madcap comedy going in the first half
is a song called The Pope as well as Shattered Illusions and Masculine
and Feminine.
Also part of the first
half was an 80’s melody which included Jimmy Somerville’s Turn Away Run Away,
Soft Cell’s Tainted Love and I Don’t Like Mondays by the Boom
Town Rats. There was also acceptable versions of Elton John’s Your Song,
Billy Joel’s Piano Man and the classic My Funny Valentine.
Kicking off the second
half is a piano mash-up of Richard Clayderman’s Ballade for Adeline with
various snippets of TV themes, nursery rhymes and classical pieces.
Also providing laughs is
McDiarmid’s rather gross Coughing Song and the hilarious Avos and
Boiled Eggs – performed opera style – as well as a very funny spoof of the
Cell Block Tango from Chicago.
On the serious side,
Godfrey Johnson shows off his chops with a beautiful rendition of Leonard
Cohen’s Famous Blue Raincoat and a very dramatic version of Jacques
Brel’s Carousel.
The show is brought to a
close with the ultimate sing-along song, Mary Hopkins’ Those Were The Days’.
Pianomania is an enjoyable romp of a show which provides a
relaxed, laid-back evening out.
It is a bit rough around
the edges and would improve with a bit of tightening up.
There are two
performances of Pianomania remaining.
Today’s (Saturday) show is sold out and on Sunday June 9, it is on at 14h00. Venue
opens 90 minutes before show for picnic lunch
Tickets R150 (R130
pensioners, students with a valid student card and tables of eight or more).
Family Pack Pricing (R300 for two adults and two children free). Booking is
essential. Take along food picnic baskets. Braais will be available. There is
limited secure parking. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on
to the premises). Rhumbelow Durban is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle
Road in Umbilo.
Booking is through
Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net
(also for group booking discounts of 20 or more) or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com
- Keith Millar
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