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Thursday, December 12, 2019

GLOBE TROTTING SUZIE: REVIEW


(Mim Erasmus with Suzie. Pic by Keith Millar)

“Globe Trotting Suzie” is a most enjoyable puppet theatre production which is excellently performed by veteran entertainers, Mim and John Erasmus. (Review by Keith Millar)

For several years now, Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre has been the go-to venue for children’s entertainment during school holidays. And this Christmas season is no different with seasoned entertainers Mim and John Erasmus presenting their charming puppet show, Globe Trotting Suzie.

With our grandchildren shipped off to various holiday clubs and after-care centres, my wife and myself were left to channel our inner 10 year-olds to experience the joys of Suzie’s trip around the world.

And enjoy it we did.

Suzie is curious as how people in other countries celebrate Christmas. So, in a spaceship on loan from NASA, she visits no less than nine countries around the world. In each place, she meets a young lady of her own age who is traditionally dressed and who tells her a little bit about their country and their traditions and customs.

For example, in America she meets Blue Cloud, a Native American Indian where she learns about wigwams and totem poles. In Brazil, she experiences the Mardi Gras with Rozanna. Shelia in Australia introduces her to Freddie the Frog and they, along with all the children in the audience, get to dance the Kangaroo Tango. Suzie also visits her cousin in Scotland where, once again with the help of the audience they sing and dance along to the well-known song, Auld Lang Syne.

In each country, Suzie and her host exchange gifts and in on each occasion the lucky young lady receives a small doll beautifully dressed in traditional clothing along with a small flag and animal from the country.

Other than the young girls from the nine countries we also meet, along the way, Suzie’s father, Freddie the frog, Christopher the crocodile and, to everyone’s great excitement, Father Christmas himself.

The hand puppets on display are excellently made and beautifully dressed. They are all operated by Auntie Mim who also provides all the voices and sings all the songs. No mean feat to keep it up for nearly an hour, but she achieves it with some style and charisma.

John assists looking after the sound system along with piloting the spaceship and showing off the presents to the audience and telling them all about the costumes flags and animals.

Globe Trotting Suzie is a most enjoyable puppet theatre production which is excellently performed by veteran entertainers, Mim and John Erasmus, There are also plenty of opportunities for the audience to get involved in singing and dancing along with Auntie Mim.

My alter ego, the 10 year old boy, thoroughly enjoyed the show – and I can tell you that the 71 year old was not disappointed either. I recommend it to all.

After the show there is a colouring-in competition for all the kids. This morning due to load-shedding the colouring-in competition preceded the show. So it may be an idea to check the starting time before you go.

The show runs until Saturday (December 14) this week and from Tuesday to Saturday (December 17 to 21) next week. All shows start at 11h00 (Load shedding permitting).

Tickets R75-00 pp. Book at Computicket or phone email Roland at 082 499 8636 or email roland@stansell.co.za Snacks and juices will be on sale. More information available at events.durbantheate.com

Rhumbelow Durban is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo.