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Tuesday, September 22, 2020

MARRIAGE FOR DUMMIES AT NORTHLANDS


(Aaron Mcilroy & Lisa Bobbert)

Durban’s favourite comedy duo, 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.

Performances will take place at the Northlands Bowling Club from September 24 to 27 and again from October 1 to 4, 2020, at the Northlands Bowling Club, presented in association with Rhumbelow Theatre.

“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 (ie 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 summarised 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 runs from September 24 to 27 and again from October 1 to 4, 2020, at the Northlands Bowling Club.

Shows take place as follows:

September 24 and October 1 (Thursdays) at 19h00

September 25, 26 and October 2 and 3 (Fridays and Saturdays) at 19h00

September 27 and October 4 (Sundays) at 18h00

(Venue opens 60 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

"Whilst we are not changing our normal pricing for Aaron & Lisa, we would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” adds Roland Stansell, director of the Rhumbelow Theatre organisation

 Tickets R180 (R160 Northlands Bowling Club Members - no other discounts available)

ALL SEATING WILL BE AT SEPARATE TABLES AND WE WILL OBVIOUSLY BE SEATING CO-HABITING COUPLES AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS.

75 PEOPLE MAX PER SHOW (50% Capacity)

Limited secure parking available. Booking is essential. Bring a picnic. A bar will be available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

PATRONS ARE ENCOURAGED WITH COVID PROTOCOLS TO PLEASE TAKE THEIR OWN RUBBISH HOME WITH THEM.

ALL TICKETS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. NO WALK-INS ALLOWED

Northlands Bowling Club is situated at 50 Margaret Maytom Avenue, Durban North.

Bookings on email: roland@stansell.co.za or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR PATRONS

1. Patrons need to wear a face and nose covering at all times in the venue except when eating or drinking.

2. All patrons will have their temperatures taken on arrival at the venue.

3. All patrons will be required to complete documents relating to Travel and Covid-19 contacts.

4. All patrons will be required to complete an indemnity form.

5. All patrons will be required to complete an attendance register with all appropriate information including confirmation of co-habiting when couples attend.

6. All patrons will be hand sanitized on arrival and at interval.

7. All patrons will be requested to bring hand sanitizer with them to the venue.

8. Any patron who does not meet the required Health & Safety protocols and temperature check will be refused entry.

9. Patrons above the age of 60 or a person with co-morbidities will be discouraged from attending performances.   (GOVT GUIDELINES – please be guided by your own health status)