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Thursday, November 12, 2020

ONCE UPON A TIME: STEVEN STEAD

(Steven Stead)

KickstArt and the Rhumbelow Theatre will present the first one-man show featuring well-known and multi award-winning actor and director, Steven Stead. Once upon a Time runs from December 11 to 13, 2020, with a further performance on December 16.

“I have wanted to do an old-fashioned, intimate one-man cabaret for some time now,” says Stead, “But I have always been too busy directing big musicals and pantomimes to focus on anything so complex and fragile. Now that our theatre world has been tragically plunged into a coma thanks to Covid-19, I can ironically realise a dream of mine.

“Acting is story-telling. Making theatre is story-telling. And since the Greek bards sang of the gods and heroes of legend, and the Medieval minstrels sang of the romances and wars of knights and ladies, people have thrilled to stories told by a singer-actor through music.

“I vividly remember going to The Cellar as a youngster, and experiencing the magic of real cabaret, as opposed to music revue, with artists like Danielle Pascale, Judy Page and Sam Marais, and I want to explore this very powerful, very rewarding style of theatre myself. I feel that I am the right age to do this now, and with the brilliant Evan Roberts at my side, I feel brave enough to share my life-experience with an audience.” Stead adds.

Accompanied on the piano by ace musical director and long-time collaborator, Evan Roberts, Stead will be singing a series of songs that tell stories and are inherently theatrical. They range from witty and wicked comedy songs by Noël Coward, to powerful folk songs by Jacques Brel, to thought-provoking songs from musical theatre composers like Stephen Sondheim, and Kander and Ebb. He will also be singing material from shows that he has appeared in, or been associated with, that also take the form of story-telling songs.

Once upon a Time runs from December 11 to 13, 2020, with a further performance on December 16. Friday and Saturday shows at 19h30 and Sunday at 14h00. The Wednesday show starts at 18h00.  (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

“Whilst we are not changing our 2020 pricing, we would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price,” says Roland Stansell who runs the Rhumbelow Theatres.

Tickets R160 (R140 pensioners and students with a valid student card). Loyalty Card Holders (R1300) ALL SHOWS. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED - NO WALK-INS ALLOWED

Bring food picnic baskets or buy from Kevin.

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

Booking is essential on email roland@stansell.co.za, http://events.durbantheatre.com/ or Computicket.

Limited secure parking available. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

For more information, contact 082 499 8636. Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR PATRONS

 1.         HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR PATRONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.9.      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)