(Bryan Hiles, Marion Loudon, Darren King & Thomie Holtzhausen)
Apart
from the fun and frolic, each performer has a chance to showcase their
considerable performance talents. While the show can certainly
get a bit raunchy and suggestive, it’s always done in the spirit of humour and
is never offensive. (Review by Caroline Smart)
(Right: Marion Loudon)
Take scandal and mix it with drag and what do you get? “A Scandragulous Affair”!
This is the fun title of the new show running at OnStage@Altitude hosted by its owner, Thomie Holtzhausen. The 70-minute drag show cabaret is lots of fun, clever dialogue, loads of double-meanings, famous singers sent up hilariously – all a great break from Covid depression!
The show features Darren King, Marion Loudon, Bryan Hiles and Thomie Holtzhausen with compilation and collaboration by all. Cara Roberts is a reliable support on sound and lighting – which can both get a bit hectic!
The storyline behind A Scandragulous Affair is that a notable Brazilian personality of Russian descent, Lady Magda (Holtzhausen), has organised a soiree especially for the Valentine weekend.
She has invited top performers from around the world and has entrusted the hosting of the programme to her butler (Bryan Hiles).
Hiles does an excellent job of holding everything together and King and Loudon carry the most number of songs.
The costumes range from elegant to totally wild (including huge white wigs and feathered headdresses) and the latter two performers have some super-fast costume changes.
While the show can certainly get a bit raunchy and suggestive, it’s always done in the spirit of humour and is never offensive.
I also believe it has a wide appeal and could very well be revived when things return to whatever may be ”normal” in the theatre industry.
Apart from the fun and frolic, each performer has a chance to showcase their considerable performance talents.
Expect numbers such as I Wanna Be Loved, Joelene, Otto Titsling, Blow Me, Raining Men and medleys from Cher, Madonna and Abba.
Although you won’t hear any solo singing from Holtzhausen who admits at the very beginning that this is not his forte and the cast accused him of only knowing two notes! However, his solo dramatic pieces added a great texture to the show – particularly his interpretation of the egotistical Sharon The Dyke!
Two more performances only - tonight (February 13) at 19h30 and tomorrow (February 14) at 16h30.
(Below: Thomie Holtzhausen)
Tickets R150. Tables can be booked per seating of 2, 4 or 8. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Strict health protocols are in place and numbers are limited to 30 people per show.
Doors open an hour before curtain-up and guests are welcome to bring a plate of snacks and enjoy refreshments from the cash bar which remains open throughout the show.
To book contact Thomie on 064 476 9533.
OnStage@Altitude is situated at 25 Silver Avenue in Greyville, Durban. – Caroline Smart
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