(Pics by Val Adamson)
This show is suitable for all ages but if you have young kids you absolutely cannot afford to miss it! If you don’t have young kids then find some because the looks on their little faces as they journey through this beautiful story is something special to behold! (Review by Kerryne Nico)
Oh, how I’ve missed you! I’ve missed you like I miss wearing lipstick instead of a medical mask. I’ve missed you like I miss the freedom I felt before COVID. It’s been a year since I breathed in without fear! It’s been over a year since I was lost in the joy of the theatre.
Thank you, Kickstart, for finding a way to bring back the magic in a safe space, there couldn’t have been a better venue than the Durban Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre to make Charlotte’s Web come to life. Durbanites are blessed and we should be so grateful.
Charlotte’s Web was some show! It was terrific! The actors were radiant and the stage might have been a humble one but, boy, it was worthy of a special prize, so much more than just the blue ribbon!
E B White’s message of friendship and family values in the novel Charlotte’s Web was perfectly portrayed in the acting, the puppetry and the clever use of props. This production was everything you’d expect from the KickstArt productions you’ve seen at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre but instead of sitting in rows of chairs too close to your neighbour for COVID comfort, you’re out in the open, lost in the magic completely safe in the space because of social distancing and fabulous fresh air!
I kept waiting for the actors, whose beautiful voices I know all too well, to break into song but this isn’t a musical so it wasn’t to be but it was perfect in every other way. Greg King’s clever set design allowed the actors to quickly transform the farmyard into the fairgrounds and back again with ease. The actors’ quick changes and use of really clever puppetry added to the magic of the storytelling. I was in awe.
My advice to the reader, stop whatever you are doing, go to www.computicket.co.za and book to see Charlotte’s Web at the Durban Botanic Gardens. This show is suitable for all ages but if you have young kids you absolutely cannot afford to miss it! If you don’t have young kids then find some because the looks on their little faces as they journey through this beautiful story is something special to behold!
I couldn’t find any little ones who were free for the morning so I took my 14 year-old son, who managed to tear himself away from his gaming laptop to go to “the theatre” with me! There was pure joy on his face and his teenage swagger dropped its guard as he allowed sniggers of laughter to escape when Templeton the Rat, (Bryan Hiles) was on stage.
What’s so great about Charlotte’s Web is there is something for everyone; it’s not filled with slapstick humour aimed solely at kids. The appearance by “The President” who looked and spoke a lot like Donald Trump was especially enjoyable for the adults in the audience.
So, book your tickets, pack your picnic and head down to the Botanic Gardens for a little bit of escapism, a whole lot of laughter and the joy of outdoor theatre.
Charlotte’s Web runs until April 18, 2021, in the Durban Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre daily at 14h30, and morning shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 11h00. Running time is approximately 1 hour and 20 mins, with a ten minute interval.
Tickets R150 (R120 children under 12 and pensioners). Book at Computicket
Seating is unreserved (but will be allocated according to responsible social distancing regulations on arrival at the venue.) Venue to open one hour prior to performance for BYO picnics.
Free parking is available at DBG Visitor’s Centre, 9A John Zikhali Road. (Limited paid parking at old Tea Garden entrance available through Computicket)
Tickets may be fully refunded or exchanged for other performances in the event of cancellation caused by Covid or bad weather. - Kerryne Nico
Posts
