While some may feel that it is a bit early to start celebrating the festive season, I have little doubt that this show will change your mind and get you into the party spirit and set the mood for a cheerful season ahead. (Review by Keith Millar)
Barnyard Theatre at the Suncoast Casino is doing what it does best. Throwing a fabulous, high-octane, crackerjack of a party.
Strictly No 1’s is billed as the Barnyard’s festive season offering – it runs until December 31, 2021. While some may feel that it is a bit early to start celebrating the festive season, I have little doubt that this show will change your mind and get you into the party spirit and set the mood for a cheerful season ahead. And we all deserve a little joy in our lives, don’t we?
It may seem risky to present a programme based on No 1’s as there is such an enormous amount of music to choose from. But the compilers of this show have got it right and have come up with an enjoyable mix of party songs and favourite hits. It certainly had the Covid capacity audience on the night we went on their feet bopping and singing along.
Add to this the usual Barnyard kaleidoscopic lighting display, the backdrop of graphic images, the stylish costumes, the high energy chorography and the excellent sound mix, and you have a winner. The Barnyard back to its best.
Of course, the most important element in any show is the entertainers. In this case, an excellent team of eight who perform with style and vigour.
The four piece band, all accomplished musicians, have been together for a few Barnyard productions now and they have developed into a tight, cohesive entity.
They are led by Musical Director Callie Thomson on keyboards and backing vocals with Jason Kylen on guitar and vocals, Dylan van der Linde on drums and Bongani Sokhela on bass.
The cast includes the charming and urbane Themba January (who also has the role of MC for this show); the ever-popular Kyle Mathews, in a welcome return to the Barnyard Suncoast stage; the pocket dynamo Savanah de Beer, and the elegant powerhouse diva Kerry Cherry.
In a show of over 25 songs there are obviously a few highlights. These are a few of mine.
What better way to start the party than with a medley of Cliff and Elvis? Themba January and Kyle Mathews get together for Forty Days, Blue Suede Shoes, Living Doll, Teddy Bear and Do You Want To Dance?
Also in the first half, Savanah de Beer is a sensual, albeit rather young Cher for Believe and also shines for Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven is a Place On Earth. Kyle Mathews injects some humour with Rock Me Amadeus by Falco and channels his inner rocker with Bill Hailey’s Rock around The Clock.
Guitarist Jason Kylen is particularly good with La Bamba. I not sure why they don’t use him for a few more songs, because he is good.
I also enjoyed the mash-ups where Kyle and Themba sang Eye Of The Tiger and Another Brick In The Wall, and the one with Themba and Kerry Cherry singing Diana Ross’s I’m Coming Out and Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey’s Endless Love.
The second half produced even more energy than the first, if that was possible. Absolute highlight in the second half for me (and possibly the whole show) was the rocking medley of some memorable guitar riffs from Smoke On The Water, Paranoid, Allright Now, Whole Lot of Love, Sunshine Of Your Love and Thunder Struck. Excellent from Jason Kylen. Dylan van der Linde’s drum solo during this segment was not half bad, either.
Other enjoyable moments in the second half included a South African segment of The Crossing, Vulizela, Dance Sum More, Kaptein and Jerusalema.
As is usual at the Barnyard, the cast brought the house down with their ensemble singing to end the show with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing, Chubby Checker’s Lets Twist Again, and LMFAO’s Party Rockers.
So, if you are in the mood for some festive entertainment, put on your dancing shoes and head for the Barnyard Theatre at the Suncoast Casino. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Shows usually run from Thursdays to Sundays. There are always special offers available so go to the Barnyard website or phone 031 9400500 to check on show times and ticket prices and to make bookings. – Keith Millar
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