(Above: Trevor Donjeany, Mali Sewell, Barry Thomson & Dawn Selby. Pic by Val Bottomley)
“The Great British Revolution” is an excellent showcase of a small sample
of the great music available from that era. May we dare to hope for another
show based on this theme in the future? (Review by Keith Millar)
Due to various circumstances, I had not seen Durban’s talented show band, The Reals, perform for nearly two years. So it was a real treat to attend their show, The Great British Revolution, at the Rhumbelow Theatre last night.
And I was not disappointed as the accomplished group delivered a performance of the same skill, musicality, and dynamism as I recalled.
The only thing that has changed is that experienced bass player Trevor Donjeany has joined regulars Barry Thomson (guitar), Dawn Selby (keyboards) and Mali Sewell (drums) in the group. With Thomson taking the lead, they all contribute to the vocals.
The British Revolution is a sequel of sorts to The Reals’ marvellous 2019 rocker, The British Invasion. It celebrates the emergence in the 1960’s and beyond of a plethora of brilliant British bands, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Shadows, Pink Floyd, The Kinks, David Bowie, Rod Stewart and so many more, who took the world by storm and led to the transformation of popular culture.
This time around, the choice of music is not necessary the blockbuster number ones from the groups but delves a little deeper into the many other memorable songs they created. I found this approach refreshing and enjoyed being reminded of some of the wonderful music that is possibly not always in the forefront of one’s memory. The selection somehow feels a little more serious and perhaps not as much out-and-out rock and roll.
Kicking off the show is an obvious choice, Revolution by the Beatles. This is followed in the first half by the likes of The Shadows’ delightfully named The Rise and Fall of Flinglebunt, The Moody Blues’ exquisite Nights of White Satin, South African-born Manfred Mann’s Blinded by The Light (sung on this occasion by Trevor Donjeany), the bluesy Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones and a beautiful rendition of the Eurythmics When Tomorrow Comes by Dawn Selby.
The second half also starts with The Beatles, with a medley of Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight and The End. Also heard in the second half is Mark Knopfler’s What It Is, David Bowie’s Starman, The Who’s Pinball Wizard, Pink Floyd’s Coming Back to Life (with brilliant guitar work from Barry Thomson), Santa Esmeralda’s Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, The Sweet’s Ballroom Blitz. To finish it all off is Rod Stewarts great singalong, Sailing.
Not a bad playlist by any account. And all performed with consummate skill, energy, and panache that one has come to expect from this excellent group.
Another element of the British Revolution which is celebrated in this show is the wonderful, off-the-wall and whacky humour which is uniquely British. The show is interspersed by video clips of the likes of Monty Python, Black Adder, Fawlty Towers, Absolutely Fabulous and Peter Sellers. The only one missing for me, and possibly the leader in zany comedy, is The Goons.
The Great British Revolution is an excellent showcase of a small sample of the great music available from that era. May we dare to hope for another show based on this theme in the future?
There is one more show at Rhumbelow Durban – today (October 10 at 14h00). The show then moves to Rhumbelow Tina’s Hotel in Kloof from October 16 to 24. This is a show that is well worth seeing - both for The Reals fans and lovers of good 60’s music.
Tickets R180 (no discounts for this show). All seating will be at separate tables and the venues will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together.
Limited secure parking available.
With the current Covid levels, the venues will be limiting capacity to 50% max. Strict Covid rules will be observed. Therefore, booking is essential via email: roland@stansell.co.za or Computicket.
For more information contact 082 499 8636 or visit
http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road
off Bartle Road in Durban.
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene Road, Kloof. – Keith Millar
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