(Above: Darren King & Wonder Ndlovu)
(Pics by Werner Nienaber)
This show had me in stitches from the pre-show announcements to the deliberately-forced standing ovation at the end. The hour-long show seems to pass in minutes and certainly left me delighted to return to watching live theatre, it certainly quenched my thirst for theatre. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
Naughty Neverland!
It has been a while since I watched live theatre in Durban, so few shows are up and running in these Covid times. So, when I was asked to review this show, I was only too elated to return to a venue to watch a live show.
This year marks the silver jubilee of the Adult Pantomime, now called The Pantomime for Grown-ups, in Durban. Running since 1996, the Pantomime has traversed many locations in the city and now finds itself nestled at Onstage@Altitude since 2016.
I have been an avid supporter since watching Jack and His Big Stalk in the early 2000s. Each year, the show takes a fond fable and turns it into a slapstick, innuendo-infused laugh a minute. This year, we take a reminiscent walk down our childhood memory lane with their twisted tale of Peter Pan, like you have never heard the story recited before.
The intimate venue was put to great use to house a versatile set, designed by Thomie Holtzhausen. I felt the script left me wanting a little more but so is to be expected when the rest of the show was slick and sordidly sophisticated.
Darren King plays the deliciously devious villainous Hooker, costumed to match the name, and is charismatic in the juicy role. Thomie Holtzhausen is run ragged playing numerous roles but is ever entertaining as each. These two well-known performers offer plenty of physical humour and King shows off his refined voice.
Not to be outshone, three novice faces wow with their splendid singing abilities as they traipse through myriad movie and theatre songs. The ensemble must be applauded for their prolific performances, although I would have liked a bit more dancing, which the quaint space does not allow for. That said, I was most taken away by the singing stylings of Sphindile Khuzwayo, the charming swiftness and wit of Chaunees Bokaba and Wonder Ndlovu's confidence as the leading Peter Pan.
This show had me in stitches from the pre-show announcements to the deliberately-forced standing ovation at the end. The hour-long show seems to pass in minutes and certainly left me delighted to return to watching live theatre, it certainly quenched my thirst for theatre. All Covid protocols are observed so take your dinner and go along to support this show which runs until December 30, 2021, at 19h30 (doors open at 18h30).
The production is restricted to over-18s and runs for an hour, without an interval. Patrons are welcome to bring picnic basket/snacks. Cash bar available.
Tickets: R150 (group booking discounts available). Book online via Quicket or send a watsapp to Thomie Holtzhausen at 064 476 9533.
On Stage at Altitude is situated at 25 Silver Avenue, Morningside, Durban. Car guards are on duty. - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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