(Pics by Val Adamson)
(Above: Mother Merry Marzipan accompanied by dancers Simone Mann & Sarah Tyrrell)
Presented in their usual highly professional fashion, this is a KickstArt production – need I say more?
Steven Stead is currently in Cape Town directing My Fair Lady, so directing the production in his place is Darren King. Hugely colourful sets and backdrops create a magical display of images by Greg King. Settings change to different locations – the main site is “a mystical, magical Caribbean island,” – to quote Stead: “This tale usually unfolds in Spain or France but we have decided to set our adventure on a mystical, magical Caribbean island, which allows for a riot of colour, a Latin flavour and a polyglot of accents and cultures.”
(Right: Belinda Henwood plays Calypso Honeybunch)
Sound design is by Stephanie Pais.
Shanthi Naidoo is the costumier. The outfits are a riot of colour, especially those worn by Belinda Henwood who is a strong artist playing the role of the immortal Calypso Honeybunch.
Blessing Xaba’s outfits are also a sight to see.
King Magnum is played by Mthokozisi Zulu. Despite his lack of height, he manages to give the appearance of royalty.
His daughter, Princess Miranda is played by the attractive Roshanda Lewis who is looking for a hero. Kirsty Ndawo is delightful as Selina Swiftclaw, Lord Grimsby’s cat.
The actor who always takes my notice is Blessing Xaba playing Mother Merry Marzipan (see pic above).
I have watched this actor’s progress for a good few years and never cease to be impressed by his energy and acting ability. Mother runs the bakery and Tom Marzipan played by William Young is her son – a good performance full of sincerity.
(Left: Lyle Buxton in super hero pose)
Her other son is Tristram played by Lyle Buxton who affects a super hero with all the power imagery poses of command.
A further star is Bryan Hiles clad in black with huge ears – he is Grimsby Withergood, an evil, shape-shifting goblin wizard, posturing attitudes, a part he relishes!
Star of the show is undeniably Rory Booth who is the feline hero called Tiddles. Booth handles this part with panache – good at acting, singing and movement. His height gives him a costume advantage and some of his headgear gives him at least another metre!
(Above: Rory Booth with Simone Mann & Sarah Tyrrell)
The audience was packed for the performance I saw – people of all ages – who responded with delight to the cast’s requests and I’m sure that most of the youngsters would have jumped onto the stage to be part of the magic, if they had had a chance.
If you want to see the show, I would strongly suggest that you book your tickets right now – through Webtickets.
It will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from December 5 to January 12. Performances are 14h30 on weekdays and Sundays, 11h00 and15h30 on Saturdays. – Caroline Smart
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