Bench

Bench is an interesting interaction between two men contemplating a crime. Initially it has a "Waiting for Godot"feel in that the characters are waiting for someone who never appears. There is a clever twist that leads to a satisfying end.

I enjoyed the banter between the two characters. Brent Palmer and Adrian Collins are brilliant together and play off each other so well. Its is an emotional and clever journey between comedic and serious moments as you get to know the characters. Henry, the con man, is so greasy that he almost becomes endearing. Dwain initially appears as the passive aggressive fool but slowly upwraps the different layers of their lives revealing Henry's character.


I attended the script reading at the Baxter several months ago and this is a tighter version of the script. The play has a lot of swearing that wasn't in the reading which I initially found irritating. However it fit the context of the play and added to the comic moments. The audience was completely absorbed in the play and there were many outbursts of laughter at the clever dialogue. It is a must see and well done to Brent on the script and both Brent and Adrian for a fabulous show.

Living Remote

Bertha Cummings reveals the secret life of the elderly. Masquerading as an angelic frail, helpless little old lady to her family, she is in fact an artful and wily mover, shaker, dispensing advice and “health products”.

Quite telling the show opens with how we live by the remote of the television, gate and sprinkler system and with our relationships, only visiting family occasionally. She points fun at the signs of getting old and then proceeds to inform the audience how to use this to your advantage. Some of the scenes were bizarrely funny like her fitness tips on the gym master and pole dancing. It reminded me of an elderly friend who still thinks that he is an irresistible gigolo – the wonderful delusional aspects of the elderly.

Anthea Thompson is brilliant in capturing the resilience of a survivor who refuses to let life get her down. Having only seen her as Kate in Taming of the Shrew – I was struck by how completely different she was and convincing as this wicked old lady.

This is a great show but not for the fainthearted.

Laugh

David Newton's new show where he explores the fundamentals of what makes us all laugh.

Angels on Horseback

This tongue-in-cheek show is inspired by country music legends such as Dolly Parton and John Denver, and with songs about relationships, break-ups and sports icons, Angels on Horseback leave no issue as sacred with their unique and hilarious take on all aspects of South African life. Adult content.

We saw it last year and had a good laugh. I must admit that John Denver's songs now have a whole new set of hysterical lyrics - will never be the same. Great night out.
Angela

Fest Artscape 19-20 December

The play by Darron Araujo explores the issues of sex, power, parking and school plays. A wild comedy about serious matters.

We All Benefit Concert

Yesterday's concert was fabulous and well done to Karen Jeynes and Erica Glynn-Jones for putting the show together in just over a week. The concert featured poetry, music, drama and comedy. Local artists donated their time for this stand against xenophobia. Each act reinforcing our link to each other as human beings and fellow Africans. Karen lives close to Du Noon and wanted to do something to take a stand against what was happening. As an artist she decided that this would be the best way to do something.
What was also exciting was that the theatre was fully booked with people waiting to get tickets. The vibe was fantastic and I couldn't help thinking that it would be fabulous if our theatres were always full like yesterday afternoon. Angela

In the Nik

Last Saturday (17th) we went to see Nick Rabinowitz at On Broadway. It is the first time that we had seen him and he was brilliant. He uses a combination of English, Afrikaans and Xhosa to comment on daily life. The problem with seeing comedians is that I either can't remember the punchline or else it is definitely not funny if I try to retell a joke. He is definitely on my list of people to follow. Angela