A Tale Twisted, Sheer Entertainment.
by Louw Mulder
During my recent visit to the Mother City, I got to visit Gate69, a Cabaret Restaurant theatre situated in trendy Bree Street. This venue recently staged Hedwig and the Angry Inch, their in-house produced cabaret, Full Throttle and also the Many Voices of Christina Bianco, who recently took over the flight deck. Founder and main act of this establishment, is well known actor and performer, Brendan van Rhyn, who wowed audiences with his role of Frank-N-Furter, in the recent and highly acclaimed production of The Rocky Horror Show, the role that won him the 2015 Naledi Theatre Award for Best performance by a Male Actor in a Musical (Shared deservedly with Jonathan Roxmouth). Van Rhyn nowadays leads and stars in the drag trio act, The Trolley Dollies, resident performers of Gate69, and already on a fast track to sustain a high level of popularity in the city below Table Mountain.
Their new production, Macbeth, An Adult Panto opened last week, and I was very fortunate to attend one of the shows. Walking down a perfectly suited red carpet, we were extravagantly received by the host, Cathy Specific, van Rhyn’s female alter-ego, who lead the way to the bar. Receiving a warm and friendly welcome like this, in a venue classy and dedicated to the overall theme, one is bound to be excited for what is still to come. After a delicious set menu, served by the Trolley Dollies themselves with witty chirps and over-the-top hairdo’s, the mood was set for the Panto to begin.
The story begins with a love scene between Macbeth and his Lady, set to the music of a song formerly known as Kiss the Girl out of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. But as soon as the audience noticed that nothing is as innocent and cute as what it seems, the tone for the rest of the show was set.
After this experience, I got an opportunity to have a little chat with Mr Jardine about appearing in this Panto. Even though this was a last minute casting, he said: “I didn’t actually know too much about this production when I was called in to audition, however, the opportunity to work with such a great team and cast of performers, along with Gate69’s credits and style of their shows, is what made me realise that this would most certainly be a fun and exciting show to be part of.” Jardine said. “My experience with this show so far has been exciting, as one does not always have the opportunity to explore such edgy and mischievous content.” Almost writing my review for me, Jardine added: “The vibe and the venue presented to the guests as they walk in, is the vibe that carries throughout the theatre. It is such a privilege to be a part of this show, and so far the response has been overwhelmingly positive, since we had no idea how audiences would respond to it.”
The main attraction of this production for me was the three witches, played by the Trolley Dollies themselves, and they delivered on each and every expectation I had. Seeing them in action already forced a smile on my face, but what I found amazing, is the electricity and chemistry, (or should I say hairspray and tuck-tape?) shared between these three actors. I thought they appeared to be hilariously in-sync, so much so, that the excitement of seeing real effort and showmanship coming to life, were incredibly satisfying to watch. I felt that the scenes where ad-lib dialogue was required, was acted out effortlessly. Their quick, hysterical chirps, and thinking quickly on their heels, came as second nature. This is the show where the art of the performing drag artist, is distinguished from the commonly known drag queen…
There is a perfectly good reason why Macbeth, The Adult Panto, is advertised with an age restriction of 18 years, which is merely to advise patrons who are sensitive to foul language, and deep under-the-belt jokes, to rather stay away. There is no nudity in this production, but it’s dirty at times, sometimes nasty, but once you realise that Panto is staged for sheer entertainment, you will enjoy a first-class Adult Panto, and may even want to venture back for seconds!
Macbeth, The Adult Panto will run at Gate69, Cape Town, till 30 December 2017.