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As one of the UK’s top female impersonators, Ceri Dupree has been delighting audiences in Britain and around the world for almost 30 years. Aside from writing and producing his own shows, his extensive musical theatre credits include Hello Dolly, The Wizard of Oz and The Rocky Horror Show.  He famously appeared at Madame Jo Jo’s in London’s West End for two years followed closely by a three-year residency at Minsky’s Music Hall in Cardiff.  Over the years he has impersonated almost every female star in the business in shows such as The Ceri Dupree Spectacular, Duprees a Crowd, Totally Frocked Up and Missleading Ladies, to name but a few.

Now “magician in heels” Ceri Dupree is heading back to South Africa and will be returning to Gate69 with his sassiness and sequins. His last two-week season at the Purple Palace on Bree was a sell-out success and Immaculate Deception promises to be nothing less than a rollercoaster of stand-up comedy, gorgeous costumes, wigs, props, parody and song and a Dame Edna Everage impersonation that is touted as being better than the grande dame herself! In Immaculate Deception, there is something old, something new and a few unexpected surprises with all the favourite DIVA’s brought to life – even the Queen and Camilla make an appearance!

As Ceri says, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing!”  With a touch of Las Vegas glitz, this pacey ‘over-the-top’ offering is the perfect way to start 2019, a non-stop, quick-changing, one-man, multiple-woman show packed with energy and showmanship.

Immaculate Deception

Gate69, Cape Town

6 February 2019 to 16 March 2019

Wednesday through to Saturday, with arrival at 6:30pm

Tickets cost R520 to R599pp including a tapas style dinner and dessert.

Make use of Gate69’s Early bird Special that qualifies patrons for Gate69’S First and Business  Class seats at the Economy Class price, valid for the opening week only

 For bookings and all info please visit www.gate69.co.za or call 021-0351627

PG 18

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by David Simmons

Gate69 together with VRT theatrical theatre have once again unravelled this very bold and gutsy story on stage and this time around it is here in Johannesburg. Introducing complex characters to an audience can be a daunting task especially when the themes presented are strong, expressive and at times brutal. However, it is incredibly refreshing to observe and recognise an important piece of work, especially a production of this calibre.

Hedwig and The Angry Inch catapults on stage with its Joburg debut, bringing a dark and frightening past to life with an eccentric character, whose voice needs all the attention it can get. After it’s very successful Cape Town run, this edgy Rock Musical couldn’t have come at a more explosive time. Around the world and most importantly in South Africa, we see prominent and provoking issues continually brought to the forefront. Issues such as freedom of speech, bravery, understanding, and most importantly acceptance, become part of our daily lives. These contributing factors play their part in expressing one’s individuality and voice in times of adversity and struggle. However, our story, beautifully executed onstage, brings to life a time where one’s voice was a mere obscurity, and freedom of speech was nowhere to be seen.

Hedwig and The Angry Inch is probably one of the most commanding, yet sensitive pieces of theatre you will witness on stage. The discovery of this daringly twitchy and flamboyant musical, has a meaningful and expressive soul, highlighting prominent and notable issues that will command an audience’s full attention, now, more than ever. The sensitivity and vulnerability of the show is brought to life by two anomalous and somewhat aberrant individuals. Alongside her husband Yitzhak, Hedwig, a transgendered rock singer, who is still scarred by the extremities of her botched sex change, brings to life the story of an unconventional personality in a conformist and oppressive society.

Set in East Germany, and later on in Kansas, we journey with Hedwig where she intimately divulges her life in monologue and song. We commiserate with her past hardships where she divulges stories of her mother, her father and her lovers along the way. Hers is a raw and graphic depiction of someone trying to grapple with life’s complexities in a world where being different had its consequences.

Paul Du Toit’s performance as Hedwig is something quite remarkable to behold. His channelling of this vulnerable singer, in costume and more importantly in his character realisation, is utterly believable. The attributes around Hedwig’s character is filled with the pain of past disappointments and even more so the hurt of her present existence. She pulls you into a spiralling world of her own destruction and then spits you out with equal amounts of anger and hate. This allows audience members to experience the suffering and neglect she embodies.

Genna Galloway is a truly magnificent force as Hedwig’s suffering husband. I was mesmerised with her mannerisms and facial twitches, some so convincing that you forget that you are witnessing a woman playing the identity-driven role of a man. Both Galloway and Du Toit’s responsibilities are less performance and more real life, as there will be people who resonate with both their unravelling stories.

The set is simple yet effective. At Centre stage, representing a life of pain and suffering, we are given access into a squalid caravan, strewn with 1970’s memorabilia, wigs, bras and resentment. We, as an audience, become the voyeur and bear witness to a life in shambles. With brilliant music and lyrics by Steven Trask the live Rock Band is led by Musical Director Wessel Odendaal. The music is loud and garish and you won’t forget the manic strobe lightening anytime soon. Musical numbers such as Tear Me Down and Sugar Daddy, promise to provide ample amounts of rock from a bygone era.

With a slick and stylish direction, Elizma Badenhorst produces an energetic force that at times is hard to stomach. It’s fair to say that this musical has an extravagant voice that will resonate with many people; young, old and those still discovering who they are. Hedwig and the Angry Inch, although dark, funny and harrowing, has the right amount of sentiment that will certainly give each and every theatre goer something to talk about for some time to come.

Hedwig and The Angry Inch will be running at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre until 1^st April 2018. It is important to note that his production carries an age restriction of PG16, and runs for a continuous 90 minutes.

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by Louw Mulder

I often hear all the whines and the moans from Cape Townians and Durbanites who complain about top shows only coming to Johannesburg. However, lately I am constantly seeing marketing and promotional material of quality productions staged in Cape Town, which never get to see the backstage of a Johannesburg theatre. At this moment, I am referring in particular to the slick and edgy shows on stage at Gate69 in vibrant Cape Town.

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.

Together with van Rhyn, there is Christopher Dudgeon, and Rudi Jansen who complete the Three Witches. Macbeth was played by Kyle Jardine, with Tessa Denton in the role of Lady Macbeth. This Panto, very loosely based on the famous Scottish Play, was written by Dudgeon, with the direction and Lighting design by Elizma Badenhorst. The set was left to Eddie du Plooy and Johke Steenkamp, who did an amazing job, especially with those sultry scenes that got hot in bed…

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.

As Macbeth, stars the very handsome and talented Kyle Jardine, recently from the International Touring Company of Pieter Toerien’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. With Gate69 catering for everyone; audiences will appreciate the versatility and flamboyant persona of Jardine in his role, but then again, for the ever-present gay male and straight female audience members following the tale, Jardine provides for some eye candy that doesn’t disappoint. I thought Jardine played a magnificent role. I think a character like this can easily be misperceived as an easy and silly role to play, but Jardine, who has recently established the professional stage as his playground, acted in a very convincing and extremely enjoyable portrayal of a very camp, gay, bottom Macbeth….. what, wait… No, I am saying too much at this point…

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.”

Completing the cast, is the talented Tessa Denton with a very impressive resume of roles on both Stage and Screen. Playing a dual role, her definitive distinctions between characters was a delight to watch. At times I felt incredibly sympathetic to witness what Denton’s character has to go through in the bedroom… In turn, Denton told Stage and Srcreen that the best thing about being in Macbeth, is to work with her friends and at Gate69 specifically.  “I have a history with each Trolley Dolly separately, so it’s like coming home. What I like most about our show is the laughter. Comedy is by far my favourite genre and we get to push a lot of limits at Gate 69 in that department. It’s refreshing.”

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.

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For one night only South Africa’s foremost comedians join forces to bring you the most outrageous, uproarious, side-splitting, not-be-missed, comedy extravaganza! Hold onto your medication as the legendary Alan Committie takes charge as our master of ceremonies extraordinaire. As one of SA’s leading and most loved hosts, Alan never disappoints and is sure to slay even the shadiest of queens, queers or mother-in-laws and get them frolicking down the aisle in no time.

Also on the menu, and someone who needs no introduction, is comedy royalty, the HAIRlarious, Marc Lottering, who will be joined by the boisterous Rob van Vuuren, the unruly Shimmy Isaacs and the irresistible heavy-weight of hilarity, KG.

Assume the brace position as our illustrious cast of comedians are joined by special guests, The Trolley Dollies – BUCKLE UP babies, you’re in for one helluva ride!

Show Information

6 November 2017

Gate 69, 87 Bree Street, Cape Town

Suggested arrival time on our red carpet is 18h30 for a drink in the bar,

Dinner is at 19h00 and the show starts at 20h15.

Cost:

First Class – R595;  Business Class – R550;  Economy Class – R450

This includes a delicious designer mezze served on a double-tiered Lazy Susan, a separate hot soup and bread service as well as a mouth-watering purple Patron soft serve ice-cream for dessert.

Dress Code:

Look Fabulous! Gentlemen no sandals or shorts, or Cathy Specific will swallow you whole – and spit nothing out!

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Cathy, Holly and Molly, your three favourite Trolley Dollies are back, serving up some hocus pocus’ and dragging the hell out of witchcraft – you’d better assume the brace position because this is glam like you’ve never seen before! Big hair, big tits and even bigger musical numbers give this old yarn the kiss of life it’s been aching for. Book now for this South African first and Festive Season romp!

Whether it was for a school or university set work, or just because you’re a big ol’ nerd, most of us have read Macbeth at some point in our distant past. Well, don’t you think it’s time you reacquainted yourself with the great bard’s work?

You see, us girls at Gate69 can whiff out an untold story and read between the lines like nobody’s business; we’ve discovered what that dirty little Willy was really on about and we’re dead set on sharing it with the world.

What your fuddy-duddy English teacher didn’t tell you was that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were the original Brangelina. Macbeth – complete with tattoos and a stomach made for Omo Handwash – makes Brad in Thelma and Louise look like John Cleese. As a rule, we don’t run after men, but if a boy has muscles and tattoos, a bitch might just power walk!

Lady Macbeth is the original femme fatale. Long before Angelina pouted her way into our lives, Lady M was taking no prisoners and looking fierce doing it… And her rack will make your husbands weep. #JustSaying

And who could forget those three w(b)itches… Think you know what 3 medieval, cave-dwelling, potion-brewing, curse-casting old hags look like? Well, you don’t. Angelica Houston, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker can all step aside because we’ve drag raced the hell out of witchcraft and it’ll never be the same again.

At Gate69, we pride ourselves on bringing you South African firsts, and this festive season romp is no exception. Bring family, bring friends, bring strangers (isn’t it always better with strangers?), just come! You won’t regret it and you certainly won’t forget it. Book now for a pantomime experience unlike any other!

Show Information

25 October 2017 – 30 December 2017

Wednesdays to Saturdays

Gate 69, 87 Bree Street, Cape Town

Suggested arrival time on our red carpet is 18h30 for a drink in the bar,

Dinner is at 19h00 and the show starts at 20h15.

Cost:

First Class – R595;  Business Class – R550;  Economy Class – R450

This includes a delicious designer mezze served on a double-tiered Lazy Susan, a separate hot soup and bread service as well as a mouth-watering purple Patron soft serve ice-cream for dessert.

Dress Code:

Look Fabulous! Gentlemen no sandals or shorts, or Cathy Specific will swallow you whole – and spit nothing out!

The post Macbeth – The Adult Panto appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 23 million views. A woman of many voices, she’s performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Today Show, The Meredith Vieria Show and more.

Join Christina as she celebrates the world’s most iconic vocalists and pop-culture personalities from yesterday and today!

Christina will perform an exciting mix of your favourite pop, standard and Broadway tunes in her own voice, as well as impersonating the great divas themselves. From Ariana Grande to Barbra Streisand to Edith Piaf, no celebrity is safe and no genre is left unexplored!

With spot on impressions, soaring vocals and some audience participation, there is truly something for every age group.

The Many Voices Of Christina Bianco will take you on a unique, musical comedy journey unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

The International press had the following to say about Bianco:

“Must we trot out the phrase Tour Du Force? Yes. We must! Bianco’s work is something to see.” The New York Times

“A comic firecracker with a pyrotechnic voice, drives the audience wild…” Time Out New York

“Bianco has an extraordinary vocal instrument, matched by an exceptional stage presence and a talent to sing in the voices of a countless number of other performers. Although she can clearly belt a song, a rich and warm vibrato imbued the ballads with a passionate, layered sensitivity that produced chills.”  Cabaret Scenes

“There’s no doubt about it. She’s a star!” Playbill

Show Information

11 October 2017 – 19 October 2017

Gate 69, 87 Bree Street, Cape Town

Suggested arrival time on our red carpet is 18h30 for a drink in the bar,

Dinner is at 19h00 and the show starts at 20h15.

Cost:

First Class – R595; Business Class – R550;  Economy Class – R450

This includes a delicious designer mezze served on a double-tiered Lazy Susan, a separate hot soup and bread service as well as a mouth-watering purple Patron soft serve ice-cream for dessert.

Dress Code:

Look Fabulous! Gentlemen no sandals or shorts, or Cathy Specific will swallow you whole – and spit nothing out!

The post The Many Voices of Christina Bianco appeared first on Stage and Screen.

The bitches are back and bigger and better than before! Just sprinkle a little viagra and you get the brighter and bolder Jumbo Package – after all, it’s what you’ve come to know and love from these three Amazonian beauties! Don’t delay, book today as this limited season must end at 7 October…

Cathy, Holly and Molly burst onto the scene in a haze of glitter and hairspray some eight months ago, and Cape Town is still recovering from the shock. While a whole host of eager passengers, both foreign and local, have become closely acquainted with these three Mile-High Aviation Goddesses, so many have still yet to experience the delight of these seductively saucy stewardesses.

So, instead of flipping you the bird and taking to the skies, we’ve decided to exercise a little patience, stick around a while longer and give you one last chance to get your ass into your seat. And because we’re naughty but oh-so-nice, we’ve “glammed” it up even more… We’ve gone FULL THROTTLE!

We’re still on our delayed flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town (isn’t everybody?), but we’re serving you even more “T” and throwing shade like there’s no tomorrow. It’s what you’ve come to know and love from these three Amazonian girls; it’s just brighter and bolder!

And honey – we may be on a domestic flight, but this ain’t airline food.  Gate69’s famous tapas menu has been revamped along with the girls and it’s heaven on a Lazy Susan!

For a jumbo-package experience that can only be found at the Purple Palace on Bree street, book your First, Business or Economy Class seats NOW; this is a limited season and these girls have places to go!

Show Information

9 August 2017 – 7 October 2017

Wednesdays to Saturdays

Gate 69, 87 Bree Street, Cape Town

Suggested arrival time on our red carpet is 18h30 for a drink in the bar,

Dinner is at 19h00 and the show starts at 20h15.

Cost:

First Class – R595;  Business Class – R550;  Economy Class – R450

This includes a delicious designer mezze served on a double-tiered Lazy Susan, a separate hot soup and bread service as well as a mouth-watering purple Patron soft serve ice-cream for dessert.

Dress Code:

Look Fabulous! Gentlemen no sandals or shorts, or Cathy Specific will swallow you whole – and spit nothing out!

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