Revamped theatre ready to roll with musicals Magician to pull back the curtain
AFTER a six-month hiatus, Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo reopened last night, exactly 18 years after impressario Roland Stansell first opened the doors.
Stansell said there were some exciting innovations, as well as shows, lined up for the revamped theatre.
“We have four new different shows. We have rejuvenated our building to make sure we go through our 18 years and beyond for the venue.
“One of the key issues is we’re putting in new equipment. We’ve raised some of our old lights and we’ve also managed to put in a new digital lighting desk. Now all the cables are under the floor and we’ve got 24 power points on stage to control the different lights separately.
“Lighting technician Tina le Roux said to me: ‘Roland, what you have here in terms of the size of the venue is bigger than we’ve got at the Sneddon,’” he joked. “Now it’s probably bigger than the Playhouse. There is still a lot of work to do and some of it is still a work in progress, but we are capable and able to run a great show.”
Stansell recalled how the venue was shattered by a massive storm in October last year. A large stained-glass window was smashed in the storm and the water poured into the roof, damaging the ceiling.
The original plan was to close the theatre for two months after Christmas and reopen in February.
But in the fixing of the ceiling, a multitude of problems in the roof were exposed, including the need for new batons and bracing of rafters. “Six months later, we’re ready to open for our 19th year,” Stansell said.
While he was overhauling the theatre, the Moths did a thorough overhaul of the venue. It has been repainted and the bar area renovated.
Opening the new look theatre last night was We Luv Abba! starring Cat Simoni in a show devised and directed by Paul Spence. It features the hits of the legendary 1970s pop group.
Simoni has done 10 years of entertaining at London’s top venues, such as The Ritz, Dorchester, Carlton and Savoy, and her golden voice is a perfect fit for this anarchic piece of musical theatre fun. Catch the show today at 8pm and tomorrow at 2pm
Next week, the much-loved Blarney Brothers take centre stage. The Durban-based Irish group have been at the heart of South Africa’s music scene for four decades.
Comprising siblings Paul and Damien McIlroy and fellow band member, Tony Fisher, the band formed in August 1974. Catch them on July 13 and 14 at 8pm or July 15 at 2pm.
Next up is The Swinging Sixties, starring Dave Monks and Marion Loudon, who will transport you back in time to the “era of real music”.
Expect nostalgic hits from The Beatles, Sonny & Cher, The Carpenters, The Crystals, Nancy Sinatra, The Monkees and more. Shows from July 2021 at 8pm and July 22 at 2pm.
Wrapping up July is A Tribute to James Taylor and Carole King, starring Dave Starke, Too Bit Mac, Jaran Lienig, Lizzie Gaisford and Geor Daasvand. It’s a musical tribute to two of the foremost singer/songwriters of the 1960s.
The show runs July 27-28 at 8pm and July 29 at 2pm. The venue opens 90 minutes before the show for a picnic dinner. Tickets R150 from Computicket or call Roland on 082 499 8636.