Fresh take on fairytale for pantomime season

Director Steven Stead is back with a bold version of ‘Cinderella’, which also gives theatre newcomer Roshanda Lewis a breakthrough role, writes Alyssia Birjalal

GAGASI FM Beach Festival takes place on December 1 at Durban’s Bay of Plenty.

This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better with an artist lineup that features old school hit-makers battling it out on stage with the current hit-makers in hip hop, dance and gqom.

This year also sees the kick off of the brand’s “Ilangil’Thola Khona” summer campaign.

Headliners in hip hop, dance and gqom are multi-award-winning hip hop superstar AKA, Durban’s Finest (Tira and Sox), Busiswa, Dladla Mshunqisi and Tipcee. They will be performing alongside Gagasi FM DJs Spectacular & Naves, King Sfiso, Junior Da Rocka, DJ Vumar, DJ LeSoul, DJ Sonic, DJ Mario and DJ Lab. The MCs will be Mzokoloko, Khaya Dladla, Heazy, Zola Zee Lovin, Felix Hlophe, Zisto and Collen Zondo.

Tickets are available at Computicket at R200 for general access and R650 for VIP. Gates open at 10am.

Cooler boxes will be allowed inside the venue before 4pm. FOR THE first time in 14 years, Durbanites can look forward to an exciting new holiday pantomime.

Directed by Steven Stead, Cinderella, a firm favourite among adults and children, will be staged at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from December 7 to January 6 and in the lead role is newcomer Roshanda Lewis.

The 20-year-old Bluff resident and second-year music performance student said she was over the moon to be playing the lead.

“It was the first time I’ve auditioned for professional production, so my nerves are shot. It’s all new to me to. I’m loving the experience and learning so much from the others,” she said.

For Durban, pantomimes have become a year-end favourite and over the years KickstArt theatre company hasn’t failed to deliver, from Sinbad the Sailor to Sleeping Beauty.

This year is no different. There will be plenty of twists to this tale – lush sets, gorgeous baroque costumes, toe-tapping songs, jokes aplenty and audience participation can be expected.

“Although there are changes in the script and a lot of moments – ultimately Cinderella, a kitchen maid, is still a character with grace and kindness and that’s what makes her so special,” said Lewis.

She and the rest of the cast, comprising Darren King and Bryan Hiles as the Ugly Sisters, Mthokozisi Zulu as Buttons, Nathan Kruger as the Prince, Lyle Buxton as Dandini and Anne-Marie Clulow as the Fairy Godmother – with costumes designed by Greg King and choreography by Janine Bennewith – have been rehearsing up to eight hours a days.

“Rehearsals have been challenging. While we have a lot of fun – we also need to be serious about it.

“One of the most challenging things for me has been the fact that we need to constantly have an upbeat energy throughout the day. We need to be on top of our game all the time,” said the newcomer.

Lewis has only done a few school productions and she is nervous about opening night. “I’m trying not to show that I’m extremely nervous, but I really am,” she said.

“I think people come to the theatre to experience something unique and special, it’s an escape from the bad experiences of the everyday world and I want them to leave the theatre feeling good, feeling uplifted and with a smile on their faces – hopefully I can make that happen.”

Stead said Cinderella was his first live theatre experience.

“I was utterly enchanted seeing the iconic John Moss version when I was just 3 years old,” he said.

“My love and awe for theatre began sitting watching this production many moons ago and re-staging it, reminds me why I love theatre so much.

“We always have great fun recreating and re-interpreting this beautiful timeless story.”

Cinderella will be at Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from December 7 to January 6. Tickets are R240/R190/ R160 for adults; R190/R170/R140 for children under 12 and pensioners.

R140 for December 7 at 11am – schools’ performances throughout.

And R140 for previews throughout December 7 at 11am; December 8 at 2.30pm and 7pm and December

9 at 2.30pm. Tickets available at Computicket.

For schools performances, charity fundraisers or block bookings of 50 or more, contact KickstArt Theatre via email: kickstart@letni.co.za