The ‘Platinum Jukebox’ show: Find out about Barry Thompson

THE Barnyard Theatre at Gateway has Barry Thomson, a former Northlands Boys’ High pupil, in the starring role of ‘Platinum Jukebox’. The show is a journey of music, song and dance – starting with the gramophone in the 1920s and ending with the iPod in the 21st century. It’s currently running and ends on 31 May. Thomson will be performing on guitar and vocals, along with a number of talented performers, covering every dance craze in the history of recorded music.

Tickets are R145 per person from Wednesday to Saturday, with discounted specials of R110 per person every Tuesday night and R100 per person for the Sunday matinée show. For bookings and enquiries phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045 or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za/gateway.

We asked Barry and few questions about his life and he told us:

What things don’t you like doing? Name two: Waking up early (I’m not a morning person). Driving in traffic.

Tell us about a time when things didn’t go the way you wanted: Well, I borrowed a friend’s car to go on holiday to the Cape. We never got there! We broke down in Umtata, spent a night there, then limped to Port Elizabeth to get a hire car which got us as far as Kenton. We stayed there for a few days, returned to PE to collect the repaired car, and went home via Bulungula Lodge in the Transkei. Bad idea. Horrific roads! Had a puncture, the spare was flat, a two-hour trip on a nightmare dirt road, lost.

What do you think about when you are alone in your car? Apart from wondering how some people are actually allowed to be behind the wheel, I take in the scenery. Everything has a story; from mud huts to mansions; fast cars to beggars. I often wonder what their stories are – how did they get there?

What’s your strongest memory of your childhood? Staring at the coals of a campfire. It will always remind me of school holidays. Our family always had amazing outdoor holidays. It was an adventure.

What do you dislike about South Africa? The fact that we could be living in paradise, but because of the high levels of violent crime we live in a constant state of ‘awareness’, always looking over your shoulder; making sure the house is secure; keeping your windows closed. It’s tiring, and could be avoided.

What makes you angry? Being lied to.

Besides your job, what are you most passionate about? Horses, and gardening. Outdoors!

Name one misconception you think people have about you? That I’m a stereotypical ‘rock and roller’. People are often amazed by the fact that I don’t drink any alcohol when I play. I don’t like anything to get in the way of my musical connection.

Some advice to people who want to follow your path – what are three things you should never do in this business? Never burn your bridges. Never lose sight of the fact that your performance is what people are paying for, so be professional no matter what happens on stage. Never think that because you have a bit of experience, you suddenly are experienced. Listen to those around you who have had 10 000 hours of playing time. You will learn valuable lessons.

What do you envision yourself doing when you turn 80? I’ll (hopefully) still be in the music business. Probably not playing Hendrix behind my zimmer frame, but composing and imparting knowledge. I want to be an inspiration to people.