KickstArt’s Sylvia provides a much-need laugh
The show runs until Sunday, 1 November.
Audiences are raving about KickstArt’s latest production, Sylvia, a romantic comedy about a man… and his dog. After seven months of longing, the freshly refurbished Seabrooke’s Theatre at Durban High School proudly re-opens its doors with the absurdly funny play featuring some of Durban’s best-loved actors.
Greg is on the brink of a mid-life crisis. Then he finds and falls head-over-heels in love with an adorable stray mutt named Sylvia. But Greg’s wife is not happy. You see, Sylvia is no ordinary dog… And she’s about to chew a hole in a 20-year-old marriage! If you have ever adored a dog, you will love this barking-mad, romantic comedy!
National Arts Festival Gold Ovation winner, Cara Roberts plays Sylvia; Bryan Hiles and Liesl Coppin play husband and wife Greg and Kate. They are supported by Peter Court and Greg King, who share a surprise cameo appearance! Designed and directed by KickstArt’s Greg King and Amanzimtoti’s multi-talented Peter Court, lighting is by Michael Broderick and costumes by Peter Court.
Asked what character he plays, Peter replied: “I’m not telling, it’s a big secret, so come and see. Suffice to say, that one is a man, one is a woman and one the audience has to make their own mind up about – it sounds odd, but it’s very funny! It’s been great acting with Greg on stage (as opposed to being only directed by him). We haven’t been on stage together for about 15 years, so it’s great fun!”
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He said Toti audiences can expect a light, bright comedy about a man having a bit of a mid-life crisis, when he finds a dog called Sylvia. He and the dog connect, much to the horror of his wife. The twist is that Sylvia the dog is played by a very attractive young woman.”
“It’ll be wonderful to be out on stage in front of an audience again! This is a great and gentle way to get actors and audiences back together in a safe and comfortable environment. The Seabrooks Theatre has been completely refurbished during lockdown and is looking beautiful. All the social distancing and safety protocols are in place, so that everyone can relax, sit back and join us in a good laugh.” The last time he was on stage was in 2018 in Camalot, also a KickstArt production, working with Steven Stead as director and Greg as designer.
“I took some time for myself (during lockdown). I did a couple of online courses and learned to use Zoom! I love making puppets, so I started creating a selection of them and posting photos on Facebook. People have loved them so much that scripts for the characters are flooding in from all over the world.”
Durban High School has a rich heritage of supporting arts and culture and has been working alongside industry stakeholders to strengthen the school’s relationship with the KZN arts community. Coming out of lockdown, Headmaster Tony Pinheiro has been proactively engaging with theatre practitioners inviting them to stage productions at Seabrooke’s Theatre to generate income, presence and activity after months of not being able to perform.
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The 100-seater auditorium has recently undergone major renovations thanks to the generosity of DHS Old Boy and proactive benefactor Chris Seabrooke. “We are excited with how the theatre will look when it formally opens in November after a lengthy refurbishment process doing justice to Chris’ vision,” said DHS headmaster, Tony Pinheiro.
Tickets cost R150 and book through Computicket on 086-1915-8000 or online at www.computicket.com. There is safe parking on the school grounds via the St Thomas Road entrance and arrive timeously, as all Covid-19 protocols need to be observed. The show runs until Sunday, 1 November; Friday at 7pm; Saturdaysat 2.30pm; Sundays at 11am and 3pm.
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