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Christine Skinner
There’s a star-studded November programme at The Drama Factory, with a good dose of comedy in the mix.
“We kick off the month with veteran journalist and hilarious comedienne Marianne Thamm in her hit show Round of Applause, South Africa Still Standing, which comes to The Drama Factory hot off its successful local tour,” says Sue Diepeveen, founder of The Drama Factory. “We’re honoured to host Marianne for the first time, while having a good laugh at ourselves and celebrating our strengths.”
“We are also delighted to present the return of the inimitable and ridiculously talented Rob van Vuuren, this time as his global sensation Namaste Bae, the new age satirical guru we all need in our lives!”
“In between these, we’ve got a fabulous programme with tributes to some of the greatest artists of all time including Rainer Jadischke in his Elton John Tribute and theGimme Shelter Band in A Night of Rolling Stones Music. Don’t miss brilliant South African artists Rocco de Villiers and Elizabeth Marais, and we round off the month with Oom Schalk & The Sculptor, with David Muller presenting the best of HC Bosman!”
The full November programme:
Round of Applause - South Africa Still Standing
10 November 8pm
Written, presented, performed, directed by Marianne Thamm and South African Politicians and Criminals Tickets cost R150
Fresh from an extended run at the Baxter Theatre and being voted one of the picks of the Woordfees make sure you see Round of Applause, South Africa Still Standing with veteran journalist and wit, Marianne Thamm. We know what went wrong in South Africa during State Capture, we live with it...but what went right? Come celebrate our strengths and our madness. ‘wit, intelligence and optimism…Thamm deserves a round of applause for ROUND OF APPLAUSE’ (Broadway World).
Elton John Tribute by Rainer Jadischke
5 November at 16h00
Tickets cost R180 / R170
Back by popular demand! The highly-acclaimed Elton John Tribute show, a virtuosic celebration of UK music icon, Sir Elton John’s hits, is brought to you by Rainer Jadischke, one of the best Elton John tribute artists in S.A. Fans can look forward to singing along to the UK pop maestro’s timeless ballads, Rocket Man, Like A Candle in the Wind - a not-to-be-missed Elton John Tribute show. A hit or two by Billy Joel, Eric Clapton and Bob Seger will also feature in this highly-acclaimed tribute show.
Rocco de Villiers in Concert
11 November at 19h30 and 12 November at 16h00
Tickets cost R200
Popular pianist Rocco de Villiers brings a selection of piano originals, accompanied by the stories (sometimes sad and sometimes hilarious) that inspired these pieces. Over decades Rocco developed a style and genre of piano music which is a blend of popular sounds with cinematic qualities. All routed in a classical style playing, this is a concert that gives insight into the rich world of the piano, pianists and the imagination of the “other” child at school in a small town, growing up in the platteland during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.
A Night of Rolling Stones Music - Gimme Shelter Band Unplugged
16 November at 19h30
Tickets cost R200 / R200
The Rolling Stones are the world’s longest-running rock ‘n roll band and arguably one of the most influential bands of all time. Four of Cape Town’s top musicians pay homage to The Rolling Stones and have been performing to sold-out crowds all over the Western Cape.
The show features well-known musicians Jake Gunn,Ruben Gerryts, Lenny Miskin and Wouter Reyneke. Stones followers can expect to hear all their favourites, like ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ and ‘Wild Horses’ and even a few they’ve never heard before.
Die Binnelander met Elizabeth Marais
19 November 16h00
Tickets cost R120
Coloratura Sopraan Elizabeth Marais se Die Binnelander bevat strelende klanke van Only Love tot die uitdagende hoogtes van Koningin van die Nag. Die wye keuse van musiek is vervleg in 'n storie van verlief. Haar verliefde is Fanie Viljoen van Vredendal maar haar pa het ‘n ander agenda. Weg gestuur oorsee ontmoet sy die slapjan Fransman, die Duitser se militante heks van n ma; die vatterige Italianer. Sy smeek papa met O mio babbino caro om terug te kom na haar Fanie.
Namaste Bae Blessings and Kombucha
Performed by Rob van Vuuren / Directed by Louw Venter
Fri 24th Nov 19h30
Tickets cost R180 / R200
PG 13
After wildly successful national and international tours and winning the Gold Standard Bank Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival 2023, Namaste Bae: Blessings and Kombucha is coming to the Drama Factory! A healing ceremony unlike any you’ve ever experienced brought to you by the new age satirical guru taking social media by storm. Some say he was born with a bottle of kombucha in one hand and a yoga mat in the other during a Vedic Shadow Planet eclipse. Some say he takes all the psychedelics so you don’t have to. Some say he is still looking for a ticket to Burning Man. Whatever they say, Namaste Bae is the guru you both need and deserve. A self-proclaimed oracle of the Mother Scoby, Namaste Bae will help you find yourself inside yourself and with the power of comedic catharsis he will help you give birth to a better version of yourself. Namaste Bae is the globally viral brainchild of multi-award winning South African comedian and actor Rob van Vuuren, and will provide you with a night of healing hilarity and titillating transcendence you won’t forget!
Oom Schalk & The Sculptor
David Muller joined by Johan Steyn 26 November 16h00
Directed by the inimitable Celia Musikanth, Oom Schalk, from the Heart is Bosman at his best. David Muller explains, “Imagine sitting under a withaak tree in the bushveld while listening to these stories.” “Al was Bosman Afrikaans sprekend, hy het Afrikaans in Engels geskryf. His work was universal.” Muller began his Bosman journey with his sold out premiere at the Masque theatre and attends the Bosman Weekend, Groot Marico. He enjoys top billing there and combines this with a tour of the small theatres dotted around Southern Africa. " Joined by sculptor Johan Steyn, together they weave stories we know and love.
Bookings for all shows can be made at www.thedramafactory.co.za.
With its fully licensed bar and cosy, welcoming atmosphere, The Drama Factory is the perfect venue to enjoy top-quality entertainment with a group of friends or family. The solar-powered invertor ensures the show will always go on, even when there is load-shedding!
Make a staycation of a visit to The Drama Factory, booking in with one of their wonderful accommodation partners. Spend the night at The Views Guesthouse, 185 on Beach or Majorca House to enjoy the beauty and many other activities on offer in the surrounding Helderberg region. Visit the website for further details.
The Drama Factory is situated at 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand, Western Cape. Parking is available at the venue.