Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy launch new musical comedy 'Date Night'
Theatre veterans Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy are kicking off 2025 with “Date Night”, the couple’s brand-new musical comedy cabaret.
The hilarious stage production will be staged for three nights only at the Rhumbelow Durban, following its successful festive season run at the Rhumbelow Northlands Bowling Club.
The producers believe that the show is ideal for couples as well as theatregoers who are looking for an unadulterated night of fun and laughter.
They added that "Date Night" promises an evening of laughter, love and lunacy as Bobbert and McIlroy are set to take to the stage with their unique blend of crazy characters and hilarious songs.
“With their trademark chemistry and irreverent humour, the duo tackles the ups and downs of relationships, marriage and middle age while leaving audiences in stitches,” they said.
Apart from the couple’s signature chemistry and irreverent humour, the play will also chronicle the highs and lows of relationships and marriage. It will also unpack the challenging realities of being middle aged.
“Packed with outrageous antics and laugh-out-loud songs, this must-see performance guarantees an evening of love, lunacy and non-stop entertainment,” the producers added.
"Date Night" is directed and choreographed (one again) by actress, singer, choreographer and director, Daisy Spencer, who has been working in the theatre industry for over a decade.
She also helmed “Classical Comedy”, Bobbert and McIlroy’s musical comedy collaboration, which was staged in Durban in November 2023.
This production included the couple’s children Declan, Kaylee and Grace as well as the Durban City Orchestra.
Meanwhile, “Date Night” comes following Bobbert and McIlroy “Retro Fest” at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in November.
The show, which also featured Veranda Panda’s Liam Magner and Jane Magner, took Durbanites back to the 80s as it offered a joyous tonic of life-affirming memories from that era, with a fresh new take on familiar characters and music.
Where: The Rhumbelow Theatre.
When: January 31 to February 2.
Cost: Tickets cost R200 and are available through Webtickets. Picnic baskets are allowed at the venue while food will also be available for sale. No alcohol may be brought on to the premises and a bar is available at the venue.
“Puss in Boots”
There is still time to watch KickstArt's vibrant rendition of the classic tale “Puss in Boots.”
Set against the backdrop of an enchanted Caribbean Island, this pantomime will continue to dazzle theatregoers at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until Sunday, January 12.
The producers explained that audiences can expect a feast for the senses and is a feel-good affair that promises to entertain audiences of all ages. This includes sumptuous sets and lavish costumes.
There will also be a delightful mix of song and dance, complemented by a plethora of jokes that will have both kids and adults giggling.
The production stars local actor and singer Rory Booth as the “fur-midable” Puss. Renowned for hits like “Love so Crazy” and “Gimme All Your Love”, Booth is no stranger to the entertainment world, having starred as Asheel in the “Kandasamys” movie franchise.
He will be joined by William Young as his bumbling owner, Tom Marzipan while the rest of the cast features Blessing Xaba as the long-suffering mother, Merry Marzipan, and Lyle Buxton, who plays Tom’s meathead brother, Tristram.
Meanwhile, Bryan Hiles plays the pompous Grimsby Withergood, Roshanda Lewis stars as Princess Miranda and Mthokozisi Zulu plays the benevolent King Magnum, the Magnanimous.
In addition, Belinda Henwood plays the good fairy, Calypso Honeybunch and Kirsty Ndawo features as the clever Lord Grimsby’s cat, Selina Swiftclaw.
Originally performed in 2015, this revival of “Puss in Boots” is directed by British-born and Durban-based singer-actor, Darren King. Set designs are by Greg King and choreography is by Simone Mann.
Meanwhile, the show’s playlist has been updated with chart-toppers such as “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and “Hero” by Mariah Carey.
Returning fan-favourites include “Rhythm of the Night” by DeBarge, Michael Bublé’s “Sway”, Katy Perry’s “Roar” and Ricky Martin’s “La Vida Loca”.
These anthems, along with a host of other catchy tunes, are sure to keep toes tapping and encourage kids to sing along, creating a lively atmosphere that will resonate beyond the theatre.
Where: The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
When: Runs until Sunday, January 12.
Cost: Tickets range from R160 to R270 and can be purchased through Webtickets.