Audiences can this month look forward to an exciting mix of comedy, music and drama with the October line-up at The Drama Factory in Strand.
The first weekend of the month kicks off with a showcase by one of the best loved bands in Somerset West, performing at the theatre for the first time.
An Intimate Evening With Shiraz & Friends In Concert features a performance by this five-piece band, who is comprised of two sisters, Anne Walsh and Helen Dooley with Bob Walsh, Jarred Pitout (Vocals) and Mike Prenter (Guitar).
Anne, Helen and Bob are from the UK where they were part of the successful chart-topping family group “The Dooleys”. After retiring to SA in1982, they turned their talents to musicals for the local theatre (for which they have received numerous awards from the Cape Times panel).
For the Drama Factory concert, Shiraz have brought back their former guitarist Terry Weyer, and enhanced the band with not one, but two more keyboard players, Estelle Louw and Allen Stidworthy, and drummer Chris Burgess making the band an eight-piece outfit.
Shows are on Thursday October 5, Friday October 6 and Saturday October 7, at 7.30pm and tickets cost R160 and R180.
For the Drama Factory performance Shiraz will also be showcasing some local talent (friends).
Then for hypnotic entertainment, the show, Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist is an unique offering. After 2 year enforced hiatus in the UK, due to the worldwide Covid pandemic, Andre returns to SA shores.
Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist celebrates a record breaking 31 years on stage as South Africa’s very own convener of the strange weird and wonderful. Andre discovered his hypnotic calling after watching a performance of the late Max Collie in action.
Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist will be on stage on Thursday October 12 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost R150.
On Thursday October 19, it will be Masters of Rock – Mark Haze and Band with tickets costing R200 and R220.
Seasoned singer-songwriter and performer Mark Haze pays tribute with this band to the music world’s greatest hit-makers. Audiences will get to hear songs from the greats like The Beatles, Queen, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Journey, Van Halen, Guns N Roses, Pink Floyd, Elvis, Creedence Clearwater Revival and many more.
Shadow Boxing, starring Fleur du Cap winner Daniel Newton, directed by award-winning director Mdu Kweyama, is performed on Friday October 20 and Saturday 21 October at 7.30pm and on Sunday October 22, at 4pm. Tickets cost R120 and R150.
The show is about a 21-year-old heavyweight fighter burdened by the shadow of his father’s past and bigotry and his own internalised perceptions of masculinity.
Alone on a stage adorned with nothing but a metal bucket, a punching-bag, a worn pair of boxing gloves and a suit jacket, the character Flynn tells us his story, weaving his gut-wrenching narrative through his cruel childhood, his rise to boxing stardom, and his tragic fall from grace.
Audiences find themselves in the role of second actor, spoken to as a confidant, holding their breath as Newton pushes himself to the edge both physically and emotionally. In just an hour, Newton, a UCT Drama School graduate, single-handedly relays Flynn’s story.
The show, recently had a celebrated critically acclaimed run at The Edinburgh Fringe festival, and has multiple sell out runs in South Africa.
Then on Friday October 27, at 7.30pm, with tickets costing R170 and R180, James Stewart & John Ellis Live will entertain audiences.
Blending piano, guitar, melody and vocal harmonies, world-class, multi-award winning singers, songwriters and musicians, James Stewart and John Ellis, will journey with audiences through the songs which inspired them to write their own – from interpretations of some their favourite songs to intimate performances of their own.
The month ends off on a high note with Casper de Vries in Semi Lewendig, on Monday October 30.
Casper, tells audiences in an intimate solo performance about his experience after being bitten by a small spider and as a result being bedridden for a long time. Audiences get to listen to his struggles to function normally again. The show is meant for adult audiences and a sense of humour is highly recommended. Tickets cost R160 and R180.
All shows can be booked online at www.thedramafactory.co.za or contact 073 215 2290 to book and for more information.
