Stage: Winnie the Pooh – Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Durban
Day-time performances only (until July 16)
REVIEW BY BILLY SUTER
THIS colourful and enchanting production, written and directed by Steven Stead and revived often by KickstArt, has special significance for Stead. As a child, the executive director of KickstArt made his professional debut as animal-loving Christopher Robin in a Winnie the Pooh production by Napac. It was presented in 1983 at Durban’s Alhambra and directed by the late Geoffrey Sutherland.
To say it is a tale close to Stead’s heart goes without saying – and one can see the love and care he pours like honey into this latest production which features an all-new cast, and some very welcome new faces.
The production hops and skips along at a merry pace through episodic moments from A A Milne’s classic book of tales from the Hundred Acre Wood.
This setting is where the imaginative Christopher Robin’s toy animals spring to life, and it is immaculately depicted, complete with river and bridge, in yet another top-notch, cartoon-like set designed and co-constructed by one of SA’s finest, Greg King. He also designed the beautifully executed costumes. Atmospheric lighting by Tina le Roux embellishes on the enchantment.
Presented in two halves, the production bristles with humour. It excites not only children, who are very quick to interact, but also thoroughly beguiles adults with its flow of laughs, cuteness factor, some splendid performances and the relishing of the enjoyment by youngsters in the audience.
The rotund, loveable, cheerful, not-too-bright and honey-guzzling bear, Christopher Robin’s favourite, has long been played in KickstArt’s Winnie the Pooh by Rowan Bartlett. Now, however, the yellow bodysuit with red neckscarf is filled by Blessing Xaba, a star of the Spud movies who is also noted for TV work and as a towering dame in KickstArt pantos. He makes a great Pooh alongside perky newcomer Zian Brink as Christopher Robin, who is alternating the role with another newcomer, Daniel Radford.
Others new to the KickstArt family are Keryn Lynn Scott as an expressive Kanga and a standout Amahle Tembe as a comical, shrieking, knock-kneed, timid and playful Piglet – whose dance with a big balloon is an absolute hoot. Both Scott and Tembe were seen in the school production of Romeo and Juliet which Stead directed and staged at Westville Boys’ High in June last year. Scott played Juliet and Tembe was her amusing nurse.
Others of note in Winnie the Pooh are Roland Perold as a buck-toothed Rabbit, Lyle Buxton as a shimmering Owl, tiny Khayone Moyikwa as an adorable Alexander Beetle and Arya Jugernarth as an agile Roo. Not to forget Tigger, the bouncy tiger, played by a newcomer to Durban, Micah Stojakovic, who last year filled the lead role in KickstArt’s Johannesburg production of the panto, Sinbad the Sailor.
There can be no denying, however, that one of Durban’s most versatile actors, Iain (Ewok) Robinson, steals this show. His doleful, shuffling Eeyore, the oh-so-grey and doddery donkey, is truly superb, a constant scene-stealer with some wonderful lines. Bravo!
Also featuring children as bunnies and squirrels, and laced with choreography by Evashnee Pillay and original songs written by Justin Southey, this production is a must treat for any child and the young at heart of all ages.
So do round up family and friends to join Pooh and pals in adventures including birthday surprises, a hunt for Eeyore’s lost tail, a search for the North Pole and a stick game with an unexpected ending.
Performances are daily, except Mondays, until July 16. There are no evening performances. Shows are at 2.30pm on weekdays and Sundays, and 11am and 3.30pm every Saturday.
Booking is at Computicket and tickets range in price from R150 to R290.
.....SoSuterBill..... 