…..SoSuterBill…..

BILLY SUTER chats to RORY BOOTH, a regular performer with Durban’s KickstArt theatre company, who fills the title role in KickstArt’s 2025 pantomime, Sinbad the Sailor. The colourful spectacle, directed by Steven Stead and designed by Greg King, is being presented at Durban’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until January 11. Booking for the show is via Webtickets.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO PEOPLE TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO NOT MISS THIS YEAR’S DURBAN PANTO?

The annual pantomime is the perfect show to get you in the festive mood. For many, it is the highlight of the festive season and a family tradition. Sinbad the Sailor is one of Kickstart’s top-tier, thrilling adventures, designed to be enjoyed by all ages. It is a feast for the eyes, the soul and the often neglected inner-child.

ANY CHANGES IN THE SHOW SINCE “SINBAD THE SAILOR” WAS LAST STAGED IN DURBAN EIGHT YEARS OR SO AGO?

There are some new faces in this year’s production. This will be KickstArt’s third staging of Sinbad after sold-out runs in Durban and Johannesburg. I am really excited to play Sinbad – I grew up watching the live-action series on SABC, so I had a great foundation. 

WHAT ARE AMONG HIGHLIGHTS, WITHOUT GIVING AWAY TOO MUCH?

There are several magical creatures that make appearances throughout the show, and KickstArt has been very smart at recreating a moving ship for audiences who will be sailing with us. Also, of course, it goes without saying that the pantomime is synonymous with exquisite costumes, great choreography, popular songs, unapologetic comedy and a story full of heart and magic. 

WHERE AND WHEN WERE YOU BORN?

I was born in Durban. Over the years I’ve grown up in a few suburbs – from Isipingo Beach to Chatsworth, then Treasure Beach. Now I reside in Morningside. 

WHEN AND HOW DID THE ACTING BUG BITE? ALSO WHERE DID YOU STUDY THEATRE ARTS?

I knew I wanted to be in the entertainment business when I was as young as five, which is when I first performed at my pre-school concert. Being on a stage felt electrifying entertaining felt other-worldly. I have never studied theatre or acting. I have a street-smart PhD in the performing arts – everything I know has either being from mentoring by industry professionals or self-taught.

I auditioned for everything I could, and for a while I was frowned upon by some who had their degree in the arts. I always say, It’s not about any of those things – If you’re right for the job, then it will be yours. 

I do have a BA in Communications, and I’m currently a Media Honours Student.

YOU’VE HAD MANY DIVERSE STAGE ROLES OVER THEYEARS – WHAT MARKED YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION AND WHAT DO YOU MOST RECALL OF THAT EXPERIENCE?

I think my first professional theatre role, post performances with Durban’s Young Performers’ Project, was in Durban’s Botanic Gardens open-air theatre production of Sleeping Beauty. I cut my teeth in children’s theatre, which is the best training ground, as kids are the most honest audience.

I have fond memories of the Botanic Gardens open-air theatre. We were the first artists to perform there before they built an actual stage. Sometimes our stage would collapse. 

YOU HAVE BEEN IN SHOWS ALL OVER THE PLACE. WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR THREE FAVOURITE ROLES IN FILM, TV AND STAGE?

In film, it was playing Aashil in Keeping Up with the Kandasamys, a film/theatre concept I created with Mayuri Naidu. I head-wrote the first three films, which evolved into one of South Africa’s blockbuster hits – a hit that wasn’t a Leon Schuster film. 

On TV, I loved presenting for South Africa’s first X-Factor series – I headlined the behind-the-scenes show called The Xtra Factor.

On stage, I loved playing Donkey in KickstArt’s touring Shrek the Musical (I won a Naledi Award for this) and Nine in Empatheatre’s Lalela Ulwandle which has toured the world with the United Nations. 

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO PUNCH A FELLOW PERFORMER OR DIRECTOR? DO EXPLAIN.

A performer, yes… many times. I only get this way when they jeopardise the production and the audience’s experience. A director – never. We are paid to execute their vision. Nothing is ever personal. 

ANY FEARS OR PHOBIAS – AND WHY?

I think I’m afraid of drowning. I had a close call when I was young and my dad saved me just in time. Even though I can swim now, that fear still looms. I’m also scared of those alien Thai geckos – they make my skin crawl, I don’t know why. All my brothers have the same phobia. 

HOW MANY AWARDS HAVE YOU WON AND IS THERE ANY ONE THAT IS PARTICULARLY SPECIAL FOR ANY REASON?

I have several, but for me the greatest prize is sold-out houses and audiences telling you how much they enjoyed the show. I am here for those who buy tickets!

The award worth mentioning is my Naledi for Shrek the Musical. I’m particularly chuffed about this one because I received it from Mbongeni Ngema and I was up against cast from Singing in the Rain, who were the favourites to win on the night. 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST FORGETTABLE MOMENT ON A STAGE?

Funnily enough, it was for a show called Unforgettable at Durban’s Playhouse. I was in the ensemble and we rehearsed for weeks with choreography and staging, only to realise we were going to be hidden from the audience when we got on stage. I was behind a black screen the whole show. Pretty forgettable, if you ask me. 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT IN THE PUBLIC EYE?

I’ve fallen on stage a few times – but that happens, and you get back up and carry on. However, I once had to wear an adult diaper and perform Midnight Hour for a corporate event. I am scarred for life!

WHAT ARE AMONG BUCKET-LIST DREAM ROLES?

I think I’m the right age to play Mufasa in The Lion King – if that comes along I’d like to have a go at it. I would also love to play Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and King George in Hamilton (although I’m not white enough for this part). I watched The Life of Pi on Broadway and I think I’d make a great Pi. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS OR LUCKY CHARMS?

I think the main one that everyone never forgets is to not whistle in the theatre, unless its required for the performance. Apparently, something bad will happen.

I have special handshakes with one of my colleagues – we always do it before the show, and if we get it wrong we have to redo it until its right. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FRIGHTENING THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

A container truck sandwiched me against a bridge barrier as it was turning and squashed my car, with me inside. The car lifted off the ground and then crashed back down on the bridge. The driver drove off after he saw that I had lived to tell the tale. 

WHAT FIVE WORDS WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

Funny. Brave. Intelligent. Kind. Adventurous.

WHAT ARE TWO OF YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSIONS?

My grandmother’s wedding ring is one. She was my biggest fan, and gifted it to me on my birthday. She took it off her finger and slipped it onto mine. Another is a Saint Christopher pendant that was gifted to me. I travel a lot and good ol’ Saint Christopher is the patron saint of safe travel.                                        

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SUPERNATURAL EXPERIENCE?

Yes. I’ve been to Egypt twice and there is a magic in the air that is unmistakeable. There is something quite mysterious and magical about the place. As you know, cats were revered and worshipped in Egypt and prior to going there, cats never took a liking to me. When I returned, cats  began to come to me like I’m the Pied Piper of Cats. It’s weird, but I think it has something to do with Egypt. 

ANY UNFULFILLED GOALS?

I would like to present a solo theatre piece which incorporates my training as a Kathak dancer – and I’d like to retain ownership of my next blockbuster film and not allow it to fall in the hands of opportunists. 

TELL US FIVE THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF (HOWEVER TRIVIAL) THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS UNLIKELY TO  KNOW.

I am obsessed with anything Nintendo or Lego.

Sometimes I microwave biltong until its crispy.

I love cooking curries when I have time.

When I am at a restaurant that serves breakfast and there’s no bacon I can get grumpy. 

My favourite movie genre is horror.

ANY NEWS TO SHARE?

I have just released a single, Can’t Get Out (Cast a Spell), inspired by my adventures in Egypt and that country’s rich history, beliefs, mythology and astounding architecture. The song is available on all music streaming services. I have made it a goal to release a new song every three months.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE ENSCRIBED ON YOUR TOMBSTONE?

Here lies Rory Booth. There will be no encore.