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s the saying goes – be it rain or shine – the show must go on! This was certainly true for Freddie Mercury, the rock icon of the 80s, and is definitely the case for Stuart Mey.
Despite being plagued by ill health for the past few years he has not been deterred from presenting high-class musical tributes and delectable food at one of the best supper theatre venues in Durban. Not only is the sound at the Dockyard superb but one can also sit and have a drink before and after the show while watching ships enter the harbour an arms-length away.
‘Every generation has its own nostalgia,’ says Stuart. ‘The 80s gave rise to some of my least favourite music – ‘computer-generated’ junk. It seemed as though real musicians had given way to drum machines and synthesizers.’
Luckily Stuart did not shelve the idea after having been approached by the Dockyard’s resident sound technician, Graham Bolt, a man in his early 30s, to put on an 80s show. He began to research the music archives and rediscovered some great rock bands. Bon Jovi, Toto, Europe, INXS, Queen and Van Halen are but some which emerged. ‘I watched a pile of old music videos and realized that the 80s were filled with some great rock concerts.
‘I watched Freddie strut his stuff; David Lee Roth jumping about; and the guitar wizardry of Eddie van Halen and Steve Pocaro of Toto.’
This has resulted in a show with a ‘rock concert vibe’. Each song included was a huge hit in its day – ‘It’s a Kind of Magic’, ‘Addicted to Love’, ‘Rosanna’, ‘Oh Sherrie’, ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ are just some of the 20 songs which appear in the show.
And for those who have never experienced the Dockyard, Stuart’s tributes remain as close to the original renditions as is possible – making for a great party!.
The highlight of the show, in my opinion, is the newest addition to the Dockyard ‘team’ – John Stengel – whose whole being /seems to come alive when he stands and sings before the microphone. He holds the audience spellbound as he wends his way through ‘Oh Baby I Love Your Way’ (Peter Frampton); ‘I Need You Tonight’; and ‘Faith’. This is not John’s first performance at the Dockyard – he was last seen in ‘Abba’ – but he is not part of the usual core which comprises Gerald Knott, Bruce Boome, Musa Mtetwa and Ian Webster. Dale Venter, last seen in ‘Tribute to Sting and The Police’ at the Cellar and Dockyard favourite, Paul Cassels comprise the balance of the vocal team.
As an aside, the Dockyard’s menus have always been very cleverly conceived creating names for dishes which relate directly to the show . One has a choice of Rump Roxanne, Farook Bulsara’s (Freddie Mercury) Prawn Curry (this is delectable and not too hot); Dexie’s Midnight Chicken Thermidor and Canneloni a la Rosanna (the vegetarian alternative). Deserts include ‘In Excess’ Chocolate Brownies; Final Countdown (caramel apple sponge) and the Domyard DockPedro.
The show runs until 7 June. Tickets are R80 per person for the show. The two-course meal is optional (but highly advised) at R60 per person. For further information contact Karen or Melissa on 332 1086.
Going Places Theatre Xperience: If you would like us to book your tickets and organise a taxi to take you to and collect you from the show please contact us on 031 201 5338 or edwinaguy@mweb.co.za |
