Pantomine 2010 sizzles with Pizzazz

Adults flock to it. Children delight in it. More than 80 000 people see it each year; do you know what we’re raving about?

The cast of Robinson Crusoe & the Caribbean Pirates perform.

Yes folks – The Pantomime for 2010 has arrived and it can only mean one thing (besides the fact that Santa Claus is on his way), fasten those seatbelts for one helluva musical ride because the ‘Queen of the Panto’ Janice Honeyman has pulled out all the stops for this one; ensuring that all audiences walk out having had a truly unforgettable theatre experience.

Robinson Crusoe & the Caribbean Pirates is a swashbuckling affair complete with sword fights, pyrotechnic fireworks and the best comedy SA has to offer. Add to that jaw dropping 3D –like sets which seem to get bigger and better every year and a sensational cast that could rival even the best of Broadway offerings and well you’re in for an absolute treat.

This supremely talented cast is headed up by SA theatre’s bona fide ‘boy next door’ and seasoned entertainer,Carlo McFarlane (Ren McCormack, Footloose). He leads our adventure as Robin Lottalove; played to perfection, he can sing, he can dance and he’s the boy we all want to have.  Pity that he only has eyes for the beautiful Primrose Petal played by the very versatile actress Tanya van Graan who shot to fame as Roxy in M-Net’s Binnelanders.

SA's King of Comedy, Marc Lottering as Lolly Lottalove.

Marc Lottering, the King to Janice Honeyman’s Queen with regard to SA Pantomimes takes on the role of his career in our opinion. He plays the role of Robin Lottalove’s adoring mother Lolly Lottalove. His one-liners and comedic timing is unlike anything we’ve seen before and by the end of the evening our ribs hurt from laughing so much.  Isidingo’s much loved sweetheart Kim Engelbrecht who has been cast as Robin’s cheeky and sassy sister Bobin, brims with confidence, while Thokozani Nzima has a stand out performance as Robin’s best friend ‘Man Friday’. 

Husband and wife duo Michael Richard and Louise Saint-Claire play to their strengths as acting stalwarts in their characters, the villain Beezlebub Bullybugger and Zanilla Zillion, a very clever take on Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille.  

Judy Page rounds off the cast as narrator Fairy Floradora.

Janice Honeyman’s creative talents lie in her ability to take her audiences on an amazing journey. Her song choices are always chosen to perfection, from the timeless classics, to pop hits of today, she never misses a beat.

This years Pantomime is one we could revisit over and over again; a tremendous success that is without a doubt, one of her best. Whatever will she do to top this next year? A little birdie tells us that next year’s affair all revolves around a glass slipper…well we will definitely be at that ball, pumpkins and Prince Charming’s in tow.

***Rave Review has 2 sets of tickets to giveaway for 2 families of 4. To enter e-mail us on ravers.review@gmail.com

Robinson Crusoe & the Caribbean Pirates will be on the stage of The Mandela at Joburg Theatre from November 3^rd 2010 to January 2^nd 2010. Tickets cost between R191 – R278. You can book through Computicket by calling 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com . Group discounts are available for groups of ten or more, give the theatre’s VIP Ticketing a call on (011) 877 – 6853.

Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates is presented at Joburg Theatre in association with M-Net, Kaya FM and You Magazine.