Stunning Bar None seduces the senses

Filled with suave nostalgia in the style of the great MGM musicals, this charming new creation from the dynamic energetic husband-and-wife team of Ash Searle and Vanessa Harris is a sure winner.

It's definitely a show anyone can relate to and with heartfelt performances from the heavenly Alex and Lucy Tops, and charismatic Grant Jacobs, there's definitely more than enough reason to spend an evening at the charming New Kalk Bay Theatre, which has recently been taken over by Ash and Vanessa.

The setting of the show in the intimate semi-surround seating is perfect, with a bar counter and old-fashioned furniture (and even a phonograph) taking you back to yesteryear.

Before the show commences Alex Tops and Grant take on the roles of real-life barmen, serving the audience as they settle down; this prelude to the show is a wonderful introduction to an evening filled with music and a great tale woven by Ash and Vanessa, who also directed and designed the show.

Magical spirit and robust vivacity

Set in a bar in New York City, Alex recalls the early days when the bar was fraught with difficulties until the one and only Betty (Lucy) - a woman not entirely of this world, arrives and infuses the place with her magical spirit and robust vivacity, sweeping everyone (including the audience) away.

It transports us to the golden olden days, with temperate renditions of songs such as Baby It's Cold Outside, I Got Rhythm, and Mr Bojangles well contrasted with the likes of Who Wants to Live Forever.

The music is wonderfully incorporated into the show in a very natural style, allowing the songs to flow out of the story and poignantly underscore the comedy and drama, amplifying its passionate emotional impact.

It not only reflects on the past, but also contrasts the old versus the new through some imaginative visuals; a refreshing reminder of how our past informs our future and how our lives intertwine to heal old wounds and make the most of the time we have to spend with those who impact on our lives.

It's good to find a show like Bar None that celebrates the tradition of great storytelling that seduces the senses, and evokes emotions.

You don't want to leave

At the end of the show you don't want to leave; it's one of those rare occasions where everything falls into place and everyone is transported to a world of calm contentment. That happy place.

It's the perfect show to share with friends, woo loved ones and coo the gorgeous new arrival at the theatre during the Festive Season, where you can meet for a sumptuous meal and drinks before the show, and then spend some time with the cast after the show.

With Ash and Vanessa as your hosts, The New Kalk Bay Theatre is more than a theatre; it's a home away from home where it feels as if you are visiting old friends.

Make sure to catch Bar None at The New Kalk Bay Theatre where it runs until 18 January. There's a great two-for-the-price-of-one special on Tuesdays and a fun after party with the cast on New Year's Eve.

To book, go to www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za or call +27 (0)79 361 8275.

For more live theatre, go to www.writingstudio.co.za.