A Handful of Keys at Theatre on the Bay

3 Apr 2009

South Africa's most successful two-hander revue ever, starring Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth, is playing in Cape Town this month. It has been seen by more than 250 000 people, in more than 750 performances on three continents. This hilarious two-man piano show, conceived and starring Ian von Memerty and Bryan Schimmel, began in 1994 - and for the next three years played to over 100 000 people, garnering reviews that producers dream about and had box office queues that their bank managers fantasize about still.

In 2001 - it entered its second incarnation - again starring Ian von Memerty, but this time along the unknown Roelof Colyn, who enjoyed a massive success in the show. The show toured nationally, and to London and Australia (twice). Again the critics were ecstatic, and the audiences poured in, in ever increasing numbers. Another three years, another 300 performances and the show was seen by another 100 000 people.

Then in 2005 - with Capetonian Jeremy Quickfall joining Roelof Colyn, it played for another eight months around the country, and another 50 000 people packed out performances and the press wrote love letters.
Now dazzling newcomer, Jonathan Roxmouth , who has been igniting audiences around the country with his performances as Amadeus, Buddy, Vince Fontaine in Grease and lately as the marvellous Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, joins Roelof Colyn to bring this evergreen classic back to life.

Two men at two grand pianos give a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and hilarious impersonation. A performance of constant surprise, intelligence and wit, and music that ranges from the great classic masters of Bach and Beethoven, through the kings of soul Ray Charles and Fats, via the queens of show biz and pop Elton John, Freddy Mercury and Liberace - A Handful of Keys is a completely South African product of international standard.

Daily Dispatch - Masterful, sheer brilliance and creativity. Sensational from start to finish
Cape Times - Entertainers entertaining at the highest level; exceptional pianists and outstanding comedians
Cape Argus - Colyn is witty, urbane and a master of timing; Quickfall is a real find - ebullient and a crowd pleaser
Die Burger - woorde nie genoeg nie - gaan kyk, gaan kyk, gaan kyk. dit was uitmuntend, gevolg deur staande applous
Cape News - Fantastic, hilarious, informative. Witty comedy, uplifting singing, effortless banter, beautiful piano playing.
The Citizen - It is quite simply superb in every way, a witty entertaining piece of creative genius
702 Radio - Sensationally Brilliant - four hands full of hilarity and keyboard genius
The Star - Tonight - It is wonderfully entertaining stuff - which is simply joyous to watch
Barry Ronge - The diversity is dazzling, with a firecracker script and two grand pianos played with unparalleled virtuosity

Theatre On The Bay presents A Handful Of Keys
Starring Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth