The show combines witty dialogue, foot-tapping music and song, with energetic physical acting. The content is very accessible, bringing out situations and experiences we have all had or witnessed, but probably tried to keep under the carpet. You will see yourself, your partners, your parents, and your kids, appearing before you on the stage. Some scenes were blown up to the point of being farcical, usually with hilarious results. It was also moving and quite emotional at times, with the cast getting very realistically into their characters and showing some insight on the harder aspects of relationships.
The cast of Roland Perold, Niall Griffin, Shannyn Fourie and Candice van Litsenborgh were all excellent, playing a huge variety of very believable characters. The singing and the whole show was lavishly accompanied by Kurt Haupt on the piano. The stage set was simple: four plastic chairs became everything from a lounge suite, to a car, to a prison.
It was my first visit to the Kalk Bay Theatre. What a lovely, quaint venue. Converted from an old church, the theatre is downstairs, with three rows of tiered seats, focussed around the small stage. The restaurant and bar are upstairs, with an opening directly above the stage, adding ambience as well as giving height to the performance area.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change plays at the Kalk Bay Theatre from 19 May to 12 June, before going on a national tour. It runs from Wednesday to Sunday. Doors open at 6pm, at which time patrons can enjoy dinner and drinks at the restaurant upstairs. The show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets are R100 and can be booked on +27 (0)73 220 5430.
