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More a potty history than a potted one
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November 27, 2007
By Emma Nicholson
Did you know that the Royal Hotel used to be called the Commercial Hotel and that it only changed its name after a prince stayed there? Or that the Toll Gate has been around since the mid-1800s when farmers had to pay to take their animals across?
If you didn't know these kinds of Chappie-wrapper facts, then there is a new show just for you. Themi Venturas' De Compleat Hstry of Dbn … Without the Boring Bits is a brand-new comedy musical running at the Catalina Theatre from Wednesday until December 30.
This irreverent potted history is modelled on the style of The Compleat Wrks of Wlm Shkspr and aims to tell the stories behind the facts of our sunny city.
"It's a very good festive show and different from all the others going on," says actor Hamish Kyd. "It's a show to go to if you love Durban and it's also got that Christmas feeling."
Kyd stars alongside Frank Graham and Mabel Mthombeni with Kajal Bagwandeen alternating with Mayuri Naidu and Clare Mortimer alternating with Holly Boulind.
"Everyone plays a few characters and I play four or five," says Hamish laughing that a lot of them are female parts.
"I play Vasco de Gama's wife and the damsel in distress in a melodrama with audience participation
. You know those ones where they roll their heads and go "aaaah!". It's a lot of fun and something I have never done before."
The show also features larger-than-life cartoon-like costumes designed and created by Hugo le Roux and Jannie Engelbrecht.
"The actors wear black T-shirts with velcro so we can stick the costumes on," explains Kyd. "It's great, because it makes the action faster and keeps things pacey."
In between running around on stage with dresses velcroed to him, this veteran performer also has a few other projects on the go. His writing can be heard in the dramas on Radio Lotus, his new show, Motown Forever, is due to open at the Catalina soon and he is set to release his debut novel, Charlie, in January.
So where does he find the time for all of it?
"I'm just a busy man," he laughs. "I have to be!"
De Compleat Hstry of Dbn … Without the Boring Bits runs at the Catalina Theatre from Wednesday to December 30. Shows are 8pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays. To book call 031-305-6889.
  
 
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