June 6, 2008
 By Sally Scott
Madam Zingara's Theatre Of Dreams
Where: Suncoast (on the extreme left-hand side of the car park)
When: Tuesday to Saturday. Doors open at 6.30pm. Show runs till August
Rating: *****
Madam Zingara's Theatre Of Dreams is in town and if you haven't taken your walk on the wild side yet, make that call and book.
An experience like this doesn't come along twice - and I'm not saying that because, as a reviewer I got a freebie (although I did …), this is a class act evening, unique in every way.
A brand new show - Aphrodisia - featuring Cirque du Soleil-style acrobats, contortionists and other eye-popping, highly flexible acts, which defy description really, is on offer.
For those Zingara "virgins" who have yet to take the plunge, as soon as you step into that tent you leave the real world behind.
It's not called the Theatre of Dreams for nothing. This is a fantasy world nestled within a flamboyantly draped tent where, to the sound of off the beaten tracks, (a bluegrass song or two from the soundtrack of the Coen Brothers's Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?, a plaintiff tune from Edith Piaf/Kirstie MacColl et al), senses, which might have become a little blunted of late, you will be indulged and titillated.
You will eat, drink, be merry, wear something outrageous - a pink cowboy hat, a bright feather boa (and maybe some furry hand cuffs) - while those highly skilled artistes twirl and whirl above your head.
Your host for the evening will be a "horny" Pan on stilts and a waitress, maybe dressed in a saucy nurse's outfit or as a French maid, will deliver chocolate-and-chilli fillet steak or salmon or - well, there's much to choose from.
On stage, a whole lotta women - Three Tonnes of Fun - will croon great tunes and that saucy waitress will later re-appear, with others, dancing through the tent
.
It's the sort of evening - think Moulin Rouge - you should share with a group of your most lively friends. Later, after catching sight of a darkened gargoyle-like figure who flits, in eerie silence, past your candle-lit table, you will let rip - dance and celebrate your gipsy spirit.
Tickets range from R300 to R350 (golden circle near the stage).
These include a welcome cocktail, the four-course meal (kitchen on site) and the show, plus dancing the night away afterwards. Dress up, don't be boring - there is an on-site shop full of fun stuff to buy and wear.
To book, call 0861-MADAME or 076-ZINGARA (between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays), or e-mail boxoffice @madamezingara.com
A little history:
Madam Zingara's was one of Cape Town's favourite restaurants - "a candle-lit, bohemian dining experience". The idea was to leave your inhibitions at the door and go forth to sample culinary genius, plus a whimsical show of wild skill.
After six splendid years, the restaurant, which supported many local charities, burnt down (a long, sad story), but the spirit lived on.
A new partnership was formed, with the Mirror Paleis company of Belgium.
An ancient and very beautiful tent was purchased and the show and restaurant went on.
Created in 1920, this is not just any old tent. It has windows (beautifully bevelled), a fabulous draped ceiling and - well, you have to see it. Just know that Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich and Bob Dylan, to name a few, have sung in the original tent. There are now three Madame Zingara tents.
  
 
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