Welcome to the on-line version of LIVE LISTINGS MAGAZINE, the real guide to what’s happening in multicultural London and the UK
Barbwire Enterprises
Parent company to LIVE Listings
Live Listings Magazine
NEWS

Entertainment
General News

MUSIC
FILMS
THEATRE
Contemporary
Kids Theatre
Musicals 
Comedies
Dance
Ballet
Theatre Reviews
SPECIAL EVENTS

Christmas Pantos
International Womens Month
Carnivals/Festivals
Black History Month
Competitions
Mixed Events

CLUBS

Reviews & Listings

OTHER LISTINGS

Visual Arts
Literature
Faith Events
Dining Out

FEATURES

Celebrations
Special features
Interviews
Sports

BUSINESS

Profile
Features/News
Conf/Seminars

WELL BEING

Health
Beauty

 
THEATRE reviews
A Christmas Carol/The Magic Flute
London

The Magic FluteAdapting classic stories for either the stage or screen is a complex task that comes with all kinds of audience expectations. This is the challenge that faced two new versions of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' and Mozart's 'The Magic Flute'. The songs are rooted in their operatic traditions, but the twist is that they been reworked with elements of South African dialogue, lyrics and music.

The result is as vibrant and joyful as any theatrical experience one has had this year. The dialogue crackles and pops with humour and pathos, and the actors have the kind of chemistry that most performers can only dream of.

Helmed by Mark Dornford-May, the Golden Bear winning director of U-Carmen eKhayelitsha, the two plays are steeped in a gritty background of poverty and hardship. Whilst 'A Christmas Carol' is set in the backstreets of shanty towns, 'The Magic Flute' has been transplanted to a mythical realm teeming with all kinds of Africana.

The most entrancing figure in both plays is Pauline Malefane, a gifted actress who makes the stage shimmer with her presence. Playing the dual roles of Scrooge and Queen of the Night, she wrings drama, greed and finally, redemption from the most subtle changes in her facial expression. When she sings in 'The Magic Flute', her voice segues back and forth in elastic stretches of sound, whilst frequently hitting the rarely-written top F note.

The other performers complement her with effortlessness, some often doubling as the orchestra which is exclusively made up of marimbas. These are not simple adaptations, but instead they seem to be a reflection of the performers' genial spirit and exuberance. When they dance, they do so with gusto, swivelling their hips like serpentine enchanters.

'A Christmas Carol' and 'The Magic Flute' are two wonderful shows that will inspire joy and excitement during the holiday season. Definitely one for the entire family.

by Diriye Osman

Regular Listings: Use the colours to look for events on that day:Mon - Tues - Wed - Thurs - Fri - Sat - Sun
Sponsored Ads


 

Disclaimer
Please note that every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this guide. However owners, managers, and promoters can change their arrangements at any time. Before you go out we advise you to phone and check opening times, dates of events and all other particulars. LIVE Listings cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain.
LiveListings 0905
LiveListings 0605
Related Listings


© Live Listings Magazine - All rights reserved
Design and maintenance by Stephane Kouame