Durban's theatre scene is set to relive the vibrant nostalgia of the 1980s as acclaimed performers Lisa Bobbert and Aaron McIlroy, alongside Veranda Panda's Liam and Jane Magner, take the stage for "Retro Fest".
Scheduled for March 4 and 5 at the Crusaders Sports Club, this high-energy production promises to transport audiences back to a decade filled with unforgettable hits and cherished memories.
"Retro Fest" isn't just a trip down memory lane; it’s a fresh reimagining of beloved characters and musical anthems that defined an era.
The dynamic husband-and-wife duos, known as Macbob and Veranda Panda, aim to capture the essence of past festival circuits while infusing their unique artistry into the performance.
Jane is set to wow the crowd with her contemporary fusion violin, seamlessly blending her craft with the iconic sounds of the 80s.
Meanwhile, Liam promises a laughter-packed experience as he will perform live music mixes and comedy sketches alongside the season veterans Bobbert and McIlroy.
Together, they have conjured a cast of new characters and carefully curated an outstanding playlist that aims to resonate with both nostalgia and modernity.
“We want to honour our memories of festivals that played a huge part in our youth and celebrate the great music of that time,” said McIlroy.
He added: “Our approach is comedy-focused, taking something familiar and adapting it to make it feel new. We reinterpreting some of the music with contemporary remixes while remaining true to the original work.”
The audience is set to be treated to a musical feast that boasts hits from legendary artists such as Kate Bush, eVoid, Yazoo, The Eagles, The Bangles, Boney M, and many others.
Era-defining songs such as “Funky Town”, “You Spin Me Round”, “Tainted Love” and “Hotel California” will echo through the venue, along with other unforgettable tracks that shaped a generation.
Whether you're an avid fan of the 80s or simply looking for an evening of entertainment filled with joy and humour, "Retro Fest" promises to be a delightful escape that celebrates the vibrancy of the past while adding a contemporary twist.
Where: The Crusaders Sports Club in Durban North.
When: March 4 and March 5.
Cost: Tickets cost R220 and can be purchased through Webtickets. Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm.
Drakensberg Boys Choir
The much-loved and uniquely South African Drakensberg Boys Choir have been captivating local and international audiences for more than 55 years with their high-energy performances, versatility, stamina and raw talent.
The choir is back with 15 concerts that will take place throughout the year.
The first kicks off on Wednesday, February 26, at 3.30pm in the MacKenzie Auditorium on the Drakie campus, followed by others on March 1 and 5.
The boys are set to showcase their world-renowned repertoire of classics and modern pop, combined with the choirs’ own arrangements, including foot-stomping, drum beating and dancing, that have made the choir a true national asset over the past 57 years.
The Drakensberg Boys Choir School was initially founded in 1967 by a local family whose son’s ambition was to create a choir school to rival the Vienna Boys Choir.
The prestige and renown that the school has garnered in the ensuing years are an indication of the success of this ambition and the path was paved to create a choir of proudly South African brand ambassadors who continue to fly the flag high today.
The school caters to boys aged between 10 and 15 years (Grades 4 to 9) and is a boarding school that offers a dual curriculum: academics and music.
Counted among these notable alumni are the Bala Brothers, Jean Grobler (the front man of the band St Lucia), Ralf Schmitt (musical director of the Ndlovu Youth Choir), and Ndumiso Manana among others talented musicians.
The choir will light up the theatre with their angelic voice and patrons can look forward to an afternoon of pure fun and toe-tapping singing.
Where: The MacKenzie Auditorium at the Drakensberg Boys Choir School.
When: Wednesday, February 26, at 3.30pm, Saturday, March 1, at 10.30am and Wednesday, March 5, at 3.30pm.
Cost: Tickets start from R180 to R230 and can be purchased through Webtickets.