Reviews

“Face the oncoming apocalypse with a drink in your hand. If we’re going down, then let’s go down swinging.” This is the invitation extended by Kaye who is renowned for his sharp, witty and often provocative humour. Kaye is not afraid to touch on political issues, in fact, he unabashedly addresses the absence of genuine and visionary leadership and the current tendency to resort to spreading fear and hatred. After a sweeping overview of the very sad and sorry state of global affairs he sets the stage for a very bleak future, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Dalin Oliver is from South Africa and South Africa – its differences from other places – is what his show is about.  He’s ebullient, amiably aggressive and teasing.  First step: suss out who’s in the audience.  Any South Africans?  Yes?  People Oliver can bounce off for specifics, place names, cultural and language differences – plus get the in-jokes.  (I’m not too sure what Oliver would do if there were no South Africans in the audience – but he’s quick on his feet, he’d think of something.)

Dr. Strangelove is a 1964 political satire black comedy film co-written, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick, famous for 2001 A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and Eyes Wide Shut among many others.

Well known for his perfectionist directing technique, Kubrick’s vision of Dr Strangelove was no exception. The film was initially going to be a drama until Kubrick decided that a satire would drive the message home with more force.

Full disclosure: I made some of the props for this show. I did not attend any of the rehearsals, but I did read the Stuart Little script.

And I had reservations about it. Every element of this Stuart Little production has been given thorough attention, but the script lets it down. Heron has added a musical pantomime to resolve the unsatisfactory ending, but two hours is too long for the audience to whom it is pitched.