REPs

Members and friends of Reps will be keen to know of the many developments regarding productions being staged at Reps in May and into June, as well as social events planned for the same period, so this e-mail is a diary pointer from which you can jot down dates and times, and other details, of upcoming events. Booking is open for all these shows at The Spotlight (call 308159 for phone bookings or enquiries) – open Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat 9am to 12 noon):

Stage productions on Reps’ Main Stage and in Theatre Upstairs

Thursday May 9 (7pm), Friday May 10 (7pm) and Saturday May 11 (10am and 2.30pm) – The Ogreling, presented by FreeVoice Productions from South Africa. A show that was popular at HIFA and is presented again for those who missed it. Ideal for young people above the age of seven, and also highly entertaining for adults. A reworking in Africa of a Norwegian folk tale, in which a six-year-old child of an ogre faces challenges other children do not. The Sat 10am show will be followed by a special performance workshop (everyone’s welcome to stay for this!)and all Repteens and Preps can obtain tickets for this performance for free. (Theatre Upstairs)

Friday May 10 (7pm) and Saturday May 11 (7pm) – The Dance Trust of Zimbabwe’s National Ballet presents When They’re Gone, their HIFA show, a story in dance about our fast-disappearing wildlife. Hugely popular at HIFA and selling well for this weekend, this is a must-see for everyone. (Reps Main Stage)

Tuesday  May 14 (7pm), Wednesday May 15 (7pm) and Thursday May 16 (7pm – Coming To Zim. Written by and starring Los Angeles-based actor and director James Carey, who came to Zimbabwe last year to adjudicate the Speech and Drama Festival and had what he describes as a life-changing experience … and in this show he tells why. Also sold-out at HIFA and highly recommended. (Theatre Upstairs)

Friday May 17 (7pm) and Saturday May 18 (2.30pm and 7pm) – Six Shades Of Awkward. Stories written or adapted by Joakim Daun and first staged in Theatre Upstairs last year, with a successful run at HIFA 2013, now directed by David Bvumbe. We all have socially embarrassing situations and how do we get through them? Funny and insightful. (Theatre Upstairs)

Saturday May 18 (2.30pm and 7pm) – The Kilted Generation. St John’s College Pipe Band present a fundraiser show (to get them money to travel to the world piping championships in Glasgow), with guest singers and the St John’s Jazz Band. A wonderful musical event for all and a great cause to support. Reps is supporting this with free use of the theatre as a thank-you for the band’s annual appearance at Reps’ new year’s eve celebrations!

Saturday May 25 (2.30pm ONLY) – Dzikwa Trust presents a show featuring the young people of Dzivaresekwa, who are supported and  given focus by the Dzikwa Trust, based in that suburb. There will be a play on Mbuya Nehanda and a musical show in this presentation. Tickets are $5 and all of this will go to the trust – the theatre is being presented to them for free as Reps’ way of giving these young people a platform on which to show off their talents. A really excellent production which deserves the support of you and your family – you will not only help them but enjoy it, too! (Reps Main Stage)

Thursday May 30 to Sunday June 2 (7pm nightly plus matinee 2.30pm Sunday) – The Marden singers’ 50^th anniversary concert show, A Night At The Opera. Directed by Kevin Hanssen and musical direction by Margot Dennis, featuring the Marden Singers, guest soloists and other performers. A show to remember and one not to be missed. (Reps Main Stage)

Also now booking at The Spotlight: The Sound Of Music, directed by Sue Bolt and starring Christina Jenkins and Marc Thomas, to run from July 18 to August 3.

Watch out for further mails giving information about additional performances and shows in this period!

Social events in May in the Reps Bar and on Tada Terrace (day visitor cards available at all these events, enabling non-members to buy drinks)

Friday May 10 – DJ SyMand plays music from the 50s to today, to listen, sing along and dance to … from 6pm onwards. All over-18s welcome, no entry fee.

Sunday May 12 – May fun pub quiz, with quizmaster Graham Crutchley. Starts 11.15am. All welcome and no entry fee. Food afterwards. Fun prizes from Crystal Candy. This is a team quiz – come alone and join a team or bring a team. Families welcome.

Friday May 17 – Rob Osborne sings in the Reps Bar, from 6.30pm onwards. All over-18s welcome and no cover charge.

Saturday May 18 – in support of The Kilted Generation and Six Shades Of Awkward, Mande Snyman sings and plays music from 12.30pm to late (breaking for stage shows) – Reps Bar and Tada Terrace. Snack meals available. No cover charge and all welcome. If you’re there for the shows, come before and stay on afterwards!

Sunday May 19 – Car boot sale 9am to 12 noon in the Reps members’ car park. All welcome to put up a sale stand ($5 per stand) – book in advance by calling Lynn Buckingham in the Reps office (335850 or 336706). All welcome to attend and browse or buy – entry by $1 payment or presentation of Reps membership card. This will be followed by entertainment by the band Retrospex on Tada Terrace, with food and fun for all, throughout the afternoon from 12 noon. All welcome and no cover charge after 12 noon.

Friday May 24 – Steve Theron sings in the Reps Bar, from 6.30pm onwards. All over-18s welcome and no cover charge.