NALEDI award winner Jonathan Roxmouth (pictured) brings his Topsy Turvy – A Fresh Look at Gilbert & Sullivan one-hander to Durban once again.
For those who missed his deliciously witty satire at the Rhumbelow Theatre earlier this year, make sure you catch it at the Seabrookes Theatre, DHS.
I caught up with Roxmouth, who is as engaging off the stage as he is on it, to find out more about the magnetism of his show.
“This is different in a way. There are more dress-ups, new songs, etc, that make it a slightly fresher production,” he says.
He continues: “The play initially took about six to seven months to develop. I had to find the costumes to go with the characters and relate to the humour. While many aren’t familiar with Gilbert and Sullivan (renowned British librettist and composer, respectively, famed for their revolutionary comic operas during the Victorian era), they will be able to relate to the characters and humour. So certain things will remain iconic to Gilbert and Sullivan fans.
“In the same way that they spoofed characters of their time, I take liberties with ridiculous socialites making idiots of themselves.”
Hmm, could you be referring to a certain youth league leader as well?
“I’m saying ‘no’, but I’m nodding,” he chuckles.
A one-man production with 20 characters to breathe life into is a gruelling task for any performer.
“It is, absolutely,” confirms Roxmouth. “The characters are so diverse – sometimes it reminds people of people in their own families.”
As for the character that puts a sparkle in his eye, the actor, who is also celebrated for his skills on the piano, confesses: “I’m afraid it’s a tie. I very much like the judge – who is actually corrupt – particularly because there are so many people I have based him on. He is tied with the pirate king, who is such a cool character. He is like a cross between Errol Flynn and Charlie Chaplin.
“But the personality the audience gravitates to is Madel. She is quite silly. The higher I have to sing, the funnier it is. She is complete with all her cadenzas,” he says, trying to suppress the laughter.
Nailing the nuances as he swiftly moves from character to character is something Roxmouth has mastered, but it is not easy to ensure the fluidity in the production.
He offers: “My first few shows at The Barnyard trained me best. It makes an artist think on their feet. In term of this show, while it is scripted, I need a margin for interacting with the audience. And the costume changes are integrated into the show. It happens as seamlessly as I can manage so there are no awkward silences or breaks.
“It gets a little bit complicated eventually. But as long as you start and finish on time, you are okay,” Roxmouth says.
While some stage performers bleat about not getting the support of the public, Roxmouth doesn’t feel it is because the performing arts don’t factor on their radar.
Comment on South Africa probably lacking a theatre-going culture is greeted with: “I’m afraid I disagree with you. What we don’t have is a cultural curiosity. People know the shows are on, but they aren’t necessarily curious. I think that saying that, ‘Oh, this is Cape Town, or Joburg, or Durban for you’, is crap. There is a lazy attitude where people say: ‘I will only go if my friend says it’s good.’ But when word of mouth gets out…”
Hopefully, word gets around for Topsy Turvy – A Fresh Look at Gilbert & Sullivan!
l Topsy Turvy – A Fresh Look at Gilbert & Sullivan runs from tonight until July 24 at the Seabrookes Theatre, DHS. Tickets range in price from R100 to R120 depending on the day and time of the show. Bookings can be made through Computicket.