Get ready for comedic close encounter

Published Feb 24, 2015

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DEFENDING THE PLANET #2

DIRECTOR: Darren King

CAST: Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert

VENUE: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre

UNTIL: 15 March

RATING: ***

IF you’ve ever felt that you’ve had a close encounter with an alien or may have actually been abducted, or maybe you’re interested in finding out more about such things, get down the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

The International All African Alien Abductees Annual General Meeting is being hosted there to discuss issues around alien abduction and encounters.

Well, not really. It’s actually popular comedy couple Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert who are staging their revamped edition of a previous award-winning show.

Defending The Planet #2 sees the audience become part of this AGM where an array of issues are discussed, from what level of abductee you may be, to self-defence methods to protect yourself against an abduction and possible probe.

Hostess Ellen Degenerate (Bobbert) facilitates the meeting and ushers in a host of madcap speakers – her and McIlroy’s alter egos. Like Dr John Theron (McIlroy), a specialist in alien matters who will have you rolling with laughter as he takes you through his presentation on the three types of aliens.

Besides some new characters, some old favourites also surface to add their two cents’ worth. One of McIlroy’s hit alter egos, Nigel Bjorn van Rensburg, also makes an appearance with a presentation on self- defence against alien abductions and Vijay, who’s always a hit, brings his shiny flair to the show.

The duo are both a laugh with characters such as American music couple “R&B” and Trixy Maraj – the entertainment quotient of the AGM. McIlroy’s antics with each of his characters will leave you LOL-ling throughout. His winning formula of a spirited physical comedy style and playing around with the audience is a treat to watch.

Bobbert keeps you in stitches as well with her characters, like the hostess who is Liberace’s daughter and an alien, and her car guard character is hilarious.

Elements like the parodies of popular hit songs and even an audience dance-along add even more fun to the show.

A grand set design and AV additions transform the theatre into a suitable venue for such gatherings. It’s all about the funny and having fun at this show. You can leave your brain at the door – although there are no guarantees that you’ll get it back – and just let your hair down for a night of mirth.

Shows are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets at R150 per person (students and pensioners pay R120) are available through Computicket. For block bookings at discounted rates, contact 031 201 2831 or 083 250 2690.

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